Only five years. You should congratulate yourself. Especially since that is the average time it takes everyone to graduate from college today.
I went to five junior colleges and finally at 28 made it into a university. My grades (except in English and History) were average to not bothering finishing the class or even taking the time to drop it (resulting in an "F", not good for your average). I decided that this was it and I had to get it done. The first semester at university I got a 3.75, excepted into honor's college and left with a 3.35. I only got 2 C's there and those were classes that you just HAD to read and study in (i.e. Shakespheare).
Regretably, I let college algebra stand in my way and didn't finish that class, so I have 118 credits, 3 shy from my degree. But last week I called the college and asked about their disabilities assistance program and they may be able to get a substitute class OR I could get a private tutor to get me through. I did want to test for ADD while I was attending college, but it cost 0 to take the test. Obviously I thought that was too expensive and so I just moved along with ADD for another 6 years.
Have you not sensed that you were a little "different" from anyone else up to the point of your diagnosis? What finally made you go and be tested?
The thing that is currently really under my skin are those very same "what ifs". Mine though are rooted in the past. My parents had my IQ tested twice when I was in grade school, but ADD never dawned on them. They just kept telling my parents I was lazy. It seems from reading the boards that something big happens in peoples lives or they just get fed up with the day-to-day frustrations of life.
Have you been prescribed any medications yet? I've only been on Adderall for three weeks, it was tough at first a lot of insomnia (tossing and turning until 3 a.m.) and a lot of crying. I had some very weird dreams too. I think the biggest thing to figure out is to keep a consistent dosage in your bloodstream during the day. If not, the afternoon crash at work is hell. I personally get really tired and just want to sleep.
One thing that is better since on Add is that I can tackle projects that I just dread. I may still wait until the last day to do them, but I don't wait until the last minute.
As far as choosing a career path. Make sure you like what you do. I would suggest looking at things in your life that are your hobbies or that you really enjoy. You may not necessarily pay what you are forecasting as a salary, but when it's day-to-day with our attention spans, you better like it a lot. There are different vocational-type tests out there that may help you match your strengths with a job.
Hope it helps.
Has anyone attempted to resume or extend their college studies after being diagnosed? I am a newly diagnosed adult and the first thing that hit me hard is the "what ifs". This condition wasn't really known 30 years ago and I have always regretted the choice and quality of my college education. I still haven’t grasped the impact of the whole thing but it will begin to sink in over the next several weeks.
I took me 5 years to complete college and was fairly miserable most of the time(that’s a whole ‘nother thread). My grades were erratic, ranging from stellar to pathetic. I never understood why. I just figured I lacked the intelligence, discipline and moral character to suck it up and do the kind of work what I felt everyone else was doing. I tried graduate school a couple of times but there was no way I could pull it off. If I wasn’t 100% into the class I knew I wouldn’t go well, and it didn’t.
So, what if? If anyone has any success (or failure) stories about college life after treatment I would like to hear about them.
Or should I just accept the cards that were dealt to me and work on trying to be happy with what I know now?
I work for a state university and I am incharge of the Vocation Rehabilation accounts and we have 20 or so students that have ADHD and do fine with treatment. If you are looking to go to school contact the university or college and see if they offer any help for students with adhd.cityaz17- most colleges supply tutors for students with adhd, I know for sure that state universitys do. If you want to finish your degree see if you can get a tutor for that class if not you may quilify for a general study degree, I have students do this al the time it basically means that you didnt have enough credit for a business degree but you have anough credit to graduate, you can also see if you can sub algebra for something easier to you.dcarsen --
Thanks for the advice. Last week I actually called the center that helps people with disabilities. He said I could definitely get a tutor for algebra (it's free, paid for by gov't), but I would have to get with my specific college to see what they would be willing to do for me. I would really like to find some substitution. Algebra gives me incredible anxiety.
if your college is a public university thne they would offer special services.Thanks for the helpful replies everyone.
cityaz17:
yes, I began feeling I was different since high school. While in college I met lots of people with some kind of hangup. I figured mine was just more internal. But now it has a name with identifable symptoms which does make me feel a little better.
I started 20mg Adderall a week ago and about the only thing I have noticed is an increase in energy, not a lot unlike typical amphetamines, without the buzz. No other side affects. Haven't noticed any crashing yet. But I can get grumpy and impatient later in the day. Don't know if there is any connection yet.
Has anyone had any positive change in study habits or test taking after going on medication? What I haven't seen from anyone yet is any tangible change in daily life. I am getting the feeling medication helps 'settle' down their world but I am looking for some evidence that there are some real gains in work and study.