My daughter (8.5 year old) was diagnosed by her counselor with ADHD, I've thought she had this since probably kindergaten. It's VERY hard to get appointments were we live with pediatric neurologists. Anyway, we are finally going on May 19th, can anyone give me some pointers to prepare me for this appointment? I've already asked her teachers to give me a report to bring to the doctor. Anything else I should know or do or say to the doctor?
Thanks in advance,
Krysta
Please let us know if we can be of any help.
My son is turning 12 next month and has been on concerta since he was 7. 18 mgs is low, she may need an increase, but you will know the day she takes the meds.
Post us any questions!!
Krysta, it was very smart of you to follow up with a pediatric neuroligist. ADHD is a neuro biological disorder and a neurolgist specializes in this area. Feel confident with the diagnosis and please keep in mind that since everyone responds differently to ADHD meds in terms of medication and dose that it could take some time before you find the right fit for your child. The goal is maximum benefit (not just a little bit). As BETHANN stated, 18 mg is a low dose and its the strating dose. Good luck and please feel free to reach out for help anytime. Welcome to the boardI actually just called the dr. office today about getting her an increase on the dosage, as the 18mg seemed to only help marginally.
Thank you all so much for your great advice. I'm sooo glad there is a place to talk about this difficult subject. I hated when people who don't even spend that much time with my daughter (Aunts, family friends) are like "Oh she doesn't have ADHD, they over diagnose that." Or, "Oh my GOD, whatever you do, don't put her on meds". It's very irritating!!!! It's hard enought to find the best solution for our children. I just want her to have the best chances in life at doing her best!
Krysta
Even if you know it's the wrong dose, doctors sometimes want to have you stay at that dose for a week or so. My dr.'s philosophy is it helps the body adjust to the medicine and reduces side effects that way.Our doctor had us change immediately. He felt why stay at a dose that isn't correct? It isn't helping the child. It never had any side effects due to the increase, nor did he feel it helped our son with adjusting. The correct dose helped his body to adjust just as much as the wrong dose. Krysta - It is very important that you document behaviors from home as well as those from school. The best thing I can suggest is to relax and answer the doctors' questions. Who suggested a pediatric neurologist? I'm not so sure that's the right kind of doctor to go to. However, they may be able to do a scan of some sort of the brain where other doctors don't do that. But in my opinion, I think the best diagnosis comes from different sources. A neurologist is just one source. A psychiatrist AND a psychologist are also vital in an accurate diagnosis. Good luck. It'll be okay.Thank you, my daughter had her appointment last week with the neurologist. Her school prinicple, teacher, and regular pediatrician recommended the Neurologist. She has been officially medically diagnosed now with ADHD. She was strated on 18mg of Concerta. Fingers crossed, seems to be helping a bit so far.
Thanks,
Krysta