Recently diagnosed | ADHD Information
[QUOTE=jwlsburt] I feel like I have been robbed of life [/QUOTE]
Oh yeah, do I know that feeling! You are certainly not alone there, and I'm sure all of us who have been diagnosed late in life will feel similar.
Anyhow, here's my story: http://www.markgoode.f9.co.uk/trouble.htm
Anyone else got one to tell?
Not on meds at this time, have a Dr's appt. on Monday to talk to my Dr. about my options regarding meds...I have been doing some research on different meds such as Strattera, Adderrall,etc. Don't know what to do...I feel like i do need a stimulant to get my brain going...all I know is that I am so tired of living this way, it's such a struggle every minute of the day, which I know a lot of you can relate, I just can't stop the thinking about the what could have been's if this was detected years ago....it has caused so much destruction...i had some good relationships that I destroyed due to this, I can't get them back or make anyone understand....why? why all this? and why me?
Isabelle, I can't imagine why you would have gone to NY (City, I presume) for affordable therapy...nothing is affordable in NYC!
Also, in my opinion, mental health disabilities make up a lot of the population in NY, what do they know? 
Actually, I shouldn't mock NYers--I'm originally from Syracuse, NY.
Kidding aside, college towns are very good to look for help. They usually have free, or near free, clinics, where you may be able to get the help you need. I do wish you luck, Isabelle.
Seriously, tho, my heart goes out to both of you. It IS a roller coaster getting the right help/right meds. I was 54 when I was finally dx'd, so I totally understand feeling life has been robbed from us.
jwlsburt, you were right to not give up and find a doctor that would listen. Does the dr have you on meds now? And, if so, how have you been doing since?
Welcome to both of you!
There are so many good posts on this forum. AND so many good people, who are all so supportive! Also, look at past or use "search" for past topics to read.
GypsyWomyn38401.4086574074I am 40 yrs. old and just recently diagnosed with both ADD/ADHD...I had tried for years to ask Dr's to test me, but they just chalked it up as being depression. Finally I found a Dr. that listened. I feel like I am on a roller coaster, up and down emotions, I go through times where I get angry about the things I have missed out on, the relationships that I have destroyed because of this, but not knowing at the time what was wrong with me. I feel like I have been robbed of life and don't know what to do...any advice would be greatly appreciatedhi, I just read your post. I am 39 and diagnosed in october last year. I have had a very hard time since the diagnosis and have exhausted all avenues that I know of for help. I don't really have the faith that I can live isth this ADD. I have to start over and have nowhere to go. I am in a hotel in NewJesey on my way to nowhere. I had gone to New York thinking I could get somethough of affordable therapy or at least find a doctor who actually knew about the dibilitating effects of undiagnosed ADD. but, I freaked out when I realized I had nowhere to stay and just got ovewhelemed and left the city and came to this hotel. My best friend wants m to come "home" which is in coastal Ga. with no therapy options of work options. I feel like going back there is a death sentance, but I am alone in this a very stuck........I don't know what to do. Sorry so long, I just hope you adjust better than I, I think my case is more severe than most and most people manage to have wonderful lives after diagnosis! Isabelle,
Very sorry to hear about your problems. Moving away or starting over seems to be what a lot of people with ADHD try but it never works out as you say. It is not something you can seperate yourself from unfortunately. My advice to you is to put yourself in a position where you can get treatment. That sort of thing is probably difficult (it is for me at least) but we can adapt a little right?
A lot of local colleges have psychology clinics that cost next to nothing for you to use, you can obtain an ADD diagnosis through them a lot cheaper than the private sector. They can also help you with treatment. If there is a local college at "home" for you that offers such a thing, perhaps taking up your friend's offer wouldn't be a bad idea.
It sounds like you need help, and I really think you can get it. Good luck.
Jwlsburt,
Sounds like you're on the right track... you've found a doctor that will listen so things can only get better. From diagnosis comes treatment. I think if you hang in there and get some help from your doctor things will get better for you. ADD does hurt our lives, but we can only play the hand we've been dealt. You can't change the past but you can change the present and effect the future.
RandomUser38401.3951041667
jwsbert,
I do think the meds work, when you find the right combo...but having someone to help with all of the dissapointments you have had is crucial, its a catch 22 because my life choices have left me pretty broke and therapy can be expensive. I, as you, am in the anger stage, they say it will pass. Sari Soldens book Adult women with ADD/ADHD was helpfull in undeerstanding the process if diagnosis. I don't know why either, but it is hard and I don't want to be angry. I think my Im special bubble was so very burst.
There is help though, so don't give up until you find it!!!I won't t either!
Thanks everyone.
This is absolutly the worst position I have ever been in. I will just stay put for today and try and think of what to do. I do have to laugh at my thinking I would go to NY for affordable help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!arghhhhhhhh!! I looked at rent prices and renting a room and I thought O my God,I am so not going to rent a room is some crappy hotel so that I can go to the State Physc. instutite for my meds!!!!
My non ADD people just don't get it,and I don't expect them to. But I must look really crazy to everyone. It is just that I have the knowledge that if I don't get this fixed, I will never have the life I thought I would have. I really always thought I was normal, people said oh shes a free spirit, dances to her own drummer, lives such an exiting life.........Nothing but unstable attempts at outrunning something I can not out run.
I have been put on effexor ans adderall and I seem to be feeling better,but I am terrified of when my PMS....severe pms (pmdd) kicks in. I hope that the efexor helps, that is why they put me on it.
You know, I lost my job a little over a month ago, I was a chef on a private charter yacht for the past year and a half. I made great money and was all over the carribean and New England, but everyday was a struggle. I was sooooooo overwhelemed as I am not a CHEF! I did a good job and the owners and captain loved me, but I just started to disinigrate after my DX , we left for the busy carribean charter season, I could not get the adderall down there and I could not stand my crew, and I was told I was to be replaced. I was so relieved and came back to North Carolina to my Mothers to regroup and research help......and here I am now. in nowhere New Jersey. Can't go back trying to go forward. Thank you for being there. It is the only support I can accept right now. Good luck to all and I will keep posted as to what to do. There would be help in Jacksonville or Savannaha I would assume, but I am so scared to be back in Ga.
[QUOTE=jwlsburt]
I just can't stop the thinking about the what could have been's if this was detected years ago....it has caused so much destruction...i had some good relationships that I destroyed due to this, I can't get them back or make anyone understand....why? why all this? and why me? [/QUOTE]
Again, I can relate to every word - I've said them many, many times.
For me, I've now decided that the 'undiagnosed ADDer' part of my life is over, and I have to look to the time I have left. I'm not going to let ADD destroy the rest of my life. No way.
Heh, kinda reminds me of a song.http://www.metrolyrics.com/lyrics/207821/Evanescence/Where_W ill_You_Go/