just diagnosed today | ADHD Information

[QUOTE=sillyheels]I just left my doctor's office a short while ago with approx 2 weeks of Strattera samples. The test I took was an incredible eye opener. This is me! Out of 20 possible questions, I said "almost always" to 19. I am relieved, worried, and hopeful all at once. What to expect? Why is it that I finally learn something this huge about myself at age 43?? Please reply, anyone....[/QUOTE]

I was diagnosed about 9-10 months ago.

All I can say is, well, if you are as severe as what I am for ADHD. HOLD ON!!!! Things are gonna change HUGE! I take Concerta, hell, for me, I don't care which drug works as long as it works for you! That's my take anyway. 

Your personal relationships might go through a state of flux if you are severly ADHD. These people will have to get to know a completely new person. That was difficult for me. There were even times where I thought about quitting the entire program altogether. Glad I stuck with it though. Within a month or so I had no idea whether I was coming or going anymore.

Sometimes I even simply wanted to return to the way I was because I at least knew how I dealt with life before. Hang in there, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your meds may change, etc., but in the end you will see a dramatic difference.

 Hey Sillyheels! I am 45 and was Dx''d 1 mo ago. I always knew that I talked too much and too fast....and would maybe lose things more than your average Jane...LOL, but I did not realize I had a  a condition of any kind...nothing you could actually diagnose. I take adderall, and it seems to help.Well the first thing you should realize is that you are going to feel a great sense of loss... maybe you will be different but alot of ADD'ers have went through relationships/jobs/wasted opportunities, etc., and now you know why.  When I got diagnosed I didn't believe this, but it has definately held true.

One of the weirdest things about ADD for me is that the more stimulant I'm on the calmer my mind is.  Such a paradox!

Anyway after years of excessive candy/ caffeine/ tobacco you would have thought I would have figured it out (why do I get calmer when other people get more anxious) but no.

Also make sure the medication is right for you... some people need stratera, some adderall, and some the other stimulant can't remember the name.

If you don't react right let the doctor know quick... I lost 20 lbs in 2 weeks on one stimulant so it was definately not working for me.

Good luck out there and remember, you've had a lifetime of ADD so there will be alot of "aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, that's why I was always like that" to deal with.
Educate yourself!!  Know more than your doctor.  I'm fortunate to have a mental health background and self diagnosed a few years ago.   I try to take it one hour at a time and if that is overwhelming I take it one minute at a time.  Educate the people around you to the symptoms and make them your advocate.  When my ADHD is flaring up my husband and I have a little technique that we use.  He says in a very silly voice "calm down."  Its our signal that i need to slow down a bit.  We both have a good laugh and then my behavior is brought into my awareness such that I can have some control over it.  SOmetimes I even use it on him.  Good luck with the strattera - it made me sweat profusely and get very very sick.  I prefer the classic stimulant meds (ritalin, adderall).  Keep reminding yourself of your good points too. :)

Hi! I am a life coach expert specializing in helping adults with attention deficit disorder. I think it's wonderful that you have an official diagnosis and medicine. Life should begin getting easier for you now. In addition to taking your Straterra, I would encourage you to pursue ADD coaching to help you with your organization skills and the emotional aspects of living with ADD.

  Also, if the Straterra doesn't work for you remember there are other ADD medications you can try. Everyone is different and I encourage you to keep working at it until you find the right medication and dosage for you.

I wish you great success.

Sincerely,

Michele Glance Rooney

Lifecoachexpert@aol.com

I just left my doctor's office a short while ago with approx 2 weeks of Strattera samples. The test I took was an incredible eye opener. This is me! Out of 20 possible questions, I said "almost always" to 19. I am relieved, worried, and hopeful all at once. What to expect? Why is it that I finally learn something this huge about myself at age 43?? Please reply, anyone....Hi sillyheels,  I am 47 and just recently diagnosed myself.  I wonder the same about myself.  How could I have gone this long and not known.  I didn't even start to have suspicions until my 7 year old son was diagnosed and I started doing research.  I have been on Adderall XR 15 mg for about a month and half without much notice of change.  I see they prescribing psychiatrist in about 2 weeks.  I am hoping we make a change to the meds.  Welcome to the board.  Good luck with the Strattera.  -Gettingagrip- 

Welcome Sillyheels! I'm 47 and was DX'ed a little over a yr ago. I'm taking adderall 20mg,3times a day & also klonipin, I  forget mg, 3times also for anxiety. It was a living hell for most of my life and remember when we were growing up, ADD/ADHD diden't exist. they called it lazy or to smart to be making stupid mistakes. It would alot different  if we were kids now.

Keep us posted on the strattera. also I understand being worried, hopeful and relieved all at the same time. We all probably felt that way. Just remember, your not alone. Our "family is growing every day" and you will be understood here. GOOD LUCK, I've found being here very helpful. your among friends!