Tell your ADHD story

         For nearly 6 years I had been treated for bi-polar disorder, and had tried every known method available to my doctor, a psychiatrist in the Metro-Deroit aria.  After a barrage of medications, monthly trips to the Rehab 3 psychiatric ward in Wyandotte Hospital and two series of ECT-(Electro-Convulsive Therapy), suicide began to look like the best option for myself, and for those I had put through hell with my illness.  In six years, I went from;  "I don't want to lose everthing"...to... "I ain't got nothing to lose".

        On the day I had planned to sleep with the fishies, I was in my doctor's office.  I told him all my feelings except for the suicidal thoughts.  That kind of disclosure always led to the hospital, and after the ECT gig, I wasn't going there.  I told him I was tired all the time.  I couldn't focus mentaly on things, and forgetting things like orders at work.  He gave me a perscription for Adderall and said try this and let me know how you do.

        WOW!  I could not believe what was happening.  It was as though I had thrown a switch on it was so quick.  I was listening...even to my wife!  And whats more it was all registering.  I actually began to be motivated, finnishing projects I had abandoned and implimenting new ones with ease.

        One day several months ago, I began to question whether I needed to continue taking prozac for my supposed bi-polar condition.  While studying on the matter, I began to research on the internet where I found this forum, and learned for the first time the symptoms of ADHD and it was as if I were reading my own chart.  I took my findings to my doctor who just smiled and recomended I continue taking the prozac.  I left his office like a defiant school boy and within 4 weeks had weaned myself off prozac.

        Its been over 3 months now, and the only effects from stoping prozac have been improoved vision, much, MUCH improoved sexual functioning.

        So if you are being treated for ADHD and depression, it may be that ADHD was the reason for the other malady.  I do not recomend that anyone use my method of self-diagnoses.  I took a chance.  Looking back now, I think I would have done better to consult another doctor, because a person who treats his own afflictions has a moron for a doctor.

I know for me being ADHD, or hyperactive as my doctor said when I was age 7, it has been a challenge.I was placed on ritalin when I was 7. It was a challenge remembering to take my meds, or even wanting to for that matter. From other's that I have talked to like myself, we want to believe that it is something we will out grow. For me personally I refused to accept that I would be taking meds for the rest of my life basically. I tried a number of times to stop the ritalin and later the adderall. I found that to be able to just function in a work environment was near impossible for me. So here I am just going back on Adderall after 6 months off of it. And still my main concern is that after all the time that has passed, all the so called progess that has been made, the experts still don't truly know what the long term affects of this medication are or will be.

Wicaya - actually when ritalin and dexedrine are concerned - they are pretty sure of the long term effects.  They've both been used for around a century for things like weight loss and narcolepsy as well as other's I can't recall right now.

Now what will be the effect long term on YOU?? Well, that depends on your heart, your kidney, liver etc.  If you go into it weaker, you'll likely not come out as well.  Make sure your MD is up to speed on it for sure.

Remember friend that taking meds all your life is not shameful or a sign of weakness!! Diabetics, heart patients, chronic pain sufferers all take meds - many for life and nobody blinks an eye!  We have a condition- whatever causes it.  The meds if they work for you are needed.  So be happy if they do!

I hope you find the sureness and self peace that I have found.  It's like coming out of a life-long sleep for once.  I didn't have the advantage of knowing about ADD early.  That probably at least improved your life until it crept up again on you.  For me - this year has been like no other.

I sincerely hope you find what works for YOU.  Keep asking questions - someone will listen :)

Glen

Great story.It makes sense. I can relate. My 8 year old son takes after me right down to being lefthanded and now his new pair of glasses. I have every reason to believe that I have ADHD and was never treated as a child. I was the 'different kid'. Due to lack of treatment as a child I lead to belive as an adult I had anxiety,depression, seasonal depression. I've been through therapy and medications in the past and it has helped but its not the root of the problem. I realise that because my 8 year old has been diagnosed with ADHD it was passed from mom to son. I will make sure he has more help and support than I did.Now its time to help myself as well.

I'm glad that the quality of your life seems to have greatly improved. It sounds like you are making good decisions. 

live e.d. - I don't want it to sound like it is *snap* and all's better!  I did and still do have to take councilling to beat the old nasty habits that stayed behind.  Regardless I AM a new man and want everyone to have even a little of the happiness every day brings me now.  All religion free too!!!

Take care - you are gaining knowledge and you know - it IS power!!!

Glen

Joyous:

I also gave up an executive level position, last October.  I even took it a step further and now only work part time.  Needless to say the salary cut was extensive and some thought I was crazy-but they were WRONG!  While I still have to pay some attention to detail the job I'm doing FITS MY ABILITIES. For the most part when I go home, I leave the work AT WORK, it's wonderful!

I hope that you are still hanging in there.  Where you are at may be the pivitol point for a great future.  And to me great involves the simple things.  Peace when you are at home.  Thoughts that don't run out of control.  Finishing small tasks and taking joy from them, feeling the chaos slip away and a gentle life assert itself instead.

Best of luck, and we're all here for you!

Ms Glitz

Thanks Ms Glitz,

I am feeling much better today. Bought a book on Adult ADD and read it....I guess there is a grief process upon learning the diagnosis, and I find myself passing through it rather quickly....partly because I had a similar experience when diagnosed with depression, and partly because of what I've learned in my 12-step program.

Stay in today. Trust in a Higher Power. Let go.....

While I feel that I've wasted the last 20 years professionally (along with the MBA), I kind of feel let-off-the-hook, no longer feeling compelled to fit, as a round peg, into a square hole.

How exactly did you go about finding this job that fits so well? That is my next step. I've read that many of 'us' tend to research things kind of excessively. So this is my next project.

It's good to have this forum, and I thank you all.

Joyce

Hi all.  Just wanted to thank you for sharing your stuff here.  I sort of left a big part of what got me to where I am today, thank you for reminding me Joyce.  Through all the meds and methods, I believe that my membership in Alcoholics Anonymous has been my only constant saving grace, for it has been that admission of powerlessness and unmanageability, accepting help and direction, and the deep soul-searching of the 4th step that dredged up the things that solidified and coumpounded my troubles, my defective character.  I found out how deadly the things that my way of thinking really are like resentment, self pity, fear...things that no amount of medication can prevent, and those feelings not only torment me mentally, but physically as well. 

I am 4 years sober on 4-15-01 and I go to a meeting every day still.  I also have a recovery site on msn if anyone is interested.

http://groups.msn.com/kissKEEPITSIMPLESTUPID

ALSO- for fun-

 http://groups.msn.com/piratehookcomicsrecoverycomics

ps- I still smoke a little pot, but hey, I ain't no saint

Hey Kid Rock!

I've got 9 months sober by the grace of my Higher Power and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.

My research so far indicates that people with ADD/ADHD have a higher incidence of substance abuse than the 'normal' population. I now know that I was medicating a whole lot more than the depression. I even wonder now if my depression was more a by-product of ADD than simply depression. All I know is that, at the end of the day, vodka helped me forget how inadequate I felt at work, and how scattered and unfocused I was at home.

Either way, what I've learned in AA is helping me deal with both the depression and the ADD, as well as the alcoholism. Self-pity, fear, and (self)blame are my shortcomings. While they have not been totally lifted from me, I no longer feel like I carry them alone.

I like your website....!

My DD didn't get diagnosed until she was 6.  I was pretty shure by the time she was 3.  Okay I could probably tell by the time she was 31/2 months.  She had started rolling to move from place to place.  Most children don't roll both ways that young.  She didn't want to miss anything. 

She is on Stratera and adderal.  This seems to work well at this time.  I guess from some of the other posts it could change.  She also is seeing a Psychiatrist and a counselor.  I think that is helping also.  I think she gets it from her father.  He fits most of the criteria for an undignosed ADD.   I worry because my mother has Schizophrenia.  I hope nothing else is going on.  She seems okay on her meds.  I just hope nothing else pops up.

[QUOTE=Ferramentum]Thank you all for the kind words..It is nice to know that I'm not the only one who can't stand being around other people. I actually started to think that I was just being snobby.But I really appreciate your feedback. It's nice to know that you have actually taken the time to read my info....[/QUOTE]

I started laughing when I read your post!!! I am the same way....I am surprised I still have friends...When they call....I let the answer machine pick it up...I couldn't even get a sympathy card out when my good friend's mother-in-law died....should have gone to the funeral......I meant to....but didn't want to...Actually, I think I am a snob along with my medical problems..  hopefully, things will be looking up soon for me....... CAS

Cas and Ferramentum,

My dd is real outgoing sometimes but when she gets to school she can be real standoffish.  Is this normal?  She doesn't have any problems  when she first meets people.   She seems to not be able to stay around people on a long term basis.  Are you always wanting to stay away from people? 

ALLYCAT----i KNOW THIS IS LATE--But I am new to all of this as well---I must ask---do you take meds???

I am the opposit from you conplewtely---I was releaved when I found out-----I was to the point of hoplessness---so many failures---such a waste of life----Now that I know---I have hope!!! The meds are really picking me up ----I feel I have a new life to live---and it is never too late to succeed-----I am a housewife---would not have been had I not all those quitting everything problems-(-not to say there is anything wrong with being a house wife--except when it is because you can not focus your attention on one thing long enough to be anything else---)

Anyhow still going to stay home because I have a little one---but I am taking an interest in art again----I have been sculpting one of a kind art dolls and such and selling them---not huge profit but it is something I seem to be good at---also I am doing what it takes to get better and to compete in doll shows----And I am working out--(love it)

I posted an "Intro" thread with a very brief introduction, but I thought I would try to put the whole thing together to see what the "experts" have to say.

Ok.  Not sure where to start...well, I will say that what I remember of school was boredom.  I also remember being in the gifted program, but it was also mostly boring.   High school was even worse, and I had extreme difficulty with sleeping, mostly because my mind would race....and race...and just never stop.  Though I do recall moments (they still happen) where I sorta "check out" as it were...where the noise of the rushing of the thoughts ceases...hmmm...not sure what that is all about....anyway...

I joined the Navy just after high school...mostly to get out of my hometown, but al in part becasue my dad was a military man, and because I didn't know what else to do with myself.  The idea of more school at the time made me want to hurl.  I did my four years, and got honorably discharged.  I was always in just enough trouble to not do very well in the Navy...I thought too much. 

After the Navy I worked a little here, and a little there.  Mostly construction jobs, with the occasional cashier at a conveniece store thrown in for good measure.  At some point, around 1990, I decided I was working too hard and should go to school.  I was also careening from one relationship to another, and in part my search for more education was initially prompted by my desire to retain the affections of a certain young woman.  (More education = more money = woman stays)  Didn't work...she broke up with me shortly after...  Which led to a lot of long lonely nights in a nice little hole in the wall bar...which wsn't really good for me...but hey, I was deeply wounded.

I then decided to jump head long into the college thing, and to go full time.  I somehow had gotten hooked into the vocational rehabilitation thing, and they required a psych eval.  I was diagnosed as being clinically depressed, and put on a combo of Lithium and Wellbutrin.  And off to college I went...in KY...about 1000 miles from home...at a small private liberal arts college. (Sorry, I keep getting off topic--and distracted by other browser windows--but you didn't know that...)

That lasted for two years.  Both the college and the medication.  I then wasted the next year or so of my life in utter abandon...living hand to mouth...partying every night...lots and lots a debauchery going on...it was certainly fun...for a while anyway...

With an invitation from my parents to move back home, and somehow a girlfriend, I went back to college in my hometown.  And for the next year, year and a half, I was the most focused person on the face of the planet.  I did everything right, exactly when I was supposed to do it.  I earned my AA and went on to get my BA.  In the year I was at the upper level institution finishing my degree, the focus started to slip...and I started to get bored...again...with pretty much everything.

Anyway, after graduation, the GF and I (yes, the same one--and for some reason she is still with me today) moved so that she could finish her MFA.  When she finished her MFA, I went to get mine (looking for something exciting to do...).  So we moved halfway across the country to KC, MO.  I got my MFA, and we then moved back to KY (not the homestate for either of us, but we knew people).  Another 4 years pass, I change jobs once in that period, and I am really getting the itch to get out of there...4 years in one place is WAY too long.

I applied for, got offered, and accepted a job in my home state, FL.  Which is where we are now.  I am a visiting professor of theatre technology.  I am preparing to start my second year as such.  I doubt right now I will make a third.  I am kinda really getting bored with the whole theatre thing...it has lost some of its luster.  So, I am looking for the next big thing in my life.  Don't know what it will be...I certainly can't decide...I never really decide anything...it just sorta happens...

I do hope that I do get something out of the current treatment and counseling.  At least it is covered by the insurance.  There is somethng that I keep intending to write, but I only think of it when i am in the middle of typing something else, and when I finish typing, the thought is long gone and will not come back....until it has looped its way back around through the maze of my mind once again.  Anyway, life has been ok, I guess, but I feel it could have been better, and though I am a college professor (which is very strange to me) I feel as though I am a fraud, and that I somehow do not deserve to be where I am...that I somehow faked my way here.  I honestly do not remember the last time I gave my full undivided attention to anything.  I usually pay just enough attention to catch the jist, and then fill in the rest myself.

I hate waiting for the other people to finish, or for me to finish reading...or whatever...I just hate waiting for things to happen...it doesn't happen quickly enough...why can't the world be like what's in my head?   Anyway, not that it matters, but I thought  would mention the following things: I am left-handed, adopted, work in a creative field, I recently quit smoking (and my "symptoms" got much worse), and I think I could be doing so much better...

Well, that should be more than enough...right?  I have no idea how long it is.  I started typing this at 7:15, and it is now 8:30...but I did get distracted in the middle a few times...Peace out.

Wordwoman -

I think maybe we've given the impression that this was a "no regrets" move.  Of course there were!  Adjustments had to be made - but there was the need to try and weigh the total package and see what needed to be done.

To quote dirty harry "A man's (or woman's - I add) got to know his limitations".

When I left the whole big rat race - I missed the action - the money too!  But when it came down to true happiness I found that it wasn't it.  So - I made up my mind to do the opposite of what my instincts were telling me.  After all - they'd done nothing but be wrong for over 30 years!

It's always hard to change - just a matter of is it harder to stay?

A belated Welcome! to Deep Diver.  Keep reading - build your knowledge and your self-esteem!!

It's not an easy voyage but there IS a way to make you and ADD work together!  Now that I own it and it doesn't own me I feel happier, more content and capable of living in the real world.

The only thing I'm missing is love in my life.  I took myself out of that for a few reasons - one was I was having trouble reconciling the way my exgf and I split (actually it was me splitting and first time at that), and the loss of my unborn son.  It's almost OCD as I spent the last 3 years trying to put it in perspective.  My parents didn't understand - to them it was all water under the bridge and they never cared for my choices in women - those smart old folks!

Second reason was that I wasn't totally sure this wasn't some sort of pie-in-the-sky placebo effect I was under.  I've convinced myself of things before - being a tad hypochondriac - tad as in gawd awfully.  Now I know it's a permanent, uplifting experience and am sure that with training I can be housebroken again.

Well off tangent but yes welcome Deep Diver! LOL.  See - even us recovering ADDers go off on their silly way!

I think that maybe we do not have to change our dream of what we want to be---we just have to look for a differant avenue of getting there---I have spent all of my adult years running from my dreams when things got a bit tough of too repetative---I am hoping to restart ---and not be defeated and just sit back saying I have this ---so I caqn only be this or do this-----We can do or be anything---As someone with ADHD--We have those the most brilliant-creative -artistic minds of almost anyone---why would we set back and not share our minds with the world--we  were not given these awesome ideas--and creative thoughts to just accept defeat--and feel limited!!!! I HAVE FELT LOST AND DEFEATED ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE----Now that I know why I have been so unable to finish anything that I have started---I realize  that with help and faith I can do anything!!!! I will begin to purse dreams again--

If you must take a step back inorder to get a new perspective--do it--that is great---but do not stay there---the world is waiting for your contribution----And you will always regret not giving yourself the chance to be everything you were made to be---trust yourself -trust your doctor( trust your self to find a good one) and most of all trust God!!!!    Oh---- are all poeple with ADHD BAD SPELLERS????? i KNOW i AM---lol

I have an 8 yr old stepson. His mom has taken him to 1 doctor who said he was ADHD. He has been on pills since he was 6. He has been on Ritilin, Concerta, Strattera, Adderall, Adderax, Focalin, Depakote, Risperdal, and Clonindine. Right now he is taking Metadate ER and Risperdal. Yes he might be a little bit hyper. But he also sits around in a daze and I have to touch him on his arm to get him to look at me. He looks so doped up. He takes Metadate in the morning and Risperdal in the morning and evening. Last year he was 9 pills a day. At 6, 9 pills a day. Is that healthy for a young boy? He is also small for his age. He sees a behavior therapist a couple of times a week. In my opinion, his mother is his problem. Why do I say this? I can say this because he has come here with bruises on his body and he tells us his mommy or one of her "boyfriends" done it with a belt, shoe or a switch. She even filed false charges on my husband. Later when it was proven she done it, she dropped all charges on him. My stepson is so scared of us now because she tells him we will be mean to him. We are not mean to him, we love him. I spoil him.

She tells us that he is bipolar, and schizoprenia (spelling) and that he has been diagnosed as a habitual liar. He gets the lying from her. All of this has been going on within the last 5 yrs. She also uses him as a means of getting her own way with his father. It dont work anymore. Yes he a little bit hyper, but isnt that being a kid? He wants to sit inside all day and watch cartoons and I tell him no. I said we need to go outside and play with the dogs. The dogs love him because he gets a pop bottle and throws it to one of my dogs who will "wrestle" him for it. The other dog just barks because she thinks the other dog is being mean to him. He is afraid of his mom seeing that he likes us. If he shows me ANY kind of affection, she beats him when she gets him home. She makes him take the clonindine so he will go to sleep and she can party.

I just feel sorry for the child because he has to deal with all of this.

Stepmomofone

Dear Stepmom,

Is there any reason the boy's father (your husband) is not addressing these concerns? As the stepmom, there are limits to your ability to address this, but your husband has a legal and moral obligation to step in. Particularly if there are signs of abuse, his father should be the first one to follow up on this.

Also, as his father (unless there is a court order or something) he should be able to consult with the psychiatrist about his son's diagnosis and treatment. If you feel he is being overmedicated (and no one here can tell you whether he is or isn't), then another doctor should be consulted.

I would recommend you talk to your husband first and encourage him to get involved. If he is already involved, and is satisfied that everything is okay....and you STILL suspect abuse, then you have an obligation to go to authorities about it. You might want to start with his school...his teacher or guidance counselor. They are trained to recognize signs of abuse, and are obligated to report it.

Good luck...

Thank you for your concerns. Yes my husband is involved as much as he can be. The court order states that since she is the primary custodial parent, she has the say so whether or not the father is involved in the boys medical care. She tells us about no appointments, and when we ask her, she "doesnt remember the day or time". She does tell us when his medicine changes and the dosage. We are taking her back to court, this time, we are suing for custody. We have involved the CPS (child protective services) and they tell us there is no abuse. I know better. I see the bruises on him when he comes here. We havent seen him since the middle of June. She is keeping him from us again because all her child support stopped. The boy receives a SSI check and the law states she cant get both and the amount of the check is more than the child support, so she went with that instead. She also had it "fixed up" to where we cant even find nothing out at his school. His principal even called CPS about the abuse. Nothing was done. She comes out of this smelling like a rose every single time.

Hopefully come Oct. we will get custody and he will know what a normal childhood is like. I have 2 sons of my own and my husband is a wonderful stepdad. He treats my sons like they were his own. If his ex would give him the chance to be a father to his own son, then maybe he will be ok. But she keeps pulling him away from us everytime we get close to him and make any leeway in him not being scared of us. (she tells him that we will be mean to him, or we will take him away from her and he will never see her again.) She even had him put in a mental hospital and she told him that he was going there for "being mean and not minding her". Now she threatens him with that so he will mind her. My husband went to the hospital to see him and when he seen his dad, he ran to him and begged his daddy to get him out of there and that he would no longer be mean. My heart broke.

She had a boyfriend who was taking his pills and snorting them. By the time we proved this, the boyfriend died from an overdose. She asked if he could stay here and I went and got him. A few weeks later, she overdosed him. She gave him the wrong pills to take and if I didnt notice, he could have died. When I brought this up her, she couldnt care. Her comment was, "OH, it wouldnt have hurt him, he would have just slept all day." Clonindine is a sleeping pill. He was taking them at 8 am, 4 pm and 8 pm. He was taking the Clonindine at 4 and 8 pm. I put the extra pills in the case and sent them home to her. She tells the CPS that I "overreact". Darn straight I do. This child is not old enough to look out after himself. But he has to when he is with her.

Thanks for your suggestions. His father is very involved in his sons life. As much as he can be legally. Good thing is, I have a few friends who work at his school and at the doctors office who keeps me informed. But I cant tell how I know all this due to them losing their jobs. So I have to keep it all hush hush. But atleast we know what is going on with him.

I posted this in the wrong board:

I have four children but my two oldest have add/adhd.  My oldest has the add, my second has the adhd.  It was pretty obvious to me had issues when he was around 18m old.  He would NOT listen and went 100 mph from 6 am to midnight when he'd finally fall asleep from pure exhaustion.

Once he started kindergarten everything came to light, he started on Concerta the first part of first grade.  I was opposed to medicating him and tried everything from a diet change to a natural approach.  Luckily, he had a wonderful kindergarten teacher who was very patient but in first grade it broke my heart when he cried and told me "what is wrong with me, why can't I control myself?"  That's when I knew his self-esteem was suffering so we tried the drug route.  It was WONDERFUL!  He no longer had to get the notes home every day about his behavior and he was excelling in school.  Unfortunately, he developed an eye tic from the stimulant so we went to Adderall, same thing happened and from this point on it's been a battle as Strattera doesn't help him at all and seems to cause depression in him as well.

I started homeschooling him and he's been on no meds for over a year but an eye tic started again out of the blue.  We're watching and waiting to see if this is just a tic disorder of if this is going to turn into Tourette's.  So far the eye tic is gone after a month of it and we're hoping it stays away.

I'm now looking at getting him back on the stimulants but also using another rx to stop the tics.  He's a much more happy and successful child with the stimulants but he's self conscious of the tics and understandably so.

That's my story :)

I just join this forum, my son has ADHD. It has been hard for me as he is not really mind. I tryed to tell my husband a while back that something was wrong, but he was not hearing that. His mother is the one who made him take the child to the doctor. I kind of knew that he had it anyway as one of his brother I do believe has it, and I know for sure that his uncle does. It is very hard to deal with the mother (my husband) at times. She wants to do things her way and I say no. My son has just started on the medication now, and we are still trying to get it right.

I think that maybe we do not have to change our dream of what we want to be---we just have to look for a differant avenue of getting there[/QUOTE]

I don't think myself or anybody is endorsing either keeping on track or leaving your dream behind ArtBabe.  At least I'm not.

What I hope to pass on and I think other's too is that sometimes the anxiety of trying to keep the whole package together can be too much.  When your balloon of life keeps getting bigger and bigger - and keeps getting banged around by the stresses of everyday life - sometimes adding the extra stress of a "career" where you are expected to do more than others can be the busting point. 

All I know is that sometimes we end up sacrificing too much for our dreams.  What's wrong after all with having a life that's a little more - normal?  Not all of us ADD or not are going to be able to live the dream - artist, musician, big money.  Eventually it ends up where a lot of us crash and burn just because life is like that.

For those who can do it and keep it all together fantastic! But I think sometimes we end up having to be a bit more minimalistic somewhere in our lives so we can focus more on the really important parts - love, friends, happiness.  Sometimes happiness IS a warm puppy! LOL

Good for you though artbabe - keep working on your goals and if that's what you truly find makes you happy then we all are happier for you!!!

Glen, you expressed it wonderfully...

I spent tons of time trying to succeed (not excel, just succeed) in a career I was unsuited for, because I thought it was something that would challenge me, and...I thought it was a career I "should" pursue. I know it sounds dumb, but I was younger then....

Anyway, I had to spend so much time and energy just trying to keep up that I made too many sacrifices in my personal life. And I stressed out so much that I started drinking to relax. Like a lot of ADDs I didn't know when to quit; I have a hard time 'giving up'....I've quit enough things before I was done, I didn't think I "should" do that in my career, no matter how much it hurt.

I paid a high price for that....I never really did "succeed"...although I got by. And I didn't develop in the areas I WAS good at....nor did I get the satisfaction of a job well done.

Now I believe that we should "do what we love, the money will follow". I just have to figure out what I love!

Excellent Joyous!!!! Big hugs for you!!

Can ya tell I just took my meds! LOL

Seriously - you are on the point!

Remember though - when you are happy in love and friends and life in general - then the love of work isn't all that important.  What IS important is LOVE people - LOVE life!!!!!!!

We all forget what is REALLY important.  We work our whole lives, trying to get what?  We lose our love at home - we've lost a great deal then.  Just make sure to get the priorities right before leaping off to be a chef, or a painter, etc.  Love the people around you!  Get back with family and friends.  THEN - and only then - should ADD'ers start working up to getting that ultimate dream job. 

Also, if your home and social life are together - then when the stresses of a hard long day at a job you love is not so bad.  You'll come home - get a big hug and be able to tell your SO about your awesome day! 

Point is - get the LOVE and attention you need at home - then go at it!!  I'm all for catching that falling star - as long as you keep everything in balance.

Luck and love to all

 She is keeping him from us again because all her child support stopped. The boy receives a SSI check and the law states she cant get both and the amount of the check is more than the child support, so she went with that instead.

[/QUOTE]

One thing I would be cautious of is the fact that you're not sending child support anymore. Regardless of the fact that SSI is more than child support, I would not let her make that "choice." SSI is set up to help mom's with children that have dead-beat dads that don't pay child support. I would send the child support, along with extra money to make up for back child support (because your husband is liable, by law, to pay that SSI money back to the state.) If she continues to receive SSI along with the child support, she'll be in big trouble, which could be helpful to your case. If you're trying to gain custody of the child, which it sounds like you desperately need to, the judge is not going to look too kindly on the fact that you haven't been paying child support. Talk to a lawyer, even if you can only afford legal aid, and find out exactly what you need to do to follow the law and obtain custody. I feel so sorry and angry at the life that child is leading. Good luck, I'll be praying for you.

She isnt receiving child support any more because the amount the boy receives from SSI is more than his support and thats what SHE chose SHE wanted. She told the law master that she wanted $800 a month to live on. Our lawyer brought the fact about SSI. The law master said do you have ANY money coming in and her reply was NO. Once she got up in the lie, the law master told her she did not appreciate being lied to. The mother replied that SHE needed that money to live on and it was up to HIS father to SUPPORT HIM, NOT HERS. The law master said it was up to both of them, just not the father, to support their child. They were never married because she found out that he didnt make as much as money as she thought so she dumped him for another man. She has kept this child from his father for the last 8 yrs. The only time we got to see him was when we took her to court for visitation. ALL back support has been paid in full as of June. Thats when all visitation stopped. SHE decided to stop it on her own. I called the law master court and they said for my husband to file contempt charges on her. This woman thinks because SHE wants it a certain way, thats the way its gonna be or else.

She hates me. I dont care except for the fact that she shows this hatred in front of the child and my 2 kids. Ive told my 2 that she is just mad and to pray for her at night. The child sees this and he told me that he heard his mom tell her boyfriend that she hates me because he hugs me and tells me he loves me when we tell him goodbye and we will see him next weekend. So me and him has an agreement that he tells me this before we leave the house so his mom dont see or hear this. I use to tell him, "Ill see you next weekend buddy". I dont do that anymore. I just tell him bye. She has tried to accuse of not giving him his medicine but I do. I give it to him because he told me he "NEEDS IT SO HE WILL BE A GOOD BOY" He is a good kid. A very good kid. He can quote a bible verse and it will give you chills. He loves going to church with us. He loves to ride with his grandmother and great aunt. So I let him ride with them. I tell him I will meet him there and that I have his bible. He saw my big bible and he said when he got a little bit older he would love to have one like mine. We will sit down on the couch and he will read to me. I have been working on his reading with him. I have no little kids books anymore since my 2 kids are older than him. So, he chose the bible and didnt want me to go and buy him no "kiddie books" to read. He is a smart child. He told me one night that his mom calls him stupid and other names. (the "other names" will blow your mind. she calls him bastard, retard, 4 eyes, Son of a bitch, and then she says, I wish you were never born because YOU ruined my life)

I can go on and on about this woman. She even got caught selling his ADHD medicine and got caught snorting it herself. She has the doctor to change his medicine so much and then she goes and tells the doctor that the other pills worked better. She then takes the other pills and sells those. She refuses to work. She thinks its up to my husband her. She takes the child money to support herself and her boyfriends. We even go and buy him clothes. We have to take all tags out of them, put his name on the clothes so she wont take them back to the store and trade them in for the money. Same thing for a coat we bought him and his shoes. Now she takes them to a consignment shop and sells them or sells them to her friends.

I cant wait for our court date. Hopefully the law master will talk to people who use to be friends with her. One of them is her own 2 daughters and their stepmom. The daughters call here to talk to them and I take him to their house so they can see each other. She no longer lets him see his half sisters. Im sorry, he has been with his half sisters all his life, until the girls left home due to the abuse. They loved being able to see him every week. The girls come to my house after church or we go their house. He even wants to stay the night. The stepmom of his half sisters has commented on the change in him when he is with us.

I hope all goes well in Oct.

I'm new to this forum just being diagnosed in the last 2 weeks with Adult ADHD

Bi-Polar runs in my family, and I was diagnosed 4 years ago with Anxiety/Depression.  I've been on Zoloft, Lexapro, and finally Prozac.  All of these made me extremely tired, even after 8-10 hours of sleep a night!  I finally went to my doctor and saw a poster in the lobby on Adult ADHD.  I was a decent student growing up outside of Detroit, but my report cards and conferences were all the same..."doesn't work up to potential", "can't stay on task", blah blah blah.  I took the quick way out in college and only got my Associates since that didn't take very long.  Anyhoo...I've switched jobs a lot, I have a hard time concentrating, and that poster on the doc's wall was me EXACTLY!  I then talked to him, did an initial screening, and was sent to a psychiatrist that deals with Adult ADHD.

I'm so happy I was diagnosed!  Most weekends you would find me in a bed dead asleep, but even this past weekend I was up, moving around, and doing things that needed done.  Even my husband notices a difference, as he's stated that I seem happier and more focused.  The only thing I've hated is starting my Adderall (20mg).  The first few days my emotions were a huge roller coaster, the constant dry mouth, I ate about 2 pop tarts in 4 days, and I was jittery.  The initial symptoms seem to have subsided, and I do feel a lot better than I have in years!

Glad to be here and know that I'm "not the only one"

Melly - it gets so much better!

I'm glad the initial effects are going away for you.  I know the first 2 weeks on dexedrine I was a little worried.  I wasn't anxious though which was great.  It was more like a vulcan thing "hmmm logically rapid heartbeat and loss of appetite isn't good for you - maybe I should be concerned?" LOL I felt strongly the pharmacists warning of the "false sense of well-being".  I loved it way more than the real sense of feeling crappy.  It was a wild couple of weeks.

You are certainly not alone.  I meet more and more people online.  Sadly, people in the real world tend to be scared of admitting they have it to me.  I can only think they worry of the stigma attached to a mental illness.

I thought about keeping it to myself.  Then, I decided I'd be doing a disservice to me and others if I didn't share it as widely as I could.  I started to mention it first to my family and boss at work.  Once I explained that it was the cause of my sloppy work, poor behavior and other things all have noticed, then they could see the changes on meds, and all was fine with them.

Soon I told my co-workers.  Some were awesome about it and support me a lot.  Others of course decided it was either an attention grab or some other strangeness they didn't want.  It's ok with me - you can't be loved by everyone it's just impossible.  The new thicker skin I'm growing is a good thing at times like that.

I've even been able to help relative strangers.  There's a man who works at my local 7-11 store who was talking while I was in line to pay about how the other workers tease him about his inability to remember complex tasks and lists.  He said they call it "eric's syndrome" after him.  I was very upset at this - and began to talk to him about the chance he had ADHD.  I gave him the address to the online test so he could get some info.  I haven't heard back but I hope it helped.

Anyway it's been a wierd trip "coming out" with ADHD - but I'm glad I did.  The longer we stay embarassed the longer it stays a hardly understood problem.

Thanks for the kind words Glen!  I haven't been really hesitant about admitting I have ADHD since I feel that finally I know what's been going on with me all these years, and I'm finally getting the help that I need.  Close friends and co-workers do notice a difference, and my boss is very supportive of it.  I also work with kids, a lot with ADHD.  In fact, yesterday I had to deal with a little one that had a major meltdown from skipping meds and just telling him that I knew how he felt seemed to put him more at ease.  My "big boss" at my organization also has a program in mind for me and other adults with ADHD to mentor the children in our program with ADD/ADHD.

I still hate the stigma that's associated with any mental illness, but that's all based on ignorance.  At least when I meet people and tell them, I can also take that minute to educate them a bit. 

Ross - I don't think all the doctors are diagnosing teens just to avoid the hard stuff.  Sure - some are but I think that there are other things involved.  First it seems by just talking to ADD'ers that it's genetic and passed down to children.  That would mean that each generation if you have multiple children - you can pass it down to them.  Also, the doctors are becoming better educated at diagnosis of ADHD - so it would seem logical that when you bring kids in there will be more diagnosed with ADHD.  Used to be the doc would just think the child has a troubled past, an allergy or other similar diseases.

I tend to take the optimist side of it and give most MDs the benefit of a doubt.

I have just made my appointment with the Doctor. Every day for the last five years, I said I would make it and I finally have. The Doctor is the first step to being diagnosed with ADHD. I'm 40 years old.

My son was diagnosed five years ago and it finially provided me with some answers to questions that had haunted me all my life. Why was I different? Why couldn't I cope with things that other people could? Why did I have such a difficult time holding down a job? Why were my finances in a mess? Why was I estranged from my family? Why couldn't I even begin to understand my two son's even though they acted like me??

James (my son) was nearly 15 when he was diagnosed after many, many years of fighting with the authorities regarding his behaviour. Far too late to be diagnosed if medication was to work. The damage to his school work had already been done. He failed every exam. He now drifts from job to job, plays computer games a lot. Can't hold down a relationship. Disorganised. Unhappy! He won't see a Doctor though. Ritalin made him worse and he believes all the medication will be the same. Trying to regulate Ritalin to a  teenager growing at 2 cm's a month was very hard.

I think he might go, if I go, though.

I can give you so many reasons why I haven't seen a Doctor before but we all know why, really. I thought I could cope, I thought I should cope or I was a bad Mother. I thought they make take my boys away if I admitted I couldn't cope.

I never achieve, I have tic's. I am now on my third marriage. My finances are diobolical. How I still own a house, is beyond me.............! I fidget and I lose things. I shout at people, I love. I lock down in a book and won't come out until the book is finished. But, I'm brilliant! I'm clever and funny but always feel so sad! I have learned to cope. I have staff who do the mundane and I get the exciting. I now have a husband who supports everything I do and is reminding me each and every day that he loves me. He is supporting me every step of the way and will be there when I see the Doctor.

I have worked coping strategies and Microsoft Outlook is my blessing. If I set up tasks, it gets done.

My concerns??? We are based with the British Military in Germany. Military Doctors won't have an understanding of what I'm trying to tell them. They don't have to deal with ADHD as it prohibits entry into the Military.

I'm scared but excited at the same time. I can live without medication and have done so for 40 years. I just don't see why I should have too. I deserve a life too!

My youngest son (age 12) was diagnosed adhd 3 months ago and is taking Adderall (after being told through IEP that he was also developmentally delayed IQ roughly 70). That was a wonderful day becasue I finally had a name for what made my sweet baby boy "different." Now I'm trying to learn all I can about adhd in an effort better understand my son and to have some idea of how to help him reach his fullest potential whatever that may be. Guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm asking for any insight/suggestions/advice on how to make the best I can for me, my son, daughter, and husband out of what we have.

P.S. It's REALLY nice after 12 years of dealing with adhd and all that comes with it to finally encounter people who've been where I am and survived .

Hi,

I've posted here for a while and have never told my story.  I like the fact that you can write your story here and people will actually care about it and relate to it.

I am female.  I have ADD inattentive type.  When I was a baby I had casts on my legs and never really crawled.  I've read a lot about a theory that says not enough crawling can give you ADD and ADHD.  Anyway, all through school and growing up I could never do cartwheels like the other kids.  I could never do back bends.  I tried for one entire summer to do back bends like my friends and could never do it.  PE was not my thing.  I did well in school though, so my parents never really thought anything was wrong.  You could look at my sister and me and you could see the difference, though.  She would clean her half of our room in about 1/2 hour and be off to the library, her favorite place.  And I would spend the entire DAY cleaning my half of our room.  I would take out all the papers out of my desk and read each one, remembering things I had forgotten and reminisincing.  Then I would remember that I was cleaning my room! 

Getting married and having a family was a major struggle for me.  I was trying to go to school, have babies, hold down jobs, finish college.  I couldn't keep organized for anything.  I couldn't keep the house organized.  I would lose things, piles of papers were everywhere.  Then I started my own company!  I am an artist and I sold art on plaques.  I had a wonderful non-ADD rep who sold for me and it was great!  When she retired, I lost the momentum.  I couldn't keep things going at all!  It was so discouraging.  I would know exactly what to do, and then I would get distracted.  I would not follow through! 

I ended up divorced - many add and adhd people are divorced - and started to teach school in a private school.  I had a conference with parents of a student who had been dx with ADD and it was then that I made my discovery!  I listened to her father tell all the things that had happened to him and it was like looking in a mirror.  I went to a psychiatrist after that and was diagnosed with ADD. 

I have tried Adderal, Concerta, and herbal treatments.  Being treated seemed like putting on glasses for the first time and seeing things in a different light!  I feel like the knowlege and education I have had about ADD has made most of the difference in my life.  I forgive myself more easily and laugh at my mistakes more easily than before.  I understand myself better!  I know now why people get frustrated with me.  I didn't know why before.  It is such a relief to understand how my mind works.

I have studied a theory about ADD and crawling, as I mentioned before, and am going to implement the exercises into my life.  Of course, I am procrastinating doing the exercises.  I do them and then forget to do them.  The book that got me going is called Stopping ADHD.  It is well worth the $15.00 it costs in my opinion.  It puts a whole different slant on ADHD symptoms.

Anyway, it is great to read other's stories here and to post mine.

Thanks to all of you for making a place to come where I feel so comfortable and at home.

I don't see how that not crawling theory can be a universal truth.  MY Daughter rolled over early, crawled early, and walked early if walking around the house holding on to the new testament bible is walking.  She was always active.  She used rolling as a method of locumotion when she was barely over 3 months.  she would roll around to get into things. 

 Her father has Adhd.  so I think it is passed genetically.  I might have Add.  I have trouble keeping up with stuff.  I get distracted at work too.  I didn't think that was possible but after reading some of these posts I am starting to rethink.

 Her father has Adhd.  so I think it is passed genetically.  I might have Add.  I have trouble keeping up with stuff.  I get distracted at work too.  I didn't think that was possible but after reading some of these posts I am starting to rethink.[/QUOTE]
I agree, no way it's a universal truth. My kids all crawled well, and they all have it. My grandpa had it, dad had it, my mom has it, I have it, my wife has it.

No doubt it is a genetic issue.

I believe it's another AD/HD phobe that came up with it.

Or some AD/HDr in denial.

Best wishes,

David

When I was a baby I had casts on my legs and never really crawled.

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Funny that you should mention the crawling.  My son, now 11 years old, crawled for about a couple of weeks before he was off and running.  That lack of crawling made  him clumsier as a toddler.  Physicians have proven that babies crawling helps with balance later in life as they walk.  My son used to be all bruised up from falling and bumping into things.  Now, he cuts corners too sharply and bumps into stuff all of the time. 

We've been told since preschool by teachers with little relevent experience that they believed our son had ADD/ADHD.  We've proven them wrong every time.  He was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder and completed the Interactive Metronome Occupational Therapy program.  The OT said that our son didn't have ADHD because he could complete a repetitive program of 2000 reps.  We discovered that he has had enlarged adenoids and they were removed as well.  He is a mouth-breather, apparently a common SID trait.  He started middle school on 8/9/05 and he is having a hard time keeping up because of not paying attention, making careless mistakes, not listening, not finishing tasks, not following directions and being easily distracted.  These are all of the symptoms of ADD-inattentive type.  His physician had suggested treating the SID with meds in the past, but we were really against them, but with these new difficulties, I will do ANYTHING to make it better for my son.  We are meeting with her to discuss medications for him.  I have suggested Strattera because of the results my husband and I have seen with our clients and long-term use of the amphetemine-based meds (stimulants).  I am a Social Worker with a County government Human Services agency and my husband works with the Department of Corrections with felony offenders. 

I'm so thankful to have found this message board.  Just reading your stories and comments is a great help.

Currently I am 30 years old but I feel & look younger. 

I was born more than 3 weeks late.

After I turned 3 years old I decided to talk. Doctors said that I was mentally retarded, I say that I just like to take my own time. During grade school I was always near the top of the class in math and science but in the bottom group in reading and writing. I enjoy math and have the hardest time writing papers. I enjoy thinking, reading several books at one time, coming up with a tremendous amount of great ideas, starting some but hardly finishing any. I have lists, if I miss place a list then I redo the list. 50% of the mess in my office consists of paper scraps with lists, notes to self, people's contact information, calculations, etc. I enjoy learning new languages, knowing about astronomy, creating craft sculptures, creative projects, figuring out better ways to do things, running/hiking, cooking, and the list goes on. But for a while I have lost my passion and direction.

My motivation & energy are low. Hard to do what I need to do, which creates anxiety. Start things but difficult to finish, might come back to it later. Time management for me is doing things on my own schedule. I Procrastinate, very difficult to focus on writing papers. I try using an outline for writing papers but I have such a hard time placing my thoughts on paper. I recently bought a digital voice recorder so that I can spit out my thoughts before they get over taken by another thought(s). If my mind gets caught on something then it is hard to let go of it and I become very detailed oriented. My ideas and thoughts are always changing as new information and realizations are discovered. I have had recent multiple lay offs. My most recent layoff I was told that I was being let go because “I was not the best match for the position even though I had a good work ethic and high intelligence”. Hard to get out and be social and I don't mind being alone (I am also introverted). Relationships struggle. My most recent relationship I sabotaged because it was draining any positive energy that I had and I didn't know of any other way to get out of it (Ironically she is the only one that told me I have major ADD). I some how found away to graduate with a BS in Biochemistry. I am getting my MBA but finding it hard to focus, especially writing papers. I have one class left and I am fearful of it. I Constantly feel that I can do so much and that there is a huge well of potential that doesn't get realized. There have been many times that I should be some much greater than what I am. As a child my report cards and the parent teacher conferences pointed out that I needed to focus more. I talked to much with others around me and I day dreamed often. If something doesn't interest me in a classroom setting then I will begin thinking about something else. I tend to think about I carry around a note pad just in case I become bored and need to write. I always print. I am always talking to myself in my mind. I am told that when I am deep thought or I am reading or researching and I am interrupted that I am snippy or rude. It is so hard for me to change gears on the fly. I am a slow, say each word in my minds voice (try this with an organic chemistry text book), but I can retain a lot of information.

What I remember is at times having many ideas going through my head but finding it very difficult to stick with one thing. I walk around when I need to think and I enjoy driving because I get a lot of thinking done that way.

At times I use a friend's adderall and I notice an amazing difference. The difference is that I can act on things rather than letting things consume me.

Adderall makes me feel as if things are clearer. Great productive energy that allows me to organize and stay on task. My mind feels alive with the electricity of ideas and thoughts.

I feel that this medication enhances what I consider as a gift from God. I take in so much around me and have a huge hunger for learning yet I am organized and I feel very passionate. I can recognize when I am falling into an bad habit but the difference is that I can do something about it when taking adderall. Using medication has opened up a my world.

After spending many hours reading this forum yesterday and experiencing today with out adderall has driven me to see my doctor tomorrow. I don't have insurance but I am willing to pay the full price for not having to have the feeling of being chained down. Enough is enough!

I will keep you posted on my progress...

I was born more than 3 weeks late. Procrastinating again, eh? hehe

Doctors said that I was mentally retarded, ...that's what my wife says about me2...

During grade school I was always near the top of the class in math and science ...Me3

I enjoy thinking, reading several books at one time, Me4, but rarely finishing any. 2 nites ago I walked through the house, and found six books that I wanted to read. One was one I'd started and never finished. One was about flags. I started reading four of them that night, and would have read a little in another, but fell asleep. coming up with a tremendous amount of great ideas, Me5. Some paid out, but then I went bankrupt b/c I didn't know how to run a business, b/c I dropped out of MBA school and got into something else. starting some but hardly finishing any. Drs. Hollowell and ??? call this symptom "Many projects going at once, trouble following through".

I have lists, if I miss place a list then I redo the list. Me6, about every 3 days...

50% of the mess in my office consists of paper scraps with lists, notes to self, people's contact information, calculations, etc. Me7. Must be a salesman? Me8.

I enjoy learning new languages, Mi, si. knowing about astronomy, 'Sup, dude? creating craft sculptures, Nope. creative projects, Yup. figuring out better ways to do things, Always! running/hiking, cooking, Don't forget eating... and the list goes on. But for a while I have lost my passion and direction. Pshyst happens. I may have found what you lost... My passion is going South...

My motivation & energy are low. Hard to do what I need to do, which creates anxiety. Start things but difficult to finish, might come back to it later. AD/HDrs are good startings, but bad enders. So, remain a pointman, and pass it off to the platoon. Or remain a scout/pioneer, and pass it on to the settlers. Don't choke yourself.

Time management for me is doing things on my own schedule. Yup. Late at night.

I Procrastinate, Me9. My solution to procrastination is to wait until the last minute.

very difficult to focus on writing papers. I try using an outline for writing papers but I have such a hard time placing my thoughts on paper. On a savior level of seriousness, I may have a solution for you. I open 8, 9, or whatever (once 30 plus documents on at least 9 or 12 programs, 2 computer's worth). I was the only presenter at a week long conference of 20 individual presenters that got an ovation. I've had the keyboard deck so hot I can't rest my palms on it.

As I'm workinig on one doc (here I'm using the word generically, like saying coke), and an idea pops in for another, I'll switch to, or create a new doc. That way I'm being me w/o the strangulations of straight thinking, and at the end, will have 20 creations completed in about the same time as a nOrmal would take with 20 documents. E.g. 4 or 5 web pages, 2 or 3 powerpoints, 4 or 5 spreadsheets, one or 2 MS Projects, 5 or 6 word docs, 2 or 3 Windows Explorers, a search window or 2, 2 picture editors, an atlas, 1 or 2 adobes, a calculator, a music program. I am RAM heavy. As a matter of fact, since I started this response 2.5 hours ago, I've been working on 4 other projects. Relaxing evening, eh? hehe

I have two Jotto desks in my car, which I consider a rolling office. One is for my laptop, (w/daylight capable display), the other when I'm in the back seat, or for a printer. I'm on GPS all the time (doesn't hurt in court to have a backup), with GPRS/EDGE PC card, so I'm internet capable 80% of my day. I'll average 300 miles / day, and sometimes hire a person just to drive so I can be productive in between stops. I have the display setup as a near HUD, so I've one eye on the road, and the other on the screen. Not only do I have a radar detector (not b/c I speed, but b/c I wiggle), but I've a digital camera spotting silhouettes for me. I'm thinking of picking up a proximity radar, but they're kind of pricey.

It'll drive observers nuts, but it works for me. Did it just last night with some music downloads; and this morning with some neurological studies. I only had 3 documents saved, but on the first I had about 5 topics that I'll go back and split out later. Maybe. At least I got the info, and can word search to find it again. Another reason not to vocal record. I scan my handwritten notes into the computer. I should have a notebook laptop, but...

I recently bought a digital voice recorder so that I can spit out my thoughts before they get over taken by another thought(s). Not me. I have to write or type it down. I never went back and listened to the notes. I'm not an aural learner. If my mind gets caught on something then it is hard to let go of it and I become very detailed oriented. Some call this "hyperfocus".

My ideas and thoughts are always changing as new information and realizations are discovered. Me10.

I have had recent multiple lay offs. I call them getting fired. (I just got fired June 2, 2005. I'm now suing them for ADA violations of ADHD mental disability harassment, non-accommodation, and discrimination). Actually, all my firings (about 10 or 12? out of 23 or more jobs) have ended up being beneficial career moves. A professional headhunter told me that the average job stay is now 3.5 years. My trick was to (and you are young enough to do this), start an entity that exists forever, but take work as it comes and goes. So, truthfully, I can say I've been a CEO for x years, a VP R&D for x-y years, etc. Of my own QuantumYields, Inc. I hear an LLC works pretty good, too. Keep a good track record, and record your successes. Learn to mitigate your failures, so you don't repeat them. E.G. I don't keep making the same mistake, I come up with new ones... One of my bosses that fired me said that. He was complimenting me for being obedient.

My most recent layoff I was told that I was being let go because �I was not the best match for the position even though I had a good work ethic and high intelligence�. I made my last employer over $4M in 2004/2005, and still got fired b/c of incompatibilities with the sales department. I was #1 salesman, too. So I went to work for the competition, and have made my new employer the equivalent of $2M in 2 months... dumb phsysts... it would have saved me all that heartache... I'm also on Cymbalta for seasonal depressions.

Hard to get out and be social and I don't mind being alone (I am also introverted). My best friends are barkeepers... sushi bars...

Relationships struggle. Shut up! Nooo way! How about 30+ girl friends before marriage, and my one wife (hyperfocus) has separated 6 times?

My most recent relationship I sabotaged because it was draining any positive energy that I had and I didn't know of any other way to get out of it (Ironically she is the only one that told me I have major ADD). I some how found away to graduate with a BS in Biochemistry. HOT DAWG! I was a chembio premed, then switched to anthropology, then to microbiology, then to an MBA Ag program, then to plant science, then to soil science, then to crop pathology; finally getting my MS in Plant Sci in 6 years... I am getting my MBA but finding it hard to focus, especially writing papers. Stick to it. You'll earn over $300,000/year in a few years with a bio background and MBA training/experience. Within 30 days I had 5 job offers, of which I turned down 4 'cuz they were only around $100 - $150k/year. One employer/friend said to write my own job description, he'll hire me until retirment, but I turned him down b/c he wanted me to stay local, and I want to continue international agriculture career... I just turned down a headhunter who said she had a $200-250k job as a COO, but I'll earn $250-$300 in ag sales and business development consulting.  I have one class left and I am fearful of it. Fear of the unknown. You've been doing this so long, what if you FAIL!? Don't worry, you will. But, you'll pick yourself up and keep going; learning from your mistake. Don't marry another AD/HD. We attract one another, and two ADrs under the same roof, even within the same company, can be devastating for one, or both. I Constantly feel that I can do so much and that there is a huge well of potential that doesn't get realized. Yup. I've tried partnering w/people or companies that recognize that, and let them turn me loose, while they fill in the gaps. Those that can, do, but none have ever lasted more than 3 years. Yeah, I'm a loose stallion, or a wild cannon, but harness me, and I'll quantum leap you to the next level. Just make sure you're buckled in and have your helmet sealed. BTW, you won't need spurs or gun powder.  There have been many times that I should be some much greater than what I am. But you're okay where you are. I was thirty when I finally graduated grad school. As a child my report cards and the parent teacher conferences pointed out that I needed to focus more. I talked to much with others around me and I day dreamed often. If something doesn't interest me in a classroom setting then I will begin thinking about something else. I tend to think about I carry around a note pad just in case I become bored and need to write. Yup. I carry a laptop, an 8x11 spiral, a clipboard, a 3x5 pocket notebook, 2 pens, sometimes a PDA. I always print. Yup. I am always talking to myself in my mind. Not talking, but thinking. I talk when I'm in a critical thought phase, but it's outloud. My AD/HD counselor heard me once, and said that's a great way to help focus. I am told that when I am deep thought or I am reading or researching and I am interrupted that I am snippy or rude. Yup. It is so hard for me to change gears on the fly. I am a slow, say each word in my minds voice (try this with an organic chemistry text book), but I can retain a lot of information.

At times I use a friend's adderall and I notice an amazing difference. Not legal. Get your own. You know you're own mind, and you can diagnose yourself. You just need the doctor for a prescription, or a second opinion if you wish. There are online ADHD surveys that are the same as when a doc does them, and charges you $350.00 for the diagnosis. You will need a once/month office visit to get your "triplicate" prescription written. ADDerall, Ritalin, Focalin, and others are Category I pharmaceuticals. You won't find them OTC, and stay away from the street meth. It's dirty. Find a local ADHD doc. There's refs for them online. Try CHADD or ADDA .net or .com or .org. I forget... The difference is that I can act on things rather than letting things consume me.

Adderall makes me feel as if things are clearer. Great productive energy that allows me to organize and stay on task. Yup. My mind feels alive with the electricity of ideas and thoughts.

I feel that this medication enhances what I consider as a gift from God. Yup. God knew what He was doing when He created you, and knew He wanted to bless you with ADHD. I take in so much around me and have a huge hunger for learning yet I am organized and I feel very passionate. I can recognize when I am falling into an bad habit but the difference is that I can do something about it when taking adderall. Using medication has opened up a my world.

After spending many hours reading this forum yesterday and experiencing today with out adderall has driven me to see my doctor tomorrow. Yup. I don't have insurance but I am willing to pay the full price for not having to have the feeling of being chained down. Ritalin, a more common subscription for ADHD, at the highest allowable dose is $48/month for generic methylphenidate at Sam's Club pharmacies. My phsrynque dalk charges me $25/mo for the 10 minute visit for the prescription; and $75 once/year for a longer evaluation.  Enough is enough! Welcome to the New World, Neo...

I will keep you posted on my progress...

Hey, LynnAnn--just wanted to let you know that I always felt I was a brilliant prodigy.  It was not until I was 32 years old that a psychiatrist informed me I have ADHD.  I quickly read that meant I had a "minimal brain dysfunction" & my ego & I cried for about a day.  I totally can see it in my parents, but all in good ways.  I am 4O now & I understand that ADHD is likely what made me so "smart".  Hyperfocus can be incredibly productive & facilitating.  I never understood why the more units I took in college the more I got straight A's, yet I knew that if I was given a homework assignment 2 weeks in advance it would simply drive me crazy.  I would end up having to delay the assignment until just the night before, stay up all night hyperfocusing on it & get a standing ovation from my class the next day.  I guess that's the benefit of not being distracted.  Don't forget--all your engineers are hyperfocus trolls--people just think they're wierd, but that's why they don't shower a lot--they are hyperfocusing on what they're into.  Their brilliance is undeniable & admirable.  I admit I learned early on in school the better I did the more positive attention I got from my teachers, and I've always loved to please.  I am a born bottom-kisser, but it's gratifying to me to make people happy.  I have eight year old twins & the youngest is not a pleaser & I'm adjusting to that but in some ways I wish her sister & I had more of her independence.  Anyway, just tell your child she's brilliant & reinforce all her strengths with positive touch reinforcement & that can do miracles. It clearly did with me.  My PhD is not far from my reach & that's only possible because I was always TOLD I was smart--not that I am. 

i just re read this thread and it amazes me how many ppl have all the same problems.  after all the work and research and trying to figure out how Cher got the adhd in the first place. I think I have it too. I am impulsive just like she is but since I have lived with for 37 years I have learned to control it.  however, it still gets the best of me.  But as a mom, a wife, a friend, business owner I think it has served me well. 

I found that being adhd is a good thing otherwise I would be a boring person.

One Hundred Percent! 

ADHD is hereditary--it always amazes me how my parents can agree that I have it but they never could possibly--like I'm Test Tube Terrie or something.  I guess they have yet to embrace it/too old to change their minds/know nothing else. 

Hi Caroll,

Welcome to the forum! So how long did it take you to write that? It'll take me a few days to read it... just kidding. I'll do it tonight. Maybe. Get started, at least. :). Anyhow, welcome to the forum. Did I say that already? Don't mind me, I'm a little absent minded person. Okay, ok, I'll tell the truth, I'm a big absent minded person... So, welcome to the forum. Did...? Just kidding... :)

D

Hi, Carol.L, now that Mr. Ornado's very UNfruitfull response is out of the way, I will try to be slightly more supportive!  David--she is in NEED!  Be a mensch, come on . . .

I hope this is slightly more helpful:  I am a very small girl who lived pretty much in the Streets of San Francisco for over three years, albeit I did live inside my Jeep Cherokee in a filthy alley that did not usually tow & was beside an over-full homeless shelter.  I have all my degrees & yada, yada, yada but unfortunately after having my twins & staying home with them I was unemployed when my husband kicked me out.  So I guess my point is this:  Attacking the worst fear first--your son WILL survive, regardless of what happens.  If I can make it, pretty much anyone can.  Besides being without my daughters I almost didn't mind being homeless.  It hurt like hell that my family wouldn't help me (I'm 4O, now) but they are all very "earn your keep & do it yourself" type of people.  Also, it didn't hurt that I'd been self-medicating the ADHD I didn't yet know I had with illicit inhalables.  Anyway, my other question may seem rude, but not sleeping for weeks on end--your son is absolutely not using anything else, correct?  I didn't sleep for three years in a row after we had twins, but I also had chemical help on occasion.  I find it amazing that anyone could do that for weeks on end au natural.  Anyway, it sounds like your son is very close to you & your husband is from the old school, not to mention they're both men.  I find it impossible to pick anyone over my children, yet in hindsight, I have learned that I can't do crap for them without having a strong bond with their dad as a good model of what a marriage should look like.  Okay, none of this makes much sense.  I guess I'm saying the Military might actually be good for your son--I understand not wishing to be murdered in Iraq, etc., but my sister who is the ONLY person in our family perhaps "de-void" of any ADHD symptoms has been in the military (to pay for school--our Dad had the $$ he just believes in us earning everything ourselves) since she was 18 (ROTC--16) and point being that I think the structure must have ridded any ADHD issues she may have had.  She has been on the front lines in Iraq as a surgical nurse, etc. & feels very good about what she does.  She's a Commanding Officer & only 36.  Anyway, you said Military won't take him, so perhaps that rules out other things like Police Dept., etc.  ADHD I thought was not able to be discriminated against.  Anyway (again) I'll end this--just keep praying that God has the right plan for your son & you & even your husband.  Talking about this to him (hubby) & saying that you respect his decisions as much as he respects yours without giving in is an important first step, that needs to be repeated often, I've found.  Mutual admiration & respect can actually work a lot of miracles in a marriage if you're seriously respecting & trying to learn from the other person.  Sorry this took so long--you've probably gotten some real help by now, just wanted to be supportive.  By the way, in San Francisco, I WAS able to get a min. wage paying job at Old Navy, afford to rent a residential hotel room where I shared a bathroom with needle-users & drunks that would be dead by morning so I'd have to step over them on my way out to work, and still had five dollars a day for 99-cent burgers at Carl's Junior.  I had to sell my car & walked to work, & supplemented hungry times with the many dining rooms that feed homeless for free.  It wasn't glamorous, but I did it.  Ironically, my dad runs one of the homeless shelters up here & no one took me seriously that I needed help.  But I managed.  Maybe this will subside the scariest fears when your husband does make him leave.  I understand how difficult this really is.

Carol L.  If your son is good with computers, maybe you could help him get more work.  I am in the IT feild, and I know there are a lot of people out there willing to pay to have someone fix, what your son may consider, simple problems.  Could you work with him to do some advertising?  May be get business cards and put up flyers? 

If he could manage to get 10 hours of work a week and charge $20 an hour, thats $200 a week.  ($20 an hour is not that much for computer work.)  He will probably need help getting started and keeping organized.  And he may end up with a job that is over his head.  But he can always not charge someone when he finds he can't do what they need. 

Hello All.

This is my first post on this site. I am a 26 year old male with ADD and Major Depression. I have known about the Depression and the ADD since I was a kid but was formally diagnosed when I was 21. I spent the next 5 years thinking that I could fix myself.

I have been married for 4 years to a very organized wife. She follows behind me and cleans up all of my "messes" I never told her about the ADD until about 3 months ago. I was always a little worried that she would react badly to the news. It turns out that was the best thing I could have done. My wife was able to understand why I do the little things that just drive her crazy.

I do not use my ADD as an excuse, but it is nice to read these post and truly understand how much my ADD affects my life. I have never been able to stick to a hobby for mor than a few weeks. I constantly feel the need to switch jobs, I never complete any of my projects at home. I am currently remodeling my house and have 5 rooms going at once.

Before I met my wife my credit was horrible. I had the money to pay bills but was not good at the "Small" detalis in life like remembering to pay bills every month.

I have been put on Wellbutrin 300 SR. So far I have seen some improvement. I started to feel very angry and anxious, so my Dr. put me on Lexapro as well. The Lexapro and Wellbutrin seem to work pretty well together.

Well thats my story. I have never really submitted posts before (1 or 2 times) and I thought it may be good to talk a little bit about my ADD. I have a problem with admitting to my Depression and ADD.

Z-ADD

Something that I forgot to add to my post.

Granted I am not a Dr. but I have learned so things re: meds that I have seen some poeple wondering about.

For those that take Depression meds that cause Sexual side effects, speak to your Dr. about adding Wellbutrin. In some peopel Wellbutrin has a good sexual effect and it can in some cases eliminate, or lessen the negative side effects your anti-depressant causes.

I have also heard alot of people say that Wellbutrin causes them to become more anxious or angry. Adding Lexapor or another med to help with Anxiety can help medigate that as well.

Z-ADD

This is my first post on this site. I am a 26 year old male with ADD and Major Depression. I have known about the Depression and the ADD since I was a kid but was formally diagnosed when I was 21. I spent the next 5 years thinking that I could fix myself.

I have been married for 4 years to a very organized wife. She follows behind me and cleans up all of my "messes" I never told her about the ADD until about 3 months ago. I was always a little worried that she would react badly to the news. It turns out that was the best thing I could have done. My wife was able to understand why I do the little things that just drive her crazy.

I do not use my ADD as an excuse, but it is nice to read these post and truly understand how much my ADD affects my life. I have never been able to stick to a hobby for mor than a few weeks. I constantly feel the need to switch jobs, I never complete any of my projects at home. I am currently remodeling my house and have 5 rooms going at once.

Before I met my wife my credit was horrible. I had the money to pay bills but was not good at the "Small" detalis in life like remembering to pay bills every month.

I have been put on Wellbutrin 300 SR. So far I have seen some improvement. I started to feel very angry and anxious, so my Dr. put me on Lexapro as well. The Lexapro and Wellbutrin seem to work pretty well together.

Well thats my story. I have never really submitted posts before (1 or 2 times) and I thought it may be good to talk a little bit about my ADD. I have a problem with admitting to my Depression and ADD.

Z-ADD[/QUOTE]Hi Z ADD, welcome to the Tapestry! I trust you'll enjoy it, and already have contributed a great thread. I'm going to copy it over to ADHD spouses, b/c we've been discussing this issue.

Here's the link:

http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&P N=1

David’s ADHD

I think a part of me was always fighting taking medication because I felt it's somehow cheating, that I should be able to get things done if I just had enough self-will and determination. I *know*, intellectually, that my ADHD is real and biological, but emotionally...

When I first began taking medication for ADHD, I was overwhelmed by the amount of quietness in my head. It was extremely scarey and made me hesitant to do anything. For the first time in my life I could actually hear my own thoughts without interruption. It's difficult to explain but I will try to explain by an analogy. It was like sitting at a rail road crossing watching as the train goes by, trying to read the graffiti written on each car, wondering what’s in each car, how long is the train and how many cars are there, does the conductor like his job and I wonder how does he get back home? The train disappears in the distance, some horn blows, the lights green and I can't remember what my last thought was...:( Driving forward waiting on my mind to catch up! So I can get back to what I was supposed to be doing. I have become accustomed to the diverting traffic in my head, but now on medication the traffic has come to an immediate halt. But, because of my experience, I am afraid it might be a trick to get me in the middle of the road, where the train would come speeding down the track and kill me. With Adderall I have gained the ability to stay focused and trust that I’m not going to lose concentration and get hit and learned that it is safe... Not jump over cars, run to the other side of the road in the wrong direction or wait for another car to go by, so that I could make it to the next safety point.

I started looking into ADD a few months ago and said "this is just like me." It angers me sometimes that I wasn't helped a long time ago. I hated school, hated my job, never really had friends ( my way or no way), and my parents were so unaware of my problem. Of course, my self esteem lacks, because I was always told that I was lazy, a dreamer, always take the easy way out, overly sensitive, never finish anything, unapproachable, etc. The knowledge coupled with the medication has given me the freedom to be able to change. In essence, however, medication does not change one; there is still work to be done. I wish that it were like a magic wand because I struggle in many areas of coping with what some view as basics.

I have been doing a lot of reading on the internet, message boards and chat. Trying to gather as much information as possible on how to implement some necessary changes, adjust to the quietness and comparing medication dosing and reactions. There are many POTENTIAL risks involved with stimulants as with ANY medication. I don't want to be scared off from them just because of the horror stories I have read and heard. When I read of people taking 10mg a day and having bad side effects, it makes me think twice about asking for a dosage increase. Although there are far more success stories than failures. On October 3 I will be 40 years old, I was diagnosed a few months ago with ADHD. I am currently prescribed Adderall xr 30 mg/once daily. I'm 6'5'' and weigh 235lbs. I have been involved in starting my own business the last year. I wake up around 3:30/4:00a.m. go to the gym and out the door to work by 7:00/7:30a.m. Business moves at the speed of life, so I never know when I am going to have a long day or a really long day.

Within the past few weeks it has become easier to recognize when the medication is increasing my concentration and focus and when it is wearing off. Taking my medication as prescribed (1x30mg) the past three months I’ve experienced about 6 hrs of focus and concentration max before I start to hear the train coming. I have recently decided to try taking 60mg (2x30mg) on the weekend ( I finally feel like I had one and got a few things accomplished as well) spacing out the dosing 7hrs apart starting at 5/6 a.m. this worked really well for a minimum of 12 hrs and I’m still able to fall asleep at a decent hour. Monday through Friday I have either skipped a day or taken a total of 60mg (2x30mg) 6hrs apart. More often than not my business requires me to work late physically and mentally. First I tried taking my dose later in the day, but that’s like putting out a forest fire with a squirt gun, might as well let it burn its self out. So, I have realized that taking one 30mg is just not enough for the entire day. I feel worse in the afternoon (around 1p.m./2p.m.) than if I didn’t take any medication at all (falling back on caffeine).

I've had a really good few months: clarity, depression better (because I can think better), less squirming, better concentration, etc. Not a single bad effect, and I have had no adverse effects from the med. In fact, in my opinion I'm calmer, sleep better, coffee consumption reduced dramatically, my appetite is fine ( not taking Zantac on a daily basis) and certainly not having any negative effects on my sex life ( because we get along better). I exercise (cardio and weights) almost every day. My personal relationships as well as social have improved dramatically. When I hear of these horror stories people tell about Adderall it leaves me to believe that they must not suffer from the same thing I have for the last 40yrs. The medication creates an instant quietness in my head which has given me the ability to attempt to change many of my ingrained coping with ADHD mechanisms... I realize the medication is not magic. Yet, it is so much better than it ever was prior to the medication. Now I know, I have spent most of my life unaware of my behavior, and these behaviors have greatly impacted the quality of my life and the lives of those around me. For example my poor time management, confusion, interrupting others, poor study skills and even overeating have fostered low self-esteem and ill with others.

When it comes down to it, I personally believe that every individual should weigh their options and choose what's best for them. For me, it is to take Adderall. Yes, there are many potential side effects from it, but you only get one chance at life, and for me, I would rather spend my life at least somewhat "put-together."

Quite frankly, every drug has its dangers and side effects....it's a matter of what works for a particular person.

I'm finally being treated and I'm looking forward to a better and successful life ;)

David Mauller

Sunday, August 21, 2005

It's just too cool to hear how much meds can help someone.  Thanks for sharing your experience.  I suspect that sexual side effects would have affected me more as well, but like you said:  The communication's better/I'm "better" thus the relationship is better and that results in a much happier Mister.  Congratulations! Keep posting . . .

Hi  My name is Heather and I'm new to adhd. They think my dd is adhd. But I can't find any one to help me. She is 5 and i'm not sure what to do could some one help me ???         &nb sp;   

ok, here's the short version...

i didn't do ANYTHING in school, but managed to get As and Bs... then i went to college.

i failed out after my junior year... they thought i had depression, but my first (of 5) senior year, i was dxed...

now i'm 28 and still living with my parents.  i have a finance degree, but i work part time as a teller (but usually get the hours of full time).  i really like my job, but i can't afford to move out  and have no health ins. 

people are pushing me to actually DO something with my degree, but i don't really like finance and would really rather stay where i am.

only 4 close friends know about my adhd b/c my mother thinks it is something cooked up by docs and parents to drug their kids so they'll sit quietly and watch tv.  the scary part is my mother was a teacher.  she tells people she knows who's kids have it that she really saw what a benefit ritalin was to the kids she had in class, then when they leave she complains that the only problem with their kids is that the parents don't discipline them enough.

i was so well disciplined that even now i'm still scared to do anything that might make her mad...  anything that's not the way SHE thinks it should be done.  i've only recently started to figure out who i am (apart from who she expects me to be).

Hey, Lilo, I believe I fully understand where you're coming from.  The only way I got good grades & covered my ADHD behaviour was through fear & shame.  And that's BS.  Those two negative factors may be great motivators but they have nasty repercussions as you age, I assure you.  Not healthy at all unless you start denouncing them NOW.  I'm forty & still wonder precisely what age I need to be to not worry what my parents think, or smoke a cigarette in public without having to apologize to the world for my irresponsible, abberant behaviour.  

Two flags jump right out as possibilities:  Your mom/Teachers see ADHD as a form of "mental retardation"--nothing your own mother would want to acknowledge since I assume you came from her & there's the biological thread (that would mean her having to admit she may have it too--& a fear reaction like that can be mean & nasty when parents don't want to accept certain things--believe you me)--the other is your mom's a TEACHER--wouldn't your having ADHD basically proclaim to all the world that her chosen profession, and thusly her performance in such, is "a failure" because she's a teacher & you're not already discovering Pi & Rocket Science? 

Hang tight--we will support you!

Find that Lady and give her a big for all of us!

And a O of 

!

Hi Lilo,

May I quote you on that?

I'm kind 'an ADvocate, and this si the message I preach.

Thank you sooooo much for sharing this.

U R NOT stupid.

U R Precious!



I am not stupid. I am precious...

...but to whom?

Being ADD is soooo lonely, isn't it?

Lilo--you're right--your mom perhaps shouldn't be bragging if her own daughter does not feel comfortable enough with her own mother to be able to tell her incredibly pertinent & initially upsetting news like your diagnosis.  I really feel for you. 

I want you to feel so positive about how great ADHD can be that you don't care who knows and can force some open-mindedness into those around you who apparently are still very much in need of being less judgmental and look at themselves first.  I don't understand someone who is dispassionate with their children.

Hang in there, sweeetie!  You should be PROUD.  You belong to a very elite club!

here i am still living with my parents

Lilo--PS:  I would TOTALLY still live with my parents if they'd let me.  Except I have kids & a husband--but if I were still in school & getting to wait tables.  I MISS being a child--I never wanted to stop.  Some would say that I never have stopped.  I hate stopping anything.

 and doing a job that only requires a high school diploma.. 

I am a RECEPTIONIST at a Law Firm, albeit #47 out of the top 1OO rated by Fortune Magazine, but I am just a receptionist.  Who's "wasting" all her college.  But I don't see it that way.  I love to serve people & welcome & host them & accomodate.  And I like the pretend "security" of having a 9-6 job--it makes me feel like a Grown-Up & appear responsible to others.  I feel I'm incredibly "responsible" anyway, but it's not enough.  I have to have the appearance of it as well, due to the insecurities I still have yet to shed.

You are not alone--don't ever forget--you are as great as you really know yourself, deep down inside--without anyone ELSE'S opinion.

Hi  My name is Heather and I'm new to adhd. They think my dd is adhd. But I can't find any one to help me. She is 5 and i'm not sure what to do could some one help me ???         &am p;nb sp;   

[/QUOTE]

Heather,

I thought my Darling Daughter was Add or Adhd when she was in PreK but they won't diagnose that early.  I had to Be a strong Advocate for her to get the Help she needs.  I am so glad to read about the adults who have handled it and went on with their lives.   We have to make sure Our children don't miss out on the help that they need and the respect they deserve. 

 My dd is loving, outgoing, perceptive, and friendly because I allowed her to be the active and independent person she is with my loving support.  She can be all alone and happy or the center of a group of kids at the local McDonalds. 

I am very proud of her and if my getting her diagnosed early and on something that will help her then I am going to do it even if my family say "She is just active.  She will grow out of it. " It has helped her learn to read well enought to get Commended on the TAX test in reading for 3rd grade, when she was going to fail in 1st!

Posted: August 31 2005 at 5:58pm | IP Logged I have been suffering from adhd since ive been just a kid, I dont know if it is adhd or a mental disorder. I am 19 now, have had it for god knows how long. I suffer from depression dont know if that is from adhd but this is how I feel.           Always have negetive thoughts going through my head how stupid I am, what is wrong with me ill never be good at anything. Can't even name half the things I think about on a daily bases, constantly think about life after death or anything said I have a negetive thought for, happyness is hard to come by.     I always am interupting people in the middle of what they are saying, and I talk way to much once I get going I cant stop and feel stupid at some of the things I say cause I cant keep focused on the task im trying to do. So to entertain myself I just talk and say random things in which are stupid movies, tv, freinds in the middle of important tasks.     I misplace everything and am always second guessing myself, at work im always cought doing something wrong. And then trying to remember what I did wrong is impossible "where the flaw was" so I make up lies to not make myself feel stupid. When people are talking to me I must listen carfully at everything there saying which isent an easy task, "does'nt quite click". When it comes to focusing in on things like reading or something, my mind just stops thinking and I goes into a somewhat mental daydream. Where my mind is resting itself in the middle of a task. I feel almost detached from all my surroundings people talking, boxes moveing, draws shutting, bird chirping.     It is like being in another world, that's my best way to describe it. Nothing feels real everything to me is just a thought in my mind. As if I dont exist, a colour form, leforic, in so many words the best way I could describe it is detached from humanity. It seems when I drink it fixes these things not completely but it does help, makes me more aware, confident, and relaxed. I see myself becomeing an alcoholic therefor I must get to the bottom of this I can't live like this any longer.     If anyone else is liveing the same lifestyle, or has please fill me in on how you eased it or even cured it, I dont take any medication for it but if it works I sure as hell will this has been such a burden my entire life from as long as I can remember. Thank you for your time. Edited by Alwayshot on August 31 2005 at 6:10pm __________________ Anon

trying to remember what I did wrong is impossible "where the flaw was" so I make up lies to not make myself feel stupid.AlwaysShot:  I used to make up lies about stuff I never even did because I was more interested in pleasing the people accusing me--is that sick or what?  One time when I was a teenager my parents said "We know what you did wrong & until you tell us yourself you are going to sit on that bench indefinitely"--they called it benching.  So on the third day I decided to say that I took some pills from a girl at school so I could get off the bench & my parents would quit shunning me.  I can't STAND people who won't be up-front with you & keep shi* inside--it seems very selfish to me.  So all the while you're carrying on your day-to-day activities/conversations with them & they're like secretly hating you inside & smiling in your face.

Go get your insurance to find a "mental Health Provider" that specializes in ADHD in your area.  Meds can really help & you sound so miserable.  And don't forget to pray.  God wants you to be happy.

[QUOTE=Deanne]What is DX???[/QUOTE] DX is shorthand for diagnosed.

Like RX is for prescription, DX is for diagnosis.

MX is also used colloquially for medication or medicine.

MX is also used for Mexico. But not around here.

OCD is another one bantied about, but I forget what it means.

Occupational Compulsive Disorder, or SLT

SLT is something like that.

AD/HD is ADHD or ADD.

AD is attention deficit, which can refer to either ADHD or ADD.

There's a lot of players on words around here, so double proof your understanding, which is a recommendation I do not follow myself. I prefer to follow my elf, and to jump conclusions.

I have been suffering from adhd since ive been just a kid, Me2, sort of. I don't suffer from ADHD, I rather get a kick out of it. It has served me well, once I learned how it works and how to harness the benefits, like creativity and energy, and mitigate the detriments, like not finishing things or organizing well. I dont know if it is adhd or a mental disorder. A person can have more than one issue at the same time (co-morbidity), but it is probably a great case of ADHD. Seen a doctor that specializes in it? You wouldn't go to a gynecologist for brain surgery. I am 19 now, I'm a 49r, and been on meds since 42 have had it for god knows how long. ALL your life. One of your parents, or both, have it, too. I suffer from depression dont know if that is from adhd but this is how I feel. Most definitely there is ADHD related depression, b/c of the situations you get into b/c of the ADHD. I call it situational depression, which is quite different from clinical depression, which a result of a chemical imbalance between the nerve cells in your brain. However, so is AD, but of a different, though related, neurotransmitter group, and it is quite possible there is comorbidity in your case. Seen a doctor yet? That specializes in ADHD, not just depression. Some anti-D's are also helpful in AD, but not fully in classic cases. So, you end up taking a couple different meds, like at different times of the day, etc.
    
      Always have negetive thoughts going through my head how stupid I am, what is wrong with me ill never be good at anything. I'm sorry, but you really aren't stupid. Is a nearsighted kid without glasses stupid b/c he can't see the blackboard and what the teacher is writing? Is a polio crippled child stupid b/c he can't keep up with his mates? Is a hearing impaired teenager stupid b/c they can't hear what the teacher is saying? Is an AD person stupid b/c they can't follow through to the end of the conversation that the teacher is saying? The teacher is the stupid one for not paying attention to every student in their class, assuming that there is a common denominator. Bah. So, get the future lawyer some corrective glasses. Get the future President of the United States a wheel chair. Get the future engineer a hearing aid. Get the future artist, scientist, inventor, & creator, some Ritalin. Can't even name half the things I think about on a daily bases, constantly think about life after death careful here, this is a sign of depression (but I personally believe in life after death) or anything said I have a negetive thought for, happyness is hard to come by. Life is like that, seems to steal joy. I remember a puppet in Sunday school named Joy Stealer, and he sure tried. But rarely succeeded, if one knew how to deal with situations that are tough.

    I always am interupting people in the middle of what they are saying, and I talk way to much once I get going I cant stop and feel stupid at some of the things I say cause I cant keep focused on the task im trying to do. So to entertain myself I just talk and say random things in which are stupid movies, tv, freinds in the middle of important tasks. Me2. With a big 2. So find a job that allows for that, and you'll excel.

    I misplace everything and am always second guessing myself, at work im always cought doing something wrong. Yup. So develop coping mechanisms. That's what we're here for. We share ideas as to what's worked for us. And you can pick and choose for yourself, b/c some you'll like, and others you won't. And you won't need them all. And then trying to remember what I did wrong is impossible "where the flaw was" so I make up lies to not make myself feel stupid. Or to get your way, or what you want. I do it to. Not good, but...I'm working on it. When people are talking to me I must listen carfully at everything there saying which isent an easy task, "does'nt quite click". I take freakin' notes during arguments...I carry 2 pens, 2 notepads, a laptop, and a PDA when I can remember to charge it up. When it comes to focusing in on things like reading or something, my mind just stops thinking and I goes into a somewhat mental daydream. Very common AD thing. So I have 6 or 7 things I'm reading, and it'll take me a month, but eventually I'll read them all, and in the same way I scattered my attention reading the books, they'll accrete when needed and I'll have what I need at the time I need it. And if I've forgotten something, then the ADHD steps in and creates a solution with insufficient data. Intuitiveness. Where my mind is resting itself in the middle of a task. I feel almost detached from all my surroundings people talking, boxes moveing, draws shutting, bird chirping. Yeah, me2. Sometimes my kids'll have to say my name several times, or wave their hand, or shake me to get me to snap out of it. I call it drifting the riff (brain in neutral).

    It is like being in another world, that's my best way to describe it.It is. And properly harnessed, normal people can't keep up. There's some fear in that for them, so they tend to be misunderstanding and overcontrolling of ADs around them. Which only notches up the crank on us. Nothing feels real everything to me is just a thought in my mind. As if I dont exist, a colour form, leforic, in so many words the best way I could describe it is detached from humanity. Careful there, again that's more depression related, I think. Therefore I am. I think. It seems when I drink it fixes these things not completely but it does help, makes me more aware, confident, and relaxed. It will. But it can lead to other problems, like bad livers. We call it self-medicating, which is an subconsious way of treating our symptoms. My way was with drugs, and adrenaline rushes. Getting the cops to chase me was my favorite, and not getting caught. Or if caught, getting out of it. I see myself becomeing an alcoholic therefor I must get to the bottom of this I can't live like this any longer.

    If anyone else is liveing the same lifestyle, or has please fill me in on how you eased it learned about it, take my meds, talk to others like this or even cured it, I'm sure there's those'll claim miracle cures, but the miracle comes from perspective, and the energy to stick to the coping mechanisms as part of the solutions. I dont take any medication for it but if it works I sure as hell will this has been such a burden my entire life from as long as I can remember. Go see a doc, Kid. You'll do fine.

Thank you for your time.   You're welcome. Thanks for trusting us.[/QUOTE]

I second that, ornado. 

OCD is another one bantied about, but I forget what it means.  davidO,  I never believe you when you say this.  But OCD stands for OBSSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE Disorder.

alwaysHot:  You'll be better soon . . . take the meds when you get them & just do life in baby steps as much as you can handle.  Even if it's only to the next fifteen minutes.  Think up your plan & feel secure, knowing that you are your own Mastermind!  What do they say?  "In life, just showing up (each day, to whatever it is you have to do) is more than half the battle.  By this token phrase, I have been able to keep myself gainfully employed & not pissed off my husband too much.  It is the way I keep the general population from being pissed  at me or having bad things happen that "leave a mark".  Just keep showin' up!

Or it can mean OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS but it probably doesn't in this situation. 

I hope this doesn't confuse you Davido.  I work for a veterinarian and we use OCD but we also have OCD's that lick themselves so much that they make sores. 

DavidO Please don't start licking yourself.   

My daughter went to her counselor yesterday.  I had never stayed while she talked to him.  I stayed this time.  He was trying to talk to her about going to the Boys and Girls Club, which she hates.  He would try to start to talk to her and she would listen for a minute responde to one question then she would bring up a completely different  subject by asking him about something he had in the office.  At the end of the session he said I should have to pay him $2000.00 because she made him work so hard.   She also used a different voice whenever she talked to him about the subject he wanted to talk about.  When she asked him a question she would use her regular voice. 

Okay does this sound usual for all children or at least all ADHD children?  Just asking. 

Lick lick.... hmmmm, not bad!

Oh, yuck! I'ts the aftertaste that gets you...

Okay does this sound usual for all children or at least all ADHD children?  Just asking.[/QUOTE]

Dear_mom,

No, this doesn't sound like AD/HD. Sounds more like something else. Why does she hate the club, and how old is she? What'd the doctor say?

a DadD

Dear_mom,

No, this doesn't sound like AD/HD. Sounds more like something else. Why does she hate the club, she hates the club because she is teased and made fun of and the head of the place doesn't like her.  He doesn't like that when he puts her on the wall for a timeout that she will spend it sitting on her head or having a puppet show with her hands.  He is the Army Sargent yeller type.   and how old is she? just turned 9  What'd the doctor say?  He tried to show her that she gave her power to who ever was making fun of her by trying to make them stop.  He played a game with her where she made fun of the doctor and he tried to make her quit by getting angry and upset.  She of course just laughed and kept going.  When He allowed her to make fun of him and just agreed with what she said she didn't want to keep going.   I think she got the idea but she just didn't want to talk about a difficult subject.  Maybe I should have asked if this was usual for very smart kids. 

a DadD

Definitely NOT in David's case!

HA!  I practically pee'd myself over that one.  Hopefully he can't reach!  Love ya' DavidBaby!

HopeFullmother:  That is totally par for the course, especially for a bright intelligent child, particularly a girl, in my opinion.  If you have any power to do so, keep her going to the doctor--she will begin to develop a "relationship" there--this will instill trust, and bolster communication & honestly open her mind to other possibilities (which smart people always love), and the best thing is it will make her feel WAY MORE CONFIDENT, which it sounds like she needs genuinely:   It's one thing to ACT that way--believe me, I know.  It's the absolute polar opposite to really FEEL that way about yourself.  Does she have a Dad @ home, or father figure or uncle around on a regular basis?  If not, this is even more crucial.  Keep us posted!

Definitely NOT in David's case!

HA!  I practically pee'd myself over that one.  Hopefully he can't reach!  Love ya' DavidBaby!

[QUOTE=Hopefull_mother]No, this doesn't sound like AD/HD. Sounds more like something else. Why does she hate the club, she hates the club because she is teased and made fun of and the head of the place doesn't like her.  He doesn't like that when he puts her on the wall for a timeout that she will spend it sitting on her head or having a puppet show with her hands.  He is the Army Sargent yeller type.   and how old is she? just turned 9  What'd the doctor say?  He tried to show her that she gave her power to who ever was making fun of her by trying to make them stop.  He played a game with her where she made fun of the doctor and he tried to make her quit by getting angry and upset.  She of course just laughed and kept going.  When He allowed her to make fun of him and just agreed with what she said she didn't want to keep going.   I think she got the idea but she just didn't want to talk about a difficult subject.  Maybe I should have asked if this was usual for very smart kids.[/QUOTE]

Well, now maybe it's her way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation, and she's like avoiding the pain it causes. This is not a safe place for her. This is okay for a child, but can lead to issues when she's older. I would reconsider putting her in stressful or traumatic environments without your personal supervision for awhile. Did you ask her why she was doing it?

I was just diagnosed at 26 a week and a half ago with adult ADHD.......................

I came through a long road to get there and figure out what the problem was. I was in early childhood classes for 2 years. (when i was 5 and 6) The teachers noted my inattention since I used to space out in activities. Or I'd be preoccupied with some of the toys while everyone else came into the circle or at the table when playtime was over. A lot of times, they had to get me to come back and it took me awhile. Both had to drop what they were doing with other kids to get me to come back. I was also very hyper and threw a lot of temper tantrums and cried a lot. Id play "too rough" a lot of the times according to them and had to "calm down."

They had to work one on one with me a lot since I got too difficult to handle in a group of kids. Lots of times if something upset me in group, I would throw a fit right there with the other kids there or I'd be spacing out beyond belief, so thats why they did one on one. I also had speech problems and had to go to speech classes up until 5th grade. I had to wear braces for 3 years on my legs since I had inward feet and to straighten them. I went through a lot of torment from kids throuugh then and through kindergarten. (part of it)

I don't know if this was because of the 80s or uneducated faculty at the time, but I hadnt got diagnosed then, to my knowledge with adhd and didnt see a doctor.

I can remember my school years just being horrible. Tormented by peers for my temper tantrums, and being bullied on a continous basis. I was called "didy diapers" and "spaz" and "crybaby" a  lot.

Through school, I had the inattentive problems, I walked out of classes or skipped classes at times since I needed to move due to my hyperactivity. I hid out in bathrooms and media centers, in the playground, and caroused the whole school when I just had to go to the bathroom and making noises and faces at people in classes. Teachers always had to get me back. My procrastination was awful for getting things in and mom had to often do them with me or did it by herself. I only did the stuff I was interested in. She had to stand over me like a drill seargent just to get me to do things and I lied to her about my homework lots since I always got wrapped up in  something eventually and forgot and it was the worst torture. I forgot to do chores and let the dogs out on lots of occaisons too due to distraction. I was the queen of disorganization and everyone had a hang up with that. And  I aways lost assignments or when i got home realized they were there. My room was disorganization city too....everything was really.

I always embarrased people like Mom and peers with my hyperacitivity and lost friends over it. My remaining friends had to baby sit me in public practically and keep me under control.  And say if I wasnt good, we wouldnt be going shopping next time, etc etc... I was told to get out of peoples houses and public places due to my hyperacitivity.

I was also lil ms chatterbox dubbed by my mother and interrupted a lot of times with people or blurted things out or spoiled surprises as a result. People in and out of the family hated it. I was always on the go and out a lot as I became an older kid. Mom had to round me up plenty of times from public places due to my being on the go too much, or i got grounded for violating my curfew a ton. Sometimes I still went out since i needed to go.  I've also been impulsive with money and spending since I got my hands on money practically for the first time.I got into a few physical fights with kids due to my temper and them provoking me and some in house suspensions. For every other discrepancy they always sent me to the guidance counselour through school. ANd i had to sit and talk with him or her about my behavior.  And, parent teacher conferences at times.....where she got called in...fun...

I was also in 1999 admitted to a psych unit due to a break down. I had to go to a group home/ supervised living for thus far 7 years. (Im moving in a month out of there finally though) I also did a lot of SI from 13 and up and told i had major depression as well. I tried to k*ll myself a ton of times too. Starting at 11 and up on and off. Im also a PTSDr and have panic disorder due to  a lot of ab*se in and out of the family throughout my life. I also was an alcholholic/addict from 16 and up as well. I am now 5 years off alcholol and 3 years drug free. I am in the recovering phase with these things and havent SId for 4 years either and am working thru the ab*se issues. It was a hard life and i almost didnt make it many times as a result.

I was on meds for these things when I realized I still had the attention/hyper problems all along. ANd its whats holding me back and causing my work problems as well and into my personal life. I tried so many times to fix it myself and thought the other meds would fix it but they didnt.

I went to a certified add tester at my counseling office finally and we did the test and she took the history. And thru the test and the determination and how early iit started before the other problems she concluded that I am ADHD as well and that this was the one factor going untreated that may have spun off the other stuff. That the ADHD possibly may have been masked when i went into the mental health system and that the faculty in the schools werent educated back then like they should have been. My mom hated doctors too and never took me there. She with everyone else looked at it more like a character flaw and something i can get over. And that it was all my fault in their eyes.

I am relieved now that I know whats wrong. I'm going to be getting on the medication next Monday finally for it when i see my psychiatrist....

Wow. What a story. I haven't written mine yet...

I keep putting it off, b/c it'd take too long. I like short vignettes...

Actually, I started writing it about 8 years ago, then got sorta distracted...

Quit killing yourself, and with this diagnosis you will find your life a lot more understandable. Make sure you take meds for all your disorders, but realize that some may be combined, or others discontinued. I'm on 4 myself.

Read a book by Dr. Hallowel, 'Driven to Distraction'. It's a good first book on AD/HD.

Here's some links people seem to recommend around here. The first one is an AD/HD survey. Take it honestly before you start meds, then about 3 months later. Let us know the difference. I take it when I remember to when I change meds.

http://my.webmd.com/medical_information/health_tools/alpha_t oc.htm?z=2000_00103_1113_rx_02

http://www.newideas.net/add_types.htm

http://www.add.org/articles/index.html

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/63/72138.htm?z=5020_8100 0_0000_ta_01

Did they recommend you see a doctor immediately? Do not pass go, do not go forward, do not drive machinery under the influence, etc.? I think I scored 48 myself on the test, but that was after medication. However, my medication is diurnal, b/c it wears off in the PM.

Good luck!

By the way, here's what ADHD looks like from my point of view...

 +  *  x  !

 #  ~  =

I'm confused.  My score was 18O.  But only 29 in the "severe" category, so maybe that's what you guys are talking about?

[Well, now maybe it's her way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation, and she's like avoiding the pain it causes. This is not a safe place for her. This is okay for a child, but can lead to issues when she's older. I would reconsider putting her in stressful or traumatic environments without your personal supervision for awhile. Did you ask her why she was doing it? 

Yes! she said she wasn't doing anything.   I think you are right on all counts.  I have not put her into the boys and girls club at this time but as I am a single mother this is a difficult thing to keep up.  I am going to have to put her in because I can't afford to pay for daycare and can't stay home with her.  I have a friend watching her after school for a few weeks but as my car needs work and new tires I am afraid that is out soon.

Help! I scored a 44!  I haven't had as much problems as most of you but I still Scored a 44!  I hate to see what Jaz's score would be.  

 Friday at work someone talked to me and handed me a chart but I don't even remember them doing this because I was thinking about a Med order that I had to put in for the clinic.  I felt horrible and worried about it all weekend.  Couldn't sleep well and worried except when I had worked myself into numbness.   I do things like that all the time.  If I am thinking about something everything goes out of my mind. 

You know, this is going to sound funny, but it's really true, I think. We were joking around somewhere around here a/b not being able to sleep at night, and I said it's b/c the thoughts that we started thinking a/b all day long and got lost are just now finding their way back home, b/c we're not initiating any new thoughts that pushed out the lost thoughts that are keeping us awake.

Just wait 'til you finish hyperfocusing, and instead of counting sheep, you'll be tracking thoughts.

[QUOTE=Hopefull_mother][QUOTE=Davidornado] Well, now maybe it's her way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation, and she's like avoiding the pain it causes. This is not a safe place for her. This is okay for a child, but can lead to issues when she's older. I would reconsider putting her in stressful or traumatic environments without your personal supervision for awhile. Did you ask her why she was doing it?  [/quote]Yes! she said she wasn't doing anything.   I think you are right on all counts.  I have not put her into the boys and girls club at this time but as I am a single mother this is a difficult thing to keep up.  I am going to have to put her in because I can't afford to pay for daycare and can't stay home with her.  I have a friend watching her after school for a few weeks but as my car needs work and new tires I am afraid that is out soon.[/QUOTE]

I'm sorry things are difficult for you all. I trust things will work out. Best wishes. Keep a close eye on her, and ask her daily how things went. If anything feels amiss to you, look into it.

when I landed in the pysch ward the nurses eventually had me looking after the other patients...really peeved me off..I had to take them for walks..and wait for them to get ready..almost drove me crazy (wait..wasn't that why I was in there in the first place?)

I was very recently diagnosed with ADHD.  I am going to be 39 on the 30th of this month.  I knew there was something wrong/different about me for a very long time now.  I finally brought this to my Dr.'s attention about 5 years ago.  He quickly prescribed me meds for depression (prozac,zoloft)and the list goes on.  I told him over and over I did not think I suffered from depression but....blah blah blah.  He kept giving me the same treatment, he just wasnt listening to me. 

I finally found a new Dr.  He asked me tons of questions over the course of a few visits.  He sent me to be evaluated for ADHD and I was like WHAT?

I went back to see my regular Dr. and walked out of his office with a prescription for Adderall XR.  I dont think I have ever been this focused.  I actually cleaned one room at a time start to finish for the first time in my life.  The only thing is I feel like I start getting scatter brained midway through my day.  I am on 10mg now, but I have only been taking it for about a month now.  Can anyone tell me if this is normal and if so what did your Dr. do when this happened?

I think a part of me was always fighting taking medication because I felt it's somehow cheating, that I should be able to get things done if I just had enough self-will and determination. I *know*, intellectually, that my ADHD is real and biological, but emotionally...

When I first began taking medication for ADHD, I was overwhelmed by the amount of quietness in my head. It was extremely scarey and made me hesitant to do anything. For the first time in my life I could actually hear my own thoughts without interruption. It's difficult to explain but I will try to explain by an analogy. It was like sitting at a rail road crossing watching as the train goes by and trying to read the graffiti written on each car, wondering what’s in each car, how long is the train and how many cars are there, does the conductor like his job and I wonder how does he get back home? The train disappears in the distance, some horn blows, the lights green and I can't remember what my last thought was....... Driving forward waiting on my mind to catch up! So I can get back to what I was supposed to be doing. I have become accustomed to the diverting traffic in my head, but now on medication the traffic has come to an immediate halt. But, because of my experience, I am afraid it might be a trick to get me in the middle of the road, where the train would come speeding down the track and kill me. With Adderall I have gained the ability to stay focused and trust that I’m not going to lose concentration and get hit and learned that it is safe. Not panic and start passing cars and run to the other side of the road in the wrong direction or wait for other cars to go by, so that I could make it to the next parking lot to pull over and get my thoughts together.

I started looking into ADD a few months ago and said "this is just like me." It angers me sometimes that I wasn't helped a long time ago. I hated school, hated my job, never really had friends ( my way or no way), and my parents were so unaware of my problem. Of course, my self esteem lacks, because I was always told that I was lazy, a dreamer, always take the easy way out, overly sensitive, never finish anything, unapproachable, etc. The knowledge coupled with the medication has given me the freedom to be able to change. In essence, however, medication does not change one; there is still work to be done. I wish that it were like a magic wand because I struggle in many areas of coping with what some view as basics.

I have been doing a lot of reading on the internet, message boards and chat. Trying to gather as much information as possible on how to implement some necessary changes, adjust to the quietness and comparing medication dosing and reactions. There are many POTENTIAL risks involved with stimulants as with ANY medication. I don't want to be scared off from them just because of the horror stories I have read and heard. When I read of people taking 10mg a day and having bad side effects, it makes me think twice about asking for a dosage increase. Although there are far more success stories than failures. On October 3 I will be 40 years old, I was diagnosed a few months ago with ADHD. I am currently prescribed Adderall xr 30 mg/once daily. I'm 6'5'' and weigh 235lbs. I have been involved in starting my own business the last year. I wake up around 3:30/4:00a.m. go to the gym and out the door to work by 7:00/7:30a.m. Business moves at the speed of life, so I never know when I am going to have a long day or a really long day.

Within the past few months it has become easier to recognize when the medication is increasing my concentration and focus and when it is wearing off. Taking my medication as prescribed (1x30mg) the past three months, I’ve experienced about 5 hrs of focus and concentration max before I start to hear the train coming. More often than not my business requires me to work late physically and mentally. I tried taking my dose later in the day, but that’s like putting out a forest fire with a squirt gun, might as well let it burn its self out. I feel on and off again in the afternoon starting around 1p.m./2p.m. The release of the medication is unpredictable especially after the first initial hrs of focus. Taking it later in the day just seems as if the hrs of focus are spread apart (not all in a row) and this effect seems to make me feel unusually tired. So, I have realized that taking one 30mg xr is just not enough for the entire day. I understand the extended release capsules were designed for easier dosage control for children and to control potential abuse of the medication. With my financial situation being more of a concern than the potential to abuse my medication, I will not be able to continue my treatment if I have to take more Adderall xr. The cost of #30 Adderall xr 30mg is $125 and there is not a generic substitute. Through my research online and asking the pharmacy, I have found that the cost of regular Adderall and Ritalin is much less and there is a generic substitute. I am not interested in taking non-stimulant substitutes. My doctor added 20mg Ritalin, I am taking one daily at approximately 5pm. The Ritalin is helping fill the "afternoon gap" and the generic brand cost much less.

I've had a really good few months: Clarity, depression better (because I can think better), less squirming, better concentration, etc. Not a single bad effect, and I have had no adverse effects from the med. In fact, in my opinion I'm calmer, sleep better, coffee consumption reduced dramatically, my appetite is fine ( not taking Zantac on a daily basis) and certainly not having any negative effects on my sex life ( because we get along better). I exercise (cardio and weights) almost every day. My personal relationships as well as social have improved dramatically. When I hear of these horror stories people tell about Adderall it leaves me to believe that they must not suffer from the same thing I have for the last 40yrs. The medication creates an instant quietness in my head which has given me the ability to attempt to change many of my ingrained coping with ADHD mechanisms... I realize the medication is not magic. Yet, it is so much better than it ever was prior to the medication. Now I know, I have spent most of my life unaware of my behavior, and these behaviors have greatly impacted the quality of my life and the lives of those around me. For example my poor time management, confusion, interrupting others, poor study skills and even overeating have fostered low self-esteem and ill with others.

When it comes down to it, I personally believe that every individual should weigh their options and choose what's best for them. For me, it is to take Adderall. Yes, there are many potential side effects from it, but you only get one chance at life, and for me, I would rather spend my life at least somewhat "put-together."

Quite frankly, every drug has its dangers and side effects..it's a matter of what works for a particular person.

I'm finally being treated and I'm looking forward to a better and successful life ;)

David Mauller

Thursday, September22, 2005

My stepson is on Metadate XR and Risperdal for his ADHD. His father just found out yesterday that he has been having seizures and hallucinating at school. We also just found out the mother dont take him to the doctor like she should, she just calls the doctor and tells him that he has been "acting up" and that he needs his dosage upped. Well, the stupid doctor does it without even talking to or seeing the little boy. He is only 8 yrs old and small for his age. The mother refuses to let the father talk to his doctor about what is wrong with him. We only know what SHE wants us to know. She even had the child put in a mental hospital when he was 6. She lied to him and told him he wasnt staying. She told him that she was going downstairs to get her a soda, she left. When he realized she left, he cried. Begging her to come back. When we went to see him the weekend we were allowed to visit, he begged and cried for us to take him home. The doctor asked my husband who we were, he was shocked to see us. He said he was told that his father has nothing to do with him. This one doctor did tell us what was wrong, he said the child is watching to much tv and not getting outside to play with kids his own age.

Maybe he does need to be on med's for his ADHD, but I do not believe this child is bipolar or schizophrenia. I think the child needs attention. He gets NONE from him mother. I love this child like he is my own. We havent seen him since June and we have a courtdate for the 4th of Oct. and this time, we are suing for custody. I am taking him to a doctor who will listen to the child and not the adult. The child knows what is going in on his mind, not me or his father. He knows what he is feeling, WE dont. I am getting his eyeglasses that his mother refuses. I will do what a mother should do for their child. I will not ignore him, I will listen to him and try to help him. Well, enough about my complaining.

[QUOTE=Davidornado] [QUOTE=terrie]I'm confused.  My score was 18O.  But only 29 in the "severe" category, so maybe that's what you guys are talking about?[/QUOTE]

hey ter,

I have no idea what they're talking a/b, either. my score was 9, but they recommended I have severe work, family, and social problems, and that I should see a doctor ASAP!

Was she "so vibrant she was spinning?" (Seinfeld Desk Reference)

So I went out on a date with a geriatric pediatrician. She was fine to see!
[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=dwm3576] . . . I could actually hear my own thoughts without interruption . . ."[/QUOTE]

Frankly that scares the absolute crap out of me.  That is why I must have as close to what I consider quiet as little as possible.  And why it's impossible for me to fall alseep without the TV on.  It's too scary to think what could pop in there if I left room in my brain & "turned off the volume" for old childhood memories to creep in there & such.  Thankfully, I have not yet experienced this on Adderall.

[QUOTE=stepmomofone]She even had the child put in a mental hospital when he was 6. She lied to him and told him he wasnt staying. She told him that she was going downstairs to get her a soda, she left. When he realized she left, he cried. Begging her to come back. When we went to see him the weekend we were allowed to visit, he begged and cried for us to take him home. [/QUOTE]

I am aggressively trying to hold back tears at the front desk of my office.  I want the woman who did the above action shot in the head.  I don't care if she was abandoned.  I cannot tolerate people who pull that kind of sh*t on their kids.  His trust in her (& probably everyone else) is gone forever.  Please, please, please tel me that he was rescued soon after.  That would give me nightmares.  Like when my parents would be taking me to school & all of a sudden they throw a uniform in the backseat & tell me to change & drive me to a new school.  No being deceitfully sneaky or kidnapping your child.  Those memories will never leave me & are probably why I soon started searching for constant chain-boyfriends immediately after.  I did not trust my parents so I had to start "creating a family of my own" (sans the children, of course).

This poor little boy is so lucky to have you.  God bless you for loving & caring for him SO MUCH!  I will pray that you get custody.  God will look out for him.

Q:  Why was Six scared of Seven ?

A:  Because 7, 8, 9 !

Q:  Why was Six scared of Seven ?

A:  Because 7, 8, 9 !

[/QUOTE]

I give up, why?

mikeflockman:  I'm sincerely sorry your mom had the ignorance to call you dumb.  NO ONE IS DUMB, unless they're physically unable to speak.  You sound very intelligent to me, & regardless, no parent belongs putting their child down.  I'm assuming she had parents that did that to her, not that that's an excuse, but I'm sorry about that for you.  You MUST know you are really smart.  You were very wise to come to these boards--I accolade your independence & seeking others for advice & to talk to.  I think you are probably much smarter than you realize.  And I've got a big enough ego to think I'm brilliant, so there:  Take it from me!  Please keep coming back--there are a lot of really cool people here to ask questions of & they know a LOT.  See you soon!

Q:  Why was Six scared of Seven ?

A:  Because 7, 8, 9 !

[/QUOTE]

I give up, why?

[/QUOTE]

Because Seven Ate Nine . . . I suspect you are mocking me in public!  I know you got the answer above . . .

[QUOTE=mike flockmen]the kids at my skool think im a freak because i listen to crazy fast music and keep to myself. i cant talk to people because i get confused with what im saying. my mom thinks im dumb. well she tells me that. my friend jamie hangs out and plays doom with me though. he is kool. but we dont talk much. I think he is gay. [/QUOTE]

PS--I listen to insanely fast music only, as well.  And I just turned 4O.  It totally makes me feel better when I'm sick or something, too!  I can't tolerate anything slower--it drives me nuts!

Q:  Why was Six scared of Seven ?

A:  Because 7, 8, 9 !

[/QUOTE]

I give up, why?

[/QUOTE]

Because Seven Ate Nine . . . I suspect you are mocking me in public!  I know you got the answer above . . .

And smiled!!!

Now I'm laughing, loosely...

I have been diagnosed with ADHD now for 3 weeks and have been placed on Straterra.  My story starts with extreme adrenaline needs.  I have always been pretty much an adrenaline junkie and this has helped in some of my endeavors including work.  I am in a high-end sales role that requires me to thrive on stress and the thrill of the hunt and closing of a large deal.  I always thought I was just Type A.  More recently, I have noticed that I have trouble with focusing, can't sit still in meetings, have tried some illicit drugs and basically just destructive behavior.  I guess I have always had these symptoms, but I never NOTICED them.  My wife (newly married for the first time after 35 years) thought that I might have ADD.  I made an appointment and after several appointments, he thought that I was nearly textbook for ADHD. 

My problem now is that I am on Strattera and I feel so fatigued and slow.  Almost as if I am in a euphoric state.  I am focused and have no desire for adrenaline seeking activities or drug use, but I just don't feel right.  I am so tired and since I have been on Strattera, I just have no sexual desire. 

I am not sure which is better.....

Anyone else feel this way on Strattera?

Strattera sucks, from what I've heard.  Try Adderall/XR.  It's superior.  I've unfortunately only heard bad things/experiences about Strattera, mostly on this board.  There was a topic thread regarding it as well, so you may want to plug that into the search on the first message page thingy.  I only found out I had ADHD when I was 33--all the time before I just thought I was energetic & brilliant with the ability to hyperfocus like a prodigy!  Welcome to our elite association!

No sh*T!  I am newly diagnosed at 35..

I always thought I was just an extrovert with an uncanny ability to brush my teeth, listen to the radio, make a phone call, go to the bathroom and work on crosswords all at the same time.

Thanks for the heads up on Strattera.  I'll check the board. 

The nice thing is that I don't have the eighty things I need to complete constantly running through my head!  I like that part....  But the fatigue is killing me.  I have to catch a plane at 5:00 and I am wondering if I can fit in a nap.  Sh*t, I have never taken naps unless I was hungover. 

I guess this is an elite association!

Thanks for the words of wisdom.

[QUOTE=MickeyBlueEyes]

Hello, I'm a new-bee...

I have been diagnosed with ADHD now for 3 weeks and have been placed on Straterra.  My story starts with extreme adrenaline needs.  I have always been pretty much an adrenaline junkie and this has helped in some of my endeavors including work.  I am in a high-end sales role that requires me to thrive on stress and the thrill of the hunt and closing of a large deal.  I always thought I was just Type A.  More recently, I have noticed that I have trouble with focusing, can't sit still in meetings, have tried some illicit drugs and basically just destructive behavior.  I guess I have always had these symptoms, but I never NOTICED them.  My wife (newly married for the first time after 35 years) thought that I might have ADD.  I made an appointment and after several appointments, he thought that I was nearly textbook for ADHD. 

My problem now is that I am on Strattera and I feel so fatigued and slow.  Almost as if I am in a euphoric state.  I am focused and have no desire for adrenaline seeking activities or drug use, but I just don't feel right.  I am so tired and since I have been on Strattera, I just have no sexual desire. 

I am not sure which is better.....

Anyone else feel this way on Strattera?

[/QUOTE]

I was just diagnosed with ADD at the begining of this month. My doctor has me on Adderall xr 20mg. and it has dramatically improved my focus and it has not made me feel tired. I have only been on it for 2 weeks though.

I have really found this board helpful. I can relate to so many people on here. In addition to my problem with focus, I also am very spontaneous, unable to make plans, I'm indecisive and find myself involved with dangerous hobbies which involve lots of adrenaline. I forget what I was talking about, while I'm talking... and sometimes feel overwhelmed with my thoughts. Almost like I'm unable to seperate them? Overall, I have always felt unorganized.  Like you, I just thought that my symptoms were normal for me.

I would go back to you doctor and ask if there is an alternative medication that you could try. I'm not a doctor, but Adderall sounds like it would help you too. Ask your doctor!

Best of Luck!

Daniel   

Strattera sucks, from what I've heard.  Try Adderall/XR.  It's superior.  I've unfortunately only heard bad things/experiences about Strattera, mostly on this board.  There was a topic thread regarding it as well, so you may want to plug that into the search on the first message page thingy.  I only found out I had ADHD when I was 33--all the time before I just thought I was energetic & brilliant with the ability to hyperfocus like a prodigy!  Welcome to our elite association!

Thx for your supplement, davie!  I'll check it out as soon as I finish payroll . . . in about a trillion years!

I am a mess emotionally and physically.

My husband has ADD, my step daughter has Tourettes and my son and daughter have ADHD. My daughter is in Kinder,and my son PreK. I have been getting reports from school everyday that my kids did this or that. My daughter is in Ritalin LA. and my son is on Tenex.  Once used to lower blood pressure. I am at my witts end. My son is about to get kicked out of Pre K b/c they can't control him. He is impulsive and agressive and more than they can handle. I don't know what to do anymore. Any suggestions?

Oh boy are you guys scaring me.  Does any one have good reports on Straterra?

  My daughter is on it and she seems to be doing fine.  She is happy and active.  In fact she is so happy and active we had to put her back on the Adderal.  I give her the STratera at night and she takes Adderal on school days.  When she doesn't take the Adderal she is very happy active and talks a mile a minute. This is with Straterra only.  The good thing is she still eats when she doesn't take Adderal.  When she took the Adderal by its self I could not get her to get ready in the Morning.   We are talking full on melt down.  She would have to be taken to the special Difficult room until her Adderal kicked in well.  It made dropping her off at school H***.  she is sooooo much better now.   I really don't want to rock a working boat but would rather have her raising H** than ill from a med. 

Do you wonder why you are a "mess, emotionally and physically"?

Maybe it is because your whole family is on drugs.

Psychiatry IS A PSEUDOSCIENCE you know.  Do you still belive your psychiatrist?  Is he REALLY HELPING you or your child?  Or is there one more drug to try?

Maybe he will prescribe some antidepressants to you (sounds like you NEED THEM!)

Eric Harris of was on the antidepressant LUVOX when he perpetrated the COLUMBINE MASSACRE.  Andrea Yates of Houston was on antidepressants when she drowned her four children.  The doctor of the ten-year-old Lohstroh boy increased his dose of PROZAC just before he shot his father.  Yates and Lohstroh rot in jail (perhaps rightfully so) but their quack doctors are absolved of any responsibility whatsoever.  Excuse me, but these people were taking their medications AS PRESCRIBED by their quack doctors, MEDICINES THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO HELP THEM!!!  Why do the so-called "professionals" escape justice???

Binks

ADHD is a BULLsh*t "diagnosis".

Sharftein of the APA admitted on national TV that there is no "TEST" for ADHD.  So, if there is no test, how do you know if you "have it"?

Binks

Binks - you DO know there are sites for scientologists out there already??  Perhaps your little aliens in your brain are controlling you right now - better go get some help from your fellow L.Rons!

Look - I don't like to jab like that but this is a site for people who BELIEVE in ADHD ok?? If you don't - there is a place for you - www.ritalinkills.com, et. al.

We know what we and our loved ones have - you don't know what psychosis you have but I could guess.

Don't worry- someone will have alerted the boys in white coats and you can find out what the pseudoscience of psychology is all about - okie?

- Glen

Binks,

You are so full of it.  My MOTHER TRIED TO DROWN US WHEN I WAS 5.  SHE WAS NOT ON MEDS.  SHE THOUGHT THAT SHE WAS SAVING US FROM THE EVILS OF THIS WORLD.  SHE THOUGHT THAT DRUGS AND DOCTORS WERE EVIL.  MY TWO SISTERS AND I ALMOST DIED BECAUSE OF THIS BELIEF SYSTEM.  MY MOTHER IS NOW ON MEDICATION WHICH ALLOWS HER TO HANDLE THE WORLD AND BE A PART OF MY LIFE.  I WOULD NOT ALLOW HER NEAR MY DAUGHTER IF SHE WASN'T ON MEDS NOW AND YOUR FOOLISH RANTING IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE MY MIND SO GO RANT ON SOME OTHER WEB SITE.  

 ANDREA YATES WAS NOT ON MEDS.  SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUT INSTEAD OF MEDICATIONS SHE WAS ON RELIGION. SHE WAS SURE PRAYER WOULD HELP HER NOT MEDS OR DOCTORS.   IF YOUR READ THE PAPER YOU WOULD KNOW THAT!

Glen, 

I'm not a scientologist.

f**k You.  You don't like to jab?  But you already jabbed.

We'll see were this all ends up, when the little boys in white coats will be coming for you and your pathetic drugged kid.

ROFLMAO Binks!  You are SO funny!  Keep it coming - I needed a good laugh.  Havent you noticed that you're the ONLY one spouting filth and idiocy??

If you aren't scientology (I think you are - ask your alien buddy ok?) - then you're probably NRA.  Oh no - it wasn't access to guns that caused columbine - it was antidepressents!! oh NOOOO!! LOL

Damn - you guys always say the exact same stuff.  Kid goes on shooting spree - not the guns no that's too easy - the fact that noone was listening to the kid and instead went to an easy out might have something to do with it? 

Boy, I really needed this - thanks for the chuckles.

Hopefull_mother

Sorry, Andrea Yates WAS on antidepressants, and you didn't address the OTHER examples I cited.  But, alas, there are many more besides these three that I cited...

People, repeat after me - Pychiatrists are QUACKS!!!

Binks

people - repeat after ME - your fellow brother in ADHD - Binks is a KOOK  - Binks is a KOOK. 

Have no fear - I've alerted the proper authorities.  Our freedom from Kookery is near.

- Glen

I dont know if the medicine has something to do with people shooting other people or mothers drowning their own kids. But I do know that the doctors get a "kickback" from the drug company for prescribing these med's. If this is what helps my stepson, then good. But what happens when they are causing him to have seizures? To hallucinate?

I think it is his mother who needs to be on the med's. She is an abusive mother who tells the little boy that all her anger towards him is his fault because he was born and she didnt want him. The sad part is, he believes it. But he is only 8.

I found out about these kickbacks when I applied for a job working for a pharmaceeutical company. It was for an ADHD medicine. I dont want to mention the company.  I remember what it done to my stepson. I purposely blew the interview. We even got a bonus for each doctor who prescribed the med's.

I dont want to cause problems here. I am here just for info on the different med's and the interact with different people. Thanks for all the info. It has been very helpful.

lol Glen.   Oh and Binks she was suppose to be on meds but was NOT Taking them.  She also was being bounced from one Doctor to another with no real consistancy.  NO one was watching out for her properly.  

 No one says all meds work for everyone.  If you have been paying attention we all are saying you have to be responsible for making sure your child has the RIGHT MEDICATION.  We pay attention to how our children feel.  WE ARE ADVOCATES FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING FOR OUR CHILDREN.  IF THEY NEED MEDS THEN THEY WILL HAVE THEM.  IF THEY DON'T WORK WE WILL TAKE THEM OFF OF THEM.  BUT THE FIRST THING THAT WE WILL DO IS LISTEN TO OUR CHILDREN.  I TALK TO MY CHILD EVERY DAY.  I SPEND AT LEAST 2 HOURS LISTENING TO HER.  HOW MUCH TIME HAVE YOUR PARENTS SPENT WITH YOU?   AS RUDE AS YOU ARE I WOULD GUESS NOT MUCH. 

Have no fear - I've alerted the proper authorities.  Our freedom from Kookery is near.

- Glen[/QUOTE]

Hey Glen,

Naw, binks is a psychiatrist...

i think blinks needs professional help.  or maybe he's got a problem with anger.  he seems to have a problem. 

blink:  I dare you to take it to the other site!!!!  http://youradhdhome.proboards55.com/index.cgi

you wouldn't like it too much.  we don't hold any thing back over there.  there is no threat to get kicked off. 

btw; you are lucky chatters isn't on here today, you'd wish you had never said any thing at all. 

This was a previos post I posted without seeing this post.  Sorry.  Here's my story and I'm stickin to it.  ha ha  Been on Adderall 20 MG X2 a day for a week and everything is much better so far!

Hello, I am new to the board and also to the adhd world.  I apologize that this is a long post, but if you could read it, I would really appreciate it.  I have read just about every post on this forum, and have to say I really don't know if anyone really knows the truth about adult adhd.  I am a 29 year old male who has just recently been (self) diagnosed with adhd.  I actually did tons of research on it for weeks after I talked to a friend who has had it since she was little and said I should. These are the symptoms I have:  difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time, great difficulty remembering peoples names just 30 minutes after meeting them, difficulty remembering things my wife has asked me to do for her, spacing out whenever someone is talking, or finishing their sentences for them.  Coming home from work in the morning and thinking I have so much to do, but don't know exactly what, and I don't know where to start.  An overall feeling that no matter how much I do, there is always so much more to do.  I have many of the other symptoms that go along with add/adhd, as well, but some are more prevalent that others.  I am a happy person and don't have many of the symptoms that go along with depression, or anxiety other than what is caused by the other symptoms.  I pretty much told my friend that I felt I may have the same thing going on, so she let me take one of her adderall XR's and told me to see what it did for me, then go to her neuroligist and speak to him.  I took the adderall with some reservations, and I have to tell you, it made me feel like I haven't felt in years after just one dose.  It was almost like I was waking up after years of going in circles with my mind.  I immediately started remembering things during the day a lot better.  I started to reflect on my life as being the good life it is, I started to feel like listening to people, and talking while looking at them and focusing while they where saying something instead of just shaking my head and straying.  I felt like I had a plan for every thing I had to do that day, including cleaning the house, errands, etc, and wondered what was so hard about that before.  I was in a better mood, and had a lot more patience with things that normally would have made me stir crazy.  I could go on and on about what it did, but most of you probably already know that.  Here's the problem I have:  I never was diagnosed with adhd as a child or adolecent.  My parents are not diagnosed with add/adhd, though I feel my mom has some of both, and my dad more of the add part, because a big one they do is interrupt people or just space out when you're talking to them, and you can tell they're not paying attention, along with some of the other symptoms, although not as many as me, at least I don't know about them.   Also, my mom has always done things at a million miles a minute.  That could be or not, I don't know.  My dad has the attention problem, and also when I was real young lived on the edge a lot, but has since calmed that part of his problem, for him, the attention is the main problem.  They are both 2 of the best people you could ever meet though and I have been told that many times.  Like I said, I never was diagnosed in the past, and don't know of any history in my family, so I don't know if that part pertains to me.  The only thing I can remember of my school years, is having a hard time with some subjects because they just couldn't keep me interested, and also not getting homework done on a consistent basis due to putting it off.  I also in high school and my early 20's went from job to job enough to break Guiness records I believe.  Now I finally have settled into a career (fire/ems) which in some ways helps the adhd, because even though some times are slow, I never have to worry about doing the same thing two shifts in a row, and never know what is going to happen any given day.  I beleive it actually takes someone with a certain amount of add/adhd to do this job.  What I don't understand is how all the sudden I feel like I have found the answer to whatever problem I have had for a while now, and haven't been able to put my finger on what it was.  Could it have been the drug experimentation while in my late teens, early 20's?  Ecstasy, LSD, opiates?  I have read where mdma and lsd can really affect the way your brain works, so I don't know, if I have had it all along and that just brought it out more, or what.  I only started noticing it after those years, and also after the birth of my daughter 4 years ago.  I really have been a different person since then and I haven't really enjoyed the person that was most of the time.  I feel very bad that there are probably things that I have put my wife or anyone else through what they definitely haven't deserved, and I am looking forward to being able to be the person I really am.  I guess I just don't trust all the medical insight which says you have to have had it as a child or in your family history, because that really doesn't pertain to me, unless I really have had it and just have been able to hide it my whole life or something.  I wish I did more research on this years ago though.  Also, I may just think this because I think I am adhd, but I really don't think there is much wrong with having it, if you can handle it correctly either with meds or counseling or whatever, and also I believe that if more people were educated about add/adhd, they would find they have a lot of the symptoms that go along with it, I know a lot of people close to me have some of it.  lol  Can anyone give me any insight of what I am going through right now?  I realize some will say I couldn't have possibly not had it as a kid, but I really don't think I did.  I believe mine for what ever reason, showed up between ages 18-24 or 25 or so.  Again I am so sorry for the long post, but if you asked anyone that knows me, they will say that this is how I was a long time ago.  Looking forward to anyones input.  Good luck to all with managing your gift.  lol     

[QUOTE=Binks1963]Glen, I'm not a scientologist.f**k You.  You don't like to jab?  But you already jabbed.We'll see were this all ends up, when the little boys in white coats will be coming for you and your pathetic drugged kid.[/QUOTE]

Why are you here?  It's pretty sad to take shots at someone by making nasty comments about their child.  Could you possibly be any more base?

Is anyone on Welbutrin?  I'd like to know how long it takes before you can sleep again at night!  Also, all of you who take adderall - aren't you afraid of the heart damage they say it can cause?  I was told by my doctor that it CAN (but not necessarily) do the same damage phen phen (sp?) did to peoples hearts.  Does that worry anyone or was it false information?

Is anyone on Welbutrin?  I'd like to know how long it takes before you can sleep again at night!  Also, all of you who take adderall - aren't you afraid of the heart damage they say it can cause?  I was told by my doctor that it CAN (but not necessarily) do the same damage phen phen (sp?) did to peoples hearts.  Does that worry anyone or was it false information?

[/QUOTE]

Wellbutrin has some mild stimulating properties. Some people require the use of a hypnotic agent to help them sleep, but generally only for the first week or so of treatment. And regarding Phen-fen, is was a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine. Phentermine is still available by prescription. Fenfluramine was the component related to primary pulminary hypertension and was pulled off the market. Dextroamphetamine has been in use since the 1930's and is a very safe drug at prescribed doses. Cardiac arrythmia and other signs of cardiac toxicity surface generally only at high, recreational doses. That is not a blanket statement, as every so often an individual will display hypersensitivity to the drug, but overall it is very safe. Once fenfluramine was linked to heart valve trouble, it was quickly pulled off the market. Amphetamines, on the other hand, have been available for over 70 years! The risks are slim at therapeutic doses.

Donde esta BALANCED ?  I thought this is where you said he was . . . PS:  daretheboys is looking for you on "Warning, claims ADHD doesn't EXIST", just so ya' know how popular you are.

[QUOTE=HeidiMarie] Okay, two down, now tell me why the half a million other folk are out killing people?  You know, them normal ones like you Binks. [/QUOTE]

I love it!!   HeidiMarie, I think you and I could be good friends!!

Now I'm in the mood for killingJoke . . .

Angela29 Healthy Female 5'4" 105lbs.

I am quite concerned about the side affects of Strattera.

During the 5 months taking Strattera I experienced several common side affects, and more.

Sleeplessness, Weight Loss, and even deep, deep depression to the point of suicide urges.

I became very worried that something was seriously wrong with me.

Additionally, I had memory loss, I became scared to talk to people( I am one of the most outgoing people I know--I am usually vibrant and full of happiness and energy), I became so focused to a point of obsession, Anger, I couldn't smile unless I drank alcohol, and I would often stare for long periods of time.

I have been off of Strattera 20 mg for 1 1/2 weeks now, and I have been laughing and smiling every day, my memory has returned, I no longer have a fear of people-I embrace people, my vocabulary is in excellent shape, I am no longer angry for no apparent reason, and I am happy to be alive, and I get a full night's sleep.

However, I am having some very worrisome after effects. I came down with a very strange "flu"--My muscles for the first 5 days ached, my muscles around my spine are locked( No previous injuries),I have a very loud ringing in my ears, knife-like pains in my ears, behind my eyes( it hurts to go outside, no previous injuries, 20/20 vison), constant headache unlike any other I have experienced in my life, ( I get mild headaches about 2 X a year) Scared VERY

Angela

Additionally, I am VERY SCARED because I have never felt this much pain in my head in my entire 29 years of being alive.

I have had the most massive headache for 7 days, and have been off Strattera for 10 days.

If anyone has any advice, please respond.

Thank you,

Angela

I need advice.

Help me please.

Ok. My name is Shana. Pro-nounced - Shay-nuh. I'm currently 15 years old and in 10th grade. I'm not diagnosed with ADHD but I think I might suffer from it. If your willing to read this and help me out I would highly appreciate it. =]

Why I think I have ADHD.
Ever sense I was younger I've always been immature. I've always had enough energy for an army and I've always said / done things that are stupid without thinking. I lack common sense and I get highly aggervated when doing school work. Parents / teachers / students have always told me I was excessivly annoying and loud and I need to learn to control myself. I wish I could. But I don't know how too. I've always thought I was just immature and made up excuses for my bad behavior. I figured well maybe it's my hormones I'm still a teenager ;; I'll grow out of it. It's been about 4 years now sense I've noticed it's been extremely bad. Since 7th grade up until now (10th) I've been getting worse. 7th grade I noticed my hyperness along with everyone else. I controlled it and found acitivities like sports such as soccer and dance and I used to join after school things to keep myself busy thinking maybe I need more things to do. In 8th grade I made a complete excuse my language "ass" of myself. I would yell at teachers when they told me to do things ;; I would get annoyed with school work ;; I wouldn't pay attention ;; I would forget simple things ;; I would fidget in my seat ;; I basically carried on like an animal. Everyone knew me because of my loud and obnoxious behavior.

The other day I was talking to a girl who was in one of my classes last year. I was a freshman in highschool she was a sophmore. We were talking and I was telling her how embarresed I was of my behavior in that class. && she agreed with me without even thining twice. She even stated "I don't know how one person can have as much energy as you had that early in the morning" I didn't even know how to reply. I started hearing things ;; like people saying they can't stand me or I'm so immature or I just want attention or I need to grow up or she just doesn't know how to act like a normal human being. My friends mom also said to my face I was loud and I ruind her house when I come over. I don't even realize how loud I am or what I'm doing until I think about it days later. That's if I remember what I was doing two days before ;; for I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast.

^^ that's basically everything up until now.

Now I'm starting to experience recklessness and anxious-ness and being hyper and wanting to blurt things out for no reason. I also feel angry and aggervated at the same time. That feeling drives me insane because I don't know what to do with myself. I'm embarrased to know I can't control my actions and I don't know how to think before I do things and I lack common sense. I hate it. In my school they're getting sticter with rules... like I can barely get outta class to just go to the bathroom or even if I just wanted to say I'm going to bathroom just so I can walk around and get rid of my hyper anxious-ness for a few minutes. So i'm basically forced to sit in a class for 2-hours and try and behave. I start off fine.. like everything goes good.. then when people start socializing with me I become hyper and annoying and I never shut up. I start fidgeting and my first period is Algebra. [[ 9th grade alg I'm retaking for the simple fact I couldn't contain myself nor pay-attention in 9th grade during that class .. I'm also retaking general science for the same reasons ]] My teacher often asks us to take notes and gives us what seems to be a million and one pages of math problems to do... I get so aggervated I just throw my books and I walk around and start getting annoying.

I've noticed in my last 2 period classes ;; which are my worst for they have the most people and all of them are immature and loud and act hyper. I try to control myself during these clases because they are my favorite. English and Parenting. I love writing so I love english ;; I also love kids so I wanna learn more about them. But it's hard for me to control myself especially in a room filled with animal type behavior from kids. I often find myself flipping otu and get extremely irritable and aggervated. I take it out on my friends ;; teachers ;; and my parents and my brother. My parents often tell me I'm a bitch and I'm annoying. It makes me feel bad to know people feel this way about me. I dunno. I really don't know what to do or say.

Why my mom refuses to believe anything is wrong with me.
My mom works pretty much 24/7 she never sees me outside of home or when I can't control myself. When she does see me I'm usually online or sleeping or eating or reading or something occupying myself. My mom is very stressed out most of the time so I try to avoid contact with her and I try to avoid acting the way I do around her by simply doing other things to occupy msyelf. So when I do act hyper my mom always points it out and she'll tell me to stop being an " asshole " and I try to explain to her all the time I need medicine or I need to see a doctor I have ADHD. She laughs... She said if I had ADHD I would act like my cousin who suffers from severe ADHD and has prescription pills and everything. Yet I don't think he takes them. My mom thinks just because he acts a certain way in order for me to have ADHD I need to act that way. Which I seem to disagree with because they're are certain levels of ADHD. Now I am totally capable of controlling myself about 90 % of the time when I'm by myself or just with my parents and my brother. But other than that I act liek a complete asshole. And I don't know what to do to get it through to my mom that I really wish she would take me to a doctor.

My reasoning for joining this forum and submitting all this stuff that NOBODY will probably ever read haha.
Today ;; a friend of mine who has ADHD and Bi-polar and stuff like that forgot to take her adhd medicine I forget what it was but it was an orange capsule. i jokingly said well ill take it.. and she gave it to me. So i decided to take it... maybe It'd help me. I became calm and relaxed and everything everyone says to me I don't get mad or annoyed I calmly reply and I don't feel hyper or anxious. My mom started yelling at me and I found it easy to just ignore her and not reply. Everyone that normally would annoy me I found myself able to exclude from my attention. I also found it easy for me to sit still and people were complementing the fact I was screaming or yelling or being loud or moving 24/7. I was awake and paid attention to everything. I felt good. But I don't know If i'd just be silly explaining this to my doctor or i'd feel stupid telling my mom because she doesn't listen to me when I try to tell her anyway.

SOOOOOOO... I was wondering if anyone has an opinions on what they think I might have? and what I should do? Or just any advice in general. I would really appreciate it. My email is xsillyxmuffinx@aol.com

:-)

Angela

Additionally, I am VERY SCARED because I have never felt this much pain in my head in my entire 29 years of being alive.

I have had the most massive headache for 7 days, and have been off Strattera for 10 days.

If anyone has any advice, please respond.

Thank you,

Angela

[/QUOTE]

ANGELA - it sounds like you're having WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS and Strattera is an SNRI and so in many ways is similar to SSRIs in that  while an SSRI affects serotonin, SNRIs affect serotonin alongside another neurotransmitter.

["...SNRI stands for Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor...The CHMP reviewed the following SSRIs/SNRIs: atomoxetine (Strattera), citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), mianserine (Mianserine), milnacipran (Midalcipran), mirtazapine (Remeron, Zispin, Avanza, Norset, Remergil), paroxetine (Paxil), reboxetine (Edronax), sertraline (Zoloft) and venlafaxine (Effexor)..."  http://www.laleva.org/eng/2005/04/european_agency_requires_a ntidepressant_warnings_for_children.html  ]

If you're having a really bad time then maybe consider/ask doc re going back on Strattera and tapering off?

If you do go back on, think about (/discuss with doctor/find SSRI support sites)staying on until stabilized for a short while - maybe a week or two?  Then begin to taper off VERY slowly.

For SSRIs, there's a withdrawal protocol.  I don't know whether the 'switch over to prozac' advice would apply -  ask doctor or search and enquire - but tapering off slowly can be done without prozac in any event.  Generally speaking the symptoms re withdrawal of serotonergic agents applies to SNRIs also as both SSRIs and SNRIs alter the action of serotonin neurotransmitters.

Here's the withdrawal protocol for SSRIs.

http://www.benzo.org.uk/healy.htm

"...FEATURES OF WITHDRAWAL/WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms on withdrawal from SSRIs break down into two groups(2). The first group may be unlike anything you have had before and include:

Dizziness
Headache
Muscle Spasms
Tremor
Electric Shock-like Sensations
Other Strange Tingling or Painful Sensations
Nausea, Diarrhoea, Flatulence
Dreams, including Vivid Dreams
Agitation

The second group overlaps with general nervousness and may lead to you or your physician to think that all you have are features of your original problem. These symptoms include:

Depression
Lability of Mood
Irritability
Agitation
Confusion
Fatigue/Malaise
Flu-like Feelings
Insomnia or Drowsiness
Mood Swings
Sweating
Feelings of Unreality
Feelings of being Hot or Cold

These symptoms appear in anything between 20% to 50% of patients taking SSRIs, sometimes within hours of the last dose. Paroxetine and Venlafaxine appear the most problematic agents at the moment but similar symptoms are liable to occur with all SSRIs and to a lesser extent with tricyclic antidepressants. In milder cases problems may clear up after a week or two, but in others symptoms may continue weeks or months after the last dose and for some patients it may not be possible to stop treatment. Specialist help may benefit some patients in this latter group, if only to provide suggestions on antidotes to continuing drug induced problems such as loss of libido.

IS THIS WITHDRAWAL?

There are three ways to distinguish withdrawal from SSRIs from the nervous problems that the SSRI might have been used to treat in the first instance.

First if the problem begins immediately on reducing or halting a dose or begins within hours or days or perhaps even weeks of so doing then it is more likely to be a withdrawal problem. If the original problem has been treated and you are doing well, then on discontinuing treatment no new problems should show up for several months.

Second if the nervousness or other odd feelings that appear on reducing or halting the SSRI (sometimes after just missing a dose) clear up when you are put back on the SSRI or the dose is put back up, then this also points towards a withdrawal problem rather than a return of the original illness. When original illnesses return, they take a long time to respond to treatment. The relatively immediate response of symptoms on discontinuation to the reinstitution of treatment points towards a withdrawal problem.

Third the features of withdrawal may overlap with features of the nervous problem for which you were first treated - both may contain elements of anxiety and of depression. However withdrawal will also often contain new features not in the original state such as pins and needles, tingling sensations, electric shock sensations, pain and a general flu-like feeling.

Before starting to withdraw, it should be noted that many people will have no problems. Some will have minimal problems, which may peak after a few days before diminishing. Symptoms can remain for some weeks or months. Others will have greater problems but these can be helped by the management plan outlined below.

Finally however there will be a small group of people who are simply unable to stop. It is important to recognise this latter possibility in order to avoid punishing yourself. Specialist help may make a difference for some people in this latter group, if only to provide possible antidotes to attenuate the problems of ongoing SSRIs such as loss of libido.


MANAGEMENT OF WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal from SSRIs is something to be done in consultation with your physician. You may wish to show this to your GP. Over-rapid withdrawal may even be medically hazardous, particularly in older persons.

1) Convert the dose of SSRI you are on to an equivalent dose of Prozac liquid.
Seroxat/Paxil 20mg,
Efexor 75mg,
Cipramil/Celexa 20mg,
Lustrat/Zoloft 50mgs,
ARE EQUIVALENT TO 20mg OF PROZAC LIQUID.

The rationale for this is that Prozac has a very long half-life, which helps to minimise withdrawal problems. The liquid form permits the dose to be reduced more slowly than can be done with pills.

2) Stabilise on the Prozac for a week, then halve the dose.

3) If there has been no problem with step 2, the dose can be further halved. Alternatively if there has been a problem from this point on the dose can be reduced even more slowly in weekly increments.

4) From a dose of Prozac 10mgs liquid, consider reducing by 1mg every few days over the course of several weeks - or months if need be. With Prozac liquid this can be done by dilution.

5) If there are difficulties at any particular stage the answer is to wait at that stage for a longer period of time before reducing further.

6) Withdrawal and dependence are physical phenomena. But some people can get understandably phobic about withdrawal particularly if the experience is literally shocking. If you think you may have become phobic, a clinical psychologist may be able to help manage the phobic problem.

7) Self-help support groups can be invaluable. Join one. If there are none nearby, consider setting one up. There will be lots of other people with a similar problem.

There is anecdotal evidence and some theoretical grounds to believe that another option is to substitute St John's Wort for the SSRI. If a dose of 3 tablets of St John's Wort is tolerated instead of the SSRI, this can then be reduced slowly - by one pill per fortnight or even per month.

Some people for understandable reasons may prefer this approach. But it needs to be noted that St John's Wort has its own set of interactions with other pills and its own problems and you may wish to consult your physician if this is the option you choose.

FOLLOW-UP

The problems posed by withdrawal may stabilise to the point where you can get on with life. But in either this case or in cases where it is not possible to withdraw, it is important to note ongoing problems and to get your physician or someone to report them if possible.

There are clear effects on the heart from SSRIs. The list above does not include cardiac problems occurring during the post-withdrawal period. Such problems if they occur may however be related to withdrawal and should be noted and recorded.

SSRIs are well-known to impair sexual functioning. The conventional view has been that once the drug is stopped, functioning comes back to normal There are indicators however that this may not be true for everyone. If sexual functioning remains abnormal, this should be brought to the attention of your physician, who will hopefully report it.

Withdrawal may reveal other continuing problems, similar to the ongoing sexual dysfunction problem. It is important to report these. The best way to find a remedy is to bring the problem to the attention of as many people as possible.

Healy D (2001). Psychiatric Drugs Explained. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh; Healy D (2001). The Creation of Psychopharmacology. Harvard University Press, Cambridge Mass.

Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Hoog SL, Ashcroft RC, Krebs W (1998). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation syndrome: a randomised clinical study. Biological Psychiatry 44, 77-87"

If you go to the url it should be easier to print out (full page) so that you can take it to your doctor if necessary.

If you need support - try searching for an 'SSRI support' site, or 'Prozac support' site as SNRI are relatively new on the scene and less likely to have as many support sites.

Don't panic.  Help is around.

Shana, sorry your mom isn't listening to you. Hopefully that will get better so your relationship with each other can be closer.

The only thing I can think of is to tell your family doctor about how the medication affected you --- be prepared to take a lecture on how dangerous it is to take other people's medication -- because IT IS DANGEROUS and you should never do that again! The next time you are ill, talk to your dr. about this. Maybe if your mom hears it from a dr. she will take it seriously. If your dr. is one of the many who "doesn't believe in ADHD/ADD", well, then you have a problem.

Do you have an aunt, grandmother, father, or other close adult you could talk to about this? They may could step in and help you talk to your mom and get you to someone who knows about treating ADHD.

Best of luck to you.

Basket

Hi,

     My name is joe and Iam 48 years old. Up until this morning I believed ADHD was a hoax sold to the public for profit. Man as I wrong.

     I have had trouble in school since I was in second grade. I can remember seeing councelors for "being figity", "Conduct problems", "class clown", "not working to my potential", ect...... I had psychitrists called into my grammer school to talk to me. I could never do homework because the information seemed insurmountable. I compenated by hacking around, joking, avoiding, then finally giving up. Giving up became the standard behavior of my life. By 15 I was full blown alcoholic. By 17 I had been asked to leave 5 seperate schools and was homeless.

     Treatment centers, detoxes, 1/2 way houses,  loss of finances, loss of jobs. Everyone had always told me how smart I was. My IQ was measure at 138. I held my act together long enough to get a Nursing Degree and was able to graduate with a 3.1 GPA. I read in another post where someone wrote, :If you do that well in school you don't have ADHD. Obviosly the respondent doesn't know the FOCUS it takes and the INCREDABLE amount of brain time involved. People usually refer to this as "struggling". Apt term..

      When I started out on my Nursing carrer I thought I had finally arrived. Then I began to make careless mistakes. Med errors. Missed warnings. This is a career killer. I found I had to focus more, concentrate, be careful. ALL THE TIME. Constantly unsure of every move. Anxiety, fear of potential failure, I kept leaving jobs, feeling like crap about myself, picking up alcohol. Pattern. Over and over, low self-esteem to no self esteem or the knee jerk response of false pride. Go to AA.....still drink, Go to church....still pick up, go to counceling....binge, loss of wife, children, home, money, dog. Fear of failure became a way of life, and with that fear a need for relief from it. Finally suicidal thoughts.....I can't go on like this. Self labels: screw-up, moron, fool, bad person, reprobate......

     As I said, I was not a believer in medication....a crutch....do it on my own. Like that had ever been successful. People told me they thought I was ADHD. I told them there was no such thing.

     Last Friday I picked up a drink.....AGAIN. I want to make something clear. I have more than a man can ask for. A great wife, own my own home, no debt, financially ok, healthy (except for the obvious). I have just about everything I could ask for.......But I got drunk and took a mototcycle for a ride. My rationalle.....At least I will only kill myself. I did not care.

     Last night I prayed to God AGAIN (Actually I begged again) to be relieved of this because I just can not go on like this. I destroy everying I touch. I hate myself.

      My wifes son takes Adderral for ADHD. I had breakfast with him this morning and began telling him about some of the problems I have been having, he told me that it was obvious to him I was ADHD and to everyone else we collectively knew.  He asked if I wanted to try his one of his Adderral. Yea, I know this isn't legal, but you know, neither is suicide and I was thinking of trying that too....so what the heck did I have to loose.

THE BEES STOPED!!!!!!!!!!!

     For 48 years i have had 100 bees fyling around in my head. There is also a small landing spot in the center of my head. Whenever a bee would land there, I would have his related thought. Good or bad. "Your OK" or "Your gonna screw up". whatever it said, I thought. As a nurse, I used to go into what I called "focus mode" as described previously. This is when i would concentrate on getting 10 of the 100 bees to sync in cooperation in order to attempt my job without error. In school i would do the same thing. I would also get 3 or 4 other resources (especially the books, "whatever For Dummies") to explain in3 or 4 diffeent ways concepts that anyone else could get with one explanation.  I had the whole library of dummies books. Much more work than my peers. The other 90 bees would pull my concentration away. I would read pages and not know what they stated and be thinking of some nonsence entirely unrelated to what I was doing.

Today the bees got together for the common good.

Actually, I didn't even know about the bees until they did this. I had never experienced what I would now call, "clarity of mind". If i hadn't experienced it, I would not have believed it possible. Today I experienced what it is like to be like other people. To look back at prior ways as.......insanity. How did i stay alive? The most amazing thing was that I was reading a statistics text and the auther stated,  "It is obvious from the formula for joint probabilty that if we know the probability of an event A and the joint probability of events A and B, then we can calculate the conditional probability of B given A". Well it was never "obvious" before!!!!! But it was today!

     Obviously, I intend to get put on this mediacation on a permanent basis. Who should i see. Primary MD, councelor, get a psychiatrist? I won't take NO for an answer anyway. I would continue to seek new Drs. untill one prescribed it. Now that I know this is possible, i don't ever want to go back!

[QUOTE=OH MY GOSH!!!]If you do that well in school you don't have ADHD. Obviosly the respondent doesn't know the FOCUS it takes and the INCREDABLE amount of brain time involved. People usually refer to this as "struggling". Apt term.. -Thank You God [/QUOTE]

Thank you God is right.  I'm ecstatic to hear that you found your way--outta the mouths of babes, huh?  You are the 2nd person I've read on this board that was offered an Adderall & were shown the light.  I was practically perfect in school & I definitely have ADHD.  I learned this by knowing I had Hyperfocus at the age of four when I would write stories I wanted to star in & be a "normal" child with two parents, etc.  I wanted so much to have a normal boring "typical" family life, yet my brain refused to hear of it (ADHDers' brains need constant stimulation / excitement / something to do).  I learned in college that if I took 21 units in one semester I got straight A's, as opposed to if I had 15-18 units I would only get A's & B's; the more I have to do the better my time is allocated & apparently the better I perform.  I would struggle with an assignment if it was given 2 weeks ahead of time, yet I learned if I stayed up the whole night before it was due I would get into such a creative Hyperfocus mode that I'd receive a standing ovation from my classmates on my presentation--I would even memorize it, punctuation & all.  And after you've had a standing ovation, nothing short will satisfy, so clearly I've repeated this behaviour & always expected superior results.  You just need some postive experiences & positive reinforcement & then you will not only expect that, but be able to build on that & your creativity & confidence will SOAR.  (Girls don't usually have as much difficulty behaving in school as boys do, in kids w/ADHD.) 

Don't take "No" for an answer about getting your meds.  Start with your GP.  You have to w/most insurance & they will refer you to a Psychiatrist.  Try to hang on til you can get it.  Be sure to fiind out the precise Brand Name of what you took & the Milligrams--this is crucial because the meds for ADHD are various & although they all strive toward the same effect they are quite different & you want to be able to tell the Dr. which worked so great for you. 

Not taking no for an answer is something that I feel comes naturally with ADHD/Hyperfocus:  A tenacity that you just won't let something "go" until you've recalled it, solved it or made it even better.  Keep coming back to post--you WILL get your meds.  Be prepared for a lower dose than what you took, to start, too.  And keep talking to God to help keep you clear & focused & on the path you want to be. 

My story is similar, except that I didn't know I had ADHD until I was 3O. (I'm 4O, now)  I just always thought I was smart & never had to try for anything in my life.  Many things came easily to me (mentally) & if it required effort, I simply couldn't be bothered.  Sadly, I learned after high school that cocaine could help me go to sleep & speed could help me focus so this trend of my unaware self-medication eventually got me violent enough to go to jail, have my husband take our twins to his mom's permanently & I was living in my Cherokee for awhile.  Things are all back together now, but without the schedule & routine of college or work, keeping house & raising twins had no boundaries so I would never know where to end, not to mention I didn't want to stop--TOTAL Hyperfocus/Addiction.  This is what inspired me to go on meds.  I figured I'd never get them because I'd done so well in school & was never a problem, but davidornado (a poster on this board) told me to never give up & I prayed that God would open the Doctor's minds to help me with this & my GP presribed me the very next day. 

Intelligence & Addiction are incredibly typical of ADHDers--so be good with your meds, don't abuse them & enjoy how awesome it CAN BE to have ADHD! 

I have been recently rediginossed with ADHD and Learning Dissorders. Well, actuly I've had trouble in school since preschool. I delt with a doctor who refused to belive that I had ADHD or ADD. I some how made it thorugh highschool with a 2.1 GPA at a privite school. I still learning and researching what this actualy means to me and how to treat it. My mother who is a great infulnce in my life does not belive I should be medicated. This is due to a history of addiction. I think my famimy just has cases of undigoossed ADD/ADHD. I just started college at a comunity college and extied about it. Strange thing is though I loved school and I love learning. I also think about sixth grade I missed a whole science jurnal we did in class, I had to stay in at recess to finishup. I was disgniossed with ADD by the public school syetem in first grade, then dignossed with a no-verbal learning dissablity. I am also sorry for the spelling mistakes that I will make durring my post.

kjbu - no worries about the spelling - we're not in school here!

I'm so glad you are now diagnosed - that's a big part of getting back into life again!  If they get you into a psychiatrist to talk about it - take advantage as they can teach you new ways to do things that make ADHD less hard to deal with.

You're lucky - it took me until age 37 to find out I wasn't just a messed up underachiever!

A lot of us have it through adulthood - that's getting to be seen a lot now and they finally believe us. 

Read a lot here - you'll find great things to help - or just to make you laugh and think.  That can be helpful all on its own.

Hope to see you here often - welcome to the family!

New here, just logged on for the first time today.

My son is 12, in the 7th grade this year.  He was diagnosed with ADHD in Grade 2, but he had a great teacher and said she wanted to work with him without medication, she thought he was a great kid, very smart and liked him the way he was, even though he talked a mile a minute about everything and anything... she said as long as he has something to say that was intelligent she was gonna let him say his mind!!  (Gotta love a teacher like that... she was also my third grade teacher way back when). 

He was a lot different than my first child, him and his sister are 23 months apart.  He was a fussy baby and by the time he was 3 I knew he was more hyper than normal.. he would not take naps by then.  He was so smart and would not even sit and watch TV for long, even cartoons.  I still talk to the day care workers he had then and they still remember how he hated the tags in his shirts and still laughed about the winter he refused to wear socks with his shoes because of the seams in the toes!  The bad thing was that my ex-husbands family did not like to take him when they got his sister because he wouldn't quit following them around and asked a million questions. 

Now that he will be 13 in a couple of months things are getting more difficult.  School is hard for the first time and this is the first time he is not one of the top students in the classs.  In 6th grade every time they had to do a project or report everyone wanted to be his partner because he did so well (the teacher told me that one).  He did get involved in a couple of after school activties, journalism (the local TV station is getting them to shoot video and interviews and they get to do stuff at the TV station) and he is doing the school newspaper.  I think things will come around with his grades, he now knows that  a C or even a D is not the end of the world if he is doing his best.  At a school dance he was even asked to dance by a girl (he thought it was gross, he doesn't really like girls yet). 

He is a little overwhelmed with school this year, this is the first year his ADHD has really shown itself and caused him trouble. 

Well, we had the court date. There was nothing done to her for keeping the child from the father. Visitation was redone to change it to every other weekend. Law master told her no more child support will be added. What she is getting is what she is keeping. No more no less. We also have another court date for custody which I know we wont get. She turns everything around on us. If it happened at her house, she swears it happened at our house and she knows its true because her son told her. She even told the child that he had better tell her EVERYTHING that happened because she already knows. She told the child she had a camera and microphone her at our house and she hears and knows ALL!!!

Now his medicine has changed. He was put in a mental hospital for 3 weeks. She never went to see him once. She used the hospital as an excuse to keep him from us. He is now off of Metadate ER and on Keppra 250 Mg, he takes 2 in the morning and at 4 pm. He is also taking Focalin 40 Mg (2 of them) at 8 am and still taking Clonindine .1 MG at 8 pm to make him sleep. I looked up Keppra on the internet and it is for seizures. Focalin is for bi-polar and Clonidine is to bring him down off the Focalin. When this child is here, he has no problems sleeping. He is so tired, he comes in after playing and eating that he gets his bath and he is ready for bed.

I want to understand ADHD better but no doctor will answer my questions. All they tell me is if I have a child, to bring them in and they will start medication. If not, then they wont even see me or talk to me on the phone.  If anyone here knows the symptoms of ADHD, please tell me. This child is not hyper. He just talks alot, he gets bored easily. I have to keep him busy doing something beside watching TV. If I dont, he will ask me so many questions and I mean off the wall questions. He will ask me why NASCAR has rules and what the rules are. He will be sitting there watching cartoons or we will watch a movie and here comes the questons. If I keep him busy reading, playing a game, or learning a new game or outside playing football or baseball, he is fine, he has no strange questions.

Thanks for any help anybody can give me.

[QUOTE=jamieb29]he hated the tags in his shirts and still laughed about the winter he refused to wear socks with his shoes because of the seams in the toes!  QUOTE]

Your son is brilliant.  Just turn his socks inside out so he doesn't die of hypothermia in the winter time by not wearing any.  I used to wear only flip-flops all year long (due to the seams in socks) & often I would show up at my 7am Astronomy Course in one yellow & one pink flip-flop (they're inter-changable, right?) I started wearing all my clothes inside out long ago because of the seams!  Seriously--why do they always put the comfy part on the outside for show--i.e. Bunny Slippers--why not on the inside where it counts--shearling wool, satin, silk charmeuse, whatever.  I used to turn all our laundry inside out prior to washing (to prevent fading) & one time in a rush just put them on that way & thought I'd discovered electricity.

And by the way, both of my twins' teachers tell me that there is not one thing that pops into their heads that does not come out of their mouths:  "I'm going to get up & blow my nose, now"  for all the class to hear, etc.  They are the brightest in their class & their teachers adore them.  This just says to me that they are verbally keeping on track & their self-esteem is quite ample.

Step-mom,

My daughter is ADHD.  She is oppositional and argumentative. (Of course the argumentative part may not have anything to do with ADHD.  My brother and I could argue with a pole on whether or not it is a pole.) She didn't have any friends because She is bossy and aggressive.  I don't know how many friends she has when on her meds because she seems to want to be alone a lot but I think that is just her.  I know they tend to be alone because they are so different and the other children just have to point that out.  Which makes them sad so they stay away from others just to keep from hearing this.  I know at girl scouts Jasmine tends to disconnect from the rest. Especially when they are doing something that she is not good at.  There is a site that would let you test to see how much he might have.  It is in earlier posts.  you could answer from what you know of your stepson and see what his results might be. 

As for the Questions.  That just sounds like smart kid.  Jas asks all kinds of questions.  When she was almost 4 she asked me why we leave a tip because I wouldn't let her take the tip that was left behind on our table when we were seated.  She went on to how I got the money to leave the tip, how my employers received money to pay me, how they made money to finally end up with "where do the keep the money overnight?"  I refused to answer this just in case she was really planning a robbery later.  The funny thing is when she was in 2nd grade she came up to me while we were at my job and said "I know where they keep the money now!"  She had watched the receptionists lock up the cash. 

[QUOTE=jamieb29].  I still talk to the day care workers he had then and they still remember how he hated the tags in his shirts and still laughed about the winter he refused to wear socks with his shoes because of the seams in the toes! [/QUOTE]

Jas is sensitive too.  I was afraid she was going to wear sweats for the rest of her life.  Thank heaven I found some real soft shirts from Sears that had the printed tag in the back and Hannah Anderson.  They have some of the softest clothes I have ever felt.  I bought her some pants three years ago and she is still wearing them. THey last a long time.  Unfortunately they are not stain resistant.  I bought them in 2002 in early spring for her to wear 2003 but she liked them so well she wore them then.  They were really big but she didn't care because they were so soft.  They are getting a little small now but she is wearing a pair now.  I don't even want to talk about socks.  Thank heaven it is not too cold in TX.

Ha!

[QUOTE=stepmomofone]Well, we had the court date. There was nothing done to her for keeping the child from the father. Visitation was redone to change it to every other weekend. Law master told her no more child support will be added. What she is getting is what she is keeping. No more no less. We also have another court date for custody which I know we wont get. She turns everything around on us. If it happened at her house, she swears it happened at our house and she knows its true because her son told her. She even told the child that he had better tell her EVERYTHING that happened because she already knows. She told the child she had a camera and microphone her at our house and she hears and knows ALL!!!Now his medicine has changed. He was put in a mental hospital for 3 weeks. She never went to see him once. She used the hospital as an excuse to keep him from us. He is now off of Metadate ER and on Keppra 250 Mg, he takes 2 in the morning and at 4 pm. He is also taking Focalin 40 Mg (2 of them) at 8 am and still taking Clonindine .1 MG at 8 pm to make him sleep. I looked up Keppra on the internet and it is for seizures. Focalin is for bi-polar and Clonidine is to bring him down off the Focalin. When this child is here, he has no problems sleeping. He is so tired, he comes in after playing and eating that he gets his bath and he is ready for bed. I want to understand ADHD better but no doctor will answer my questions. All they tell me is if I have a child, to bring them in and they will start medication. If not, then they wont even see me or talk to me on the phone.  If anyone here knows the symptoms of ADHD, please tell me. This child is not hyper. He just talks alot, he gets bored easily. I have to keep him busy doing something beside watching TV. If I dont, he will ask me so many questions and I mean off the wall questions. He will ask me why NASCAR has rules and what the rules are. He will be sitting there watching cartoons or we will watch a movie and here comes the questons. If I keep him busy reading, playing a game, or learning a new game or outside playing football or baseball, he is fine, he has no strange questions. Thanks for any help anybody can give me. [/QUOTE]

stepMomOnTheFone:  Although I am definitely one of the ADHDers--mine is mostly hyperfocus, & I guess, too much energy--without those traits, I can say easily this:  Distraction is a big key.  If he's involved in a project (& NOT hyperfocusing--so into what he's doing he doesn't hear you or is even aware that anything else exists at that time) & looks up & sees something else & goes to play with it & then has to go to the bathroom, but while in there finds a book or magazine & starts to read it, then this draws him into his bedroom to read on his bed, but then he finds another activity he sees & begins setting up a new game, etc.  It's much like trying to clean the house, but while you're gathering up the laundry from the bedroom, you pick up dirty dishes / glassware & take them to the kitchen & while in the kitchen, you notice the trash is overflowing so you take out the garbage, but then you see the lawn needs watering & the mail hasn't yet been retrieved, etc. . . . and so on.  This to me is the biggest indicator.  While I often enjoy this "omnipresent" activity rigor, if you are on a tight schedule, it can prove quite hazardous.  My mom, for instance, started a new business about every 9 months (that doesn't even seem possible to me), or would start writing one book & never finish it, in favor of starting another.  She had so many business cards it was embarrassing; nothing ever came to fruition.  The ability to be distracted is ideal for attention to detail & creative projects, but time/deadlines need to be set & adhered to.  The other thing I have to say is this:  You need to give an AD(H)Der things to do, or a set schedule & routine always.  I often repeat this, but for me, it fits so well--the description of the personality of a Queensland Heeler was something like this dog was meant to work--it must have a job daily.  It is an expert herder, but if you don't assign it a task for which it may be praised, watch out--it will find a job of its own to do (like chew up the upholstery) & do a very good job of doing a "Bad" Job.  Hope that makes sense.  Also, final note--when I would get things assigned to me, such as homework in college, weeks ahead of time, it was too far away--I couldn't concentrate on the task because it wasn't imminent.  I needed the rush (both tactical & mental/physical) or the pressure to focus clearly & then I would have to stay up all night the night before it was due, but I'd do such a superb job that I'd get a standing ovation from my classmates.  Not the healthiest positive reinforcement or habit to develop, but I hope you get the picture or some of this is familiar/helps.  God bless you & good luck!

Hello,

my son is six and has been diagonsed ADHD. Last year we enrolled him in our highly disciplined public charter school with the hope that it would be a perfect match, all Dr. advice was that he needed order. Well we did the dance so to speak and agreed to keep him home another year to allow him to mature(he had literally just turned 5) after his utter lack of focus and disruptive squirmy behavior. We followed any and all advice we could find. I homeschooled him in a very structured environment, had a  psych assesment, even tried RITALIN. Well the homeschooling was very succeful- he is now six and reading at near 2nd grade level. He loves to learn and writes beautifully. The RITALIN gave him palpatations and odd crying behaviour so we stopped after ten days.

We had a regular summer of beach trips, lazy days etc. but we kept up on strict bedtimes and other rituals to keep him "on track". Well we enrolled him in K again this year and it is all falling apart. My little guy is being taught to his ablitity(why I like this school) and has 0 learning issues or mean behaviour. Yet because he is in a highly disciplined school he will be having his second suspension day tomorrow.  He already spends the majority of his day doing seat work in the office. My son CANNOT sit in his chair w/o suqirming, he accidentally squeezed a milk carton to explosion. was warned not to do it again, and well of course he could not control the impulse  to DO IT AGAIN. I am sure the kids laughed at it and the teacher(rather sweet)  is simply is at her wits end to control his behavior. We have a 504 plan in place to use behavior mods(visual cues, more breaks to get up etc.) but they only work for a few days then he is back at it again. SOmeone actually suggested my son would have more help if he had learning issues. Well he does not. He has a very high IQ and loves learning. The school is such a godsend in many ways because we live in an area of horrible schools with little discipline and bad academics and homelife problems(lots of poor"urban" people).  Our school is an oasis that teaches character and consequence. There is 0 drug problems high parental involvement and high achievement. Well this dream is rapidly deteriorating for my son. My daughters excel at this school and I have been a huge supporter of it. Well now we are hitting a wall. All any one wants to do is medicate him. We are finally going to try strattera this weekend but I am so scared. My little guy has so many allergies and asthma, he is like the poster child for "SIDE EFFECTS". He cannot even take sudaphed. Nobody listens to me, nobody cares that he could have a heart attack or breathing problems. They just say "oh we will just adjust his meds if there is any problem.." My husband and I are so tired of fighting this.  Maybe we can sell our one decent working car and I can stay home again for a little while but we are already in debt up to our eyeballs for my eight years as a stay at home mom. I now have a school hour job but it just keeps us above water. If I win powerball tonight I will quit my job and homeschool him for the rest of his childhood. I cannot do that right now. This isn't a matter of just cutting back or selling the SABB. We are lower middleclass working people who rent and work to get by.  Thank you for letting me vent, any advice would be gratefully accepted.

Hi Juliemom -

I know - it's frustrating when you see your son so bright - but unable to function without being disruptive in a school setting.  The teacher needs to worry about the majority - so sometimes the ones needing help the most get the least.

Thankfully Strattera is one of the meds with the least worries as to heart issues - the side effects are minimal - but the MD will need to keep an eye on his growth carefully while taking it.  There is a known incident of stunting growth in some children while taking it.  The good thing is that if the MD sees a shift in the growth chart he/she can withdraw the meds without any serious long-term effects.

Has your child been tested for Asperger Syndrome?  It's a form of Autism - and it goes along with ADHD often.  It can make your child particularly unable to function up to normal in social interactions.  A lot of kids it turns out has it - but are undiagnosed since most doctors are not read up on it.

I would say that your child being unable to function without disruption is in itself a learning disability.  If you can't get instruction from the teacher because they are busy watching your behavior - I'd call that a disability and would make learning very tough.

Stick to your guns.  Meds can help him with focus and attention - perhaps they won't work for you but there is therapy that can help him learn skills to function better.  Keep checking in with qualified pros until you get a good diagnosis.  It certainly isn't in your head!

Thank you GlenW for your thoughtful reply!

As it turns out, I work with children who have learning disablilities( how ironic?) and one of them is Asperger.  I brought it up, somewhat breifly, in my discussion with the doc but he didn't seem to think my little guy was in that category. My son does "get" social cues and has a rambunctious group of little boy friends. Every so often though it does creep up in my mind. A SPED teacher once told me not all little boys that have a train fascination have Autism but just about ALL Autistic boys do. My son is an absolute fanatic about trains! Thomas the tank in particular. Maybe it is nothing but I will keep it in mind. Thank you for the confidence boost about Strattera. I am mindful of the growth issue and will monitor it. My little guy is a good size right now so there is no immediate concern. We took a somewhat educational trip to Canada last year(Montreal) as I wanted my children to get an "out of country" experience on our budget- we live in the Northeast US so it was not a long car ride. What a wonderful and friendly experience it was! My children enjoyed engaging in conversation  with the little French they could pick up. Thanks again for your advice

juliemom

My 4 year old son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and is now taking ritalin 3 times a day. My husband and I never had a problem with our son's hyperactivity. Thats just who Gavin is. When you're with him he's so full of life and so interested in everything thats going on, you don't have time to think of anything but Gavin. It gets frustrating. But when he's gone you miss him and there's a big empty spot. Every one who meets my son has the same experience. So when he started pre-school this year I was thinking he'd do well because he loves to learn new things and get invoved with learning. Well it was a disastor from day one. On the first day he was put in time out . By the end of the first week I'd recieved my first note home. He can't sit still during class or he talks too much at lunch. Or he won't do a project like his teacher wants him to.(I for one think schools should support individual creativity). So per the schools request we had Gavin tested and he was diagnosed with ADHD. I was hoping the school would have a program for my son, maybe a teacher who has the patience to work with ADHD children, but they offer nothing. It's frustrating because everyother week I get a note home. Even though I can see a difference in my son's behaviour it's not good enough for his teacher. Any advice?

Hi Autogrl!  You're in the right place - be sure to check out the threads in the section for parents with children of ADHD - and the others too.  Good advice there - just be warned there are some people around who will try and tell you that their way to see ADHD is the only way.  Be wary is all.

I know it's hard - I was a kid with ADHD and now adult with ADHD.  Don't panic though - most kids end up having it fade down or disappear altogether by puberty.  Not as many as we used to think - but still most of them.

The US sadly doesn't have as good a system for kids with disabilities as Canada does.  Here we have programs in most schools where there are special ed assistants available for extra one-on-one help for kids who need it. 

The only thing I can think of right away is - are you in a large town?  Many cities and larger areas in the US have some schools that get funding for special ed - and the kids get bused there when needed.  Maybe check with the local school board on that one.

I'd recommend also getting a child psychologist who knows ADHD in kids to talk to you.  Therapy at his age can avoid some of the pitfalls of that age - and give him tools to cope when the energy and stress hits.  ADHD is all about anxiety - even at that age.  He gets nervous - and his ADHD tells him how to handle it and it's usually inappropriate for a classroom.  I was there - it's not fun I can relate.

Meds are an option - as is cutting out sugar and making sure he doesn't have tolerance issues or allergies.  Even though they don't cause ADHD they can add to his stress level and make it even harder to adjust.

Good luck - and like I said the parent's area is chock full of ideas and people going through the same things as you!!

It's not all that bad - after 30 plus years with ADHD - I avoided jail, have all my fingers/toes and my family still loves me!! My mom was my best friend and I love her for it.  She has no regrets and neither will you I bet.

HI.  We are in the process of trying to get my 9 yo son diagnosed.  The ins. company is holding us back on testing and the school is moving at a snail's pace with their testing.  My son just started third grade and is doing really terrible.  We have always known he was like this, he has always been very intense, active, never needed much sleep.  Terribly difficult baby, ate terribly.  Vomited.  Poor sleeper.  Early talker.  Articulate.  We just always thought it was personality.  Since he seemed to have an attention surplus if anything, we never realized.  Also, he was our first child and we just thought "wow this parenting thing is really terrible".  Did not realize how unusual he was.  Now it is very obvious.  Turns out his attention is not a surplus or deficit, it is just all super focused on things he really likes, unbalanced so to speak.  His attention span for school is zero.  He forgets everything. Terrible reader, terrible at math, horrible handwriting.  Homeowrk is a nightmare that seems to take way, way longer than it does for other families.  We give him tons of help and he has a tutor, but it does not seem to get much better. I wish someone had suspected it and told us a long time ago.  I only recently realized that THIS is what ADHD looks like. The school here will not tell you if they think something is wrong with your kid.  They don't seem to want to have to deal with it.

Things have gotten so much worse since he started 3rd grade.  Our house is a chaotic nightmare of crying, yelling, whining, screaming, and not all of it is the kids.  I am very frustarted now, as the wheels seem to be turning ever so slowly, if at all.  He is on meds for anxiety so far.  We had to switch psychiatrists after our first visit, and this one is conservative, one med at a time, which is good, but frustrating at the same time.  We tried Staterra with the first Psych. but it made him WAY more hyper, he started biting his little brother, and was just unable to sit still at all, so we stopped that one.  Hopefully we will try a stimulant in a couple of weeks. 

My husband has high functioning autism, and my younger son was developmentally delayed, (PDDNOS).  I always thought my 9 yo was the one that would do well in school, seems so bright a alert. 

I feel so alone and stressed.  So overwhelmed.  I am worried about getting the school district to give him the help he needs, and am concerned that at the rate they are going he will be so far behind by the time they get in gear, that he may fail 3rd grade or be permanently behind.  Thanks for letting me talk.

C, Overwhlemed mommy to 2 wild boys, a husband, and one beautiful normal, baby girl ;o)

Hi wild boys,

Have you thought of requesting an IEP or 504 plan for your son at your school? It is pretty standard here in Massachusettes, if your son is in a public school  and you request this in writing they HAVE to follow up. Your doctor can write a note in support of it. WHile my son has no academic issues what so ever, some of the behavior mods and attention to his ADD/hd needs have been implemented at the school under his 504 plan. Is it working? Well we are going to try MEDs because while the behavior mods work some days, it is not enough. I really think if your son has a lot of academic problems he is federally protected to get the help he needs in the form of an IEP(individualized education plan). My little guy can't get an IEP because he is advanced academically. Apparently it is the other 20 kids who can't learn around my son's impulsive,squirmy loud behavior. If I were the other students parents I would be annoyed too. I am just now trying to relax about the whole thing, it can be so overwhelming and you feel like a child yourself when dealing with the school on behalf of your son. Legally they have to help you to some degree. Good luck!

Hi juliemom,

Thanks.  Yes, I have requested a comprehensive evaluation by the school (for purposes of securing an IEP and/or 504 plan).  They just are VERY slow.  My son actually is not that disruptive in school, which is maybe why teachers have not said anything, but he is very hyper everywhere else.  His hyperactivity seems to express it self in every way, except disrupting school.  At school, he is mostly totally innattentive.  I am following up with the principal often.  My younger son actually has an IEP already, he started preschool with one. 

We are also waiting for the ins. company to approve the testing, so the psychologist can diagnos and send a report and reccomendations to the school.  We already had to reschedule the appt once, and will probably have to again on Monday.  Waiting is so frustrating!! 

Thanks.

C

Glen,

     Thank you for the advice and support. We live in a very small town so that is probably why the school system doesn't have much to offer. I have been looking into child psychologists in the area, so hopefully we will find one soon. It's kind of funny, this summer my son and I were visiting family in CA and we wen't to the park near where we were staying. After we had been there for a while a lady came to talk to me. She is a child psychotherapist and she told me all of this would happen when Gavin started school. Her son who was 11 has ADHD and Gavin reminded her of him at age 4. She told me Gavin would have a hard time in school but that he is a bright and very imaginative child. She suggested then that i find a psychologist for him. Guess I should have listened.

                                              Heather

Hello. I found this site this morning while I was doing a search on ADHD for a project that I am working on.  I discovered that I had ADHD when my son was diagnosed.  I began to get complaints when he was in pre-school.  I eventually had him tested and he was diagnosed with ADHD.  I didnt have him medicated until he was 6.  At that time (early 1990's) pediatrician's--at least mine-- would not medicate until they were 6.  I expected the medication to be a fix all. HAA!! It was not.  I was a single parent and I was overwhelmed and exhausted dealing with my son and his ADHD and the constant complaints from teachers and care givers. Every school year within 3 weeks of the beginning of the school year I receive a call from at least one of his teachers.  He stopped taking the medication in 7th grade because it made him feel funny.  It took me several months to realize when I was giving him the medication in the morning he was actually pretending to swallow it and throwing it away.  One day I discovered a pill on the floor and confronted him about it.  He started out on Ritalin, then I put him in a study for Adderall when it was in studies before being released to the public.  The Ritalin was great for me and the teachers, not so much for him so we switched to Adderall.  He had headaches and he would not eat. Adderrall was not as effective. So we tried Concerta, which was better because he did not have to take it in school.  He still had headaches and this is when he started to fake me out about taking the meds.  Behavior modification NEVER worked.  Rules, chores, everything was printed out and posted, Reward charts, psycho therapist, psychiatrists, I've done it all.  I AM EXHAUSTED!  He's now 17 and has barely made it to 11th grade.  He's failed every grade since 6th grade and has had to go to summer school.  He was diagnosed with ODD when he was 12 (when I had him in the Adderall study)--this only made the nightmare worse.  Tried as I might to be positive, sometimes it was just too much, it still can be.  In some respects I have given up.  Presently I just try to deal with the ODD , by working on my communication with him so we dont get into arguments.

But enough about him.  I am posting because of me.   I am working on yet another project which I am once again failing at.  It's three weeks late as I write this and I really want to walk away.  But I made an impulsive $8000 investment to get this project going and I feel pressured to complete it because of that.  As I said before I realized I had ADHD when my son was diagnosed.  I recognized some of his beahvior and struggles as those I had when I was growing up.  It didnt have a name back then (late 1960's).  My mother was not very understanding and neither were many of my teachers, so I was in constant trouble and always felt inadequate.  I have cried today as I read many of the posts here because I feel I've finally found a place where I'm not the weird, out of place one .  I've decided I need to get medicated. The commercial for Stratter with the woman sitting in a meeting--yes that's me. I have been on Paxil.  One of my psycho therapist suggested that, because of my anxiety.  I liked that it took the edge off.  However, it gave me a headache and I stopped taking it.  I'm in my mid 40's and have stacks and stacks of projects that I've started and failed to complete.  I am tired of the emotional spiral that comes with yet another failure.  My attempts at positive thinking are failing because I can't keep up with all the thoughts in my head.  I liked the guy who made the bee analogy.  Mornings are the worse.  I have to get it together and I am admitting that I need the help of medication.  So I will call my GP today and get on Adderall.  I'm abit concerned about the suicidal thoughts and Strattera.  Thanks for a place to share my ramblings.

Wow! I have been away from this forum waaaayyyyy too long! This is a fantastic thread. I have read some of it but I just dont have time to read all of it

I am currently trying to pull myself out of an emotional downer that I have been in for far too many months. When it first hit me I figured it would only last a few days like so many of them in the past, but its not the case for this one...every time I feel llike I am coming back up, I wake up a day or two later finding myself 'down' again....

Reading new items from people who share this chemical imballance has always helped me in the past, so I'm hoping that it works again.

Thank you everyone for being here for each other!!!

~Z

Welcome Suzequzee! (love the name btw)

Sounds familiar - all of it actually.  If I haven't experienced it - I know of at least a dozen who have and I hear them all.

First to your son.  I know first hand how hard it is for even a non-ADHD mom to handle a severe ADHD son (I was one - mother was gray at 30).  This was the 70s growing up for me - and we didn't have a foggy idea of what ADHD was - to all including myself I was unmotivated, spoiled, sneaky.. etc. etc.  You know the drill.

I can tell you he'll do OK! You sound like a mother who will do anything for her son.  My mom was too - and it made ALL the difference!  I made no visits to jail - survived teenage years (barely LOL) and now am a solid adult dealing with my ADHD as well as I can.  He will too.  He's not just ADHD - he's a TEENAGE BOY - even normal ones (ha! is there one?) will be independent, single-minded, sloppy, argumentative, etc.  ADHD just makes it that much a tear fest for you both.  He'll live (if you don't throttle him first - I often think my mom would have gotten away with it looking back).

So for you - don't worry about the adderall.  Actually - even the strattera is not as bad as you see it made out to be.  The incidents of thoughts like they mention is not very many - a handful.  Mostly - misdiagnosed people with more serious troubles - the strattera would aggravate other disorders. Get a good psychiatrist and you'll be ok.

The adderall has the benefit of the giving you extra energy along with the focus.  As you get to taking it over months - the energy will subside but still be behind the scenes.  It's good when you just can't seem to get the "oomph" to make it over those bumps.  Not necessary - but nice!

The headaches - do you try and quit coffee/stims while on meds?  The headaches could be you cutting back too quick?  A thought is all.

Get on a starter dose - and follow meds' directions carefully.  Go to your MD often - weekly is best.  Have him/her check your BP, weight - the works.  There's always a reason to watch for some hidden problem you may already have - that's where the bad effects happen.  The heart attacks? Most every one (only 40 in total died worldwide using adderall btw) were preexisting heart defects - and most of those overdid it and died during heavy exercise.  So just take care!

It gets BETTER!!! I have been on dexedrine (brother med to adderall) for about a year now.  Every month I learn more, love life more.  It can be awesome!

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions - or would like to get an adult version of your son's point of view.  I like to show that he can be redeemed LOL.

   MY NEIGHBOR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD IN THE 7TH GRADE.  THE TEACHER HAD TALKED TO A SCHOOL COUNSELOR... WHO URGED HIS PARENTS TO TALK TO A DOCTOR... WHO PUT HIM ON RITALIN.

   ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER AT A  PARENTS/TEACHER MEETING, THE MOTHER AND TEACHER WERE COMMENTING ON WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE RITALIN HAD MADE IN HIS CONDUCT AND GRADES.

   SO, MY NEIGHBOR REACHED INTO HIS POCKET AND PULLED OUT A BAG WITH ALL THE RITALIN PILLS IN IT AND TOLD HIS MOTHER AND TEACHER THAT HE HAD'NT TAKEN A SINGLE PILL.

   MY NEIGHBOR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD IN THE 7TH GRADE. HIS NAME WAS PINOCCHIO.  HE LIVED IN A LITTLE CABIN WITH GEPETTO. THE TEACHER HAD TALKED TO A SCHOOL COUNSELOR... WHO URGED HIS PARENTS TO TALK TO A DOCTOR... WHO PUT HIM ON RITALIN.  THE RITALIN WAS SECRETLY A MAGIC SLEEPING POTION FROM THE BAD WITCH - AS SHE WAS FRESH OUT OF APPLES.

   ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER AT A  PARENTS/TEACHER MEETING, THE MOTHER AND TEACHER WERE COMMENTING ON WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE RITALIN HAD MADE IN HIS CONDUCT AND GRADES.  "PINNOCHIO - HE'S'A BEEN SUCH A GOOD'A BOY YOU BETCHA - SAID MR. AND MRS. GEPETTO"

   SO, MY NEIGHBOR REACHED INTO HIS POCKET AND PULLED OUT A BAG WITH ALL THE RITALIN PILLS IN IT AND TOLD HIS MOTHER AND TEACHER THAT HE HAD'NT TAKEN A SINGLE PILL.  AND THEY ALL LIED.. ER LIVED HAPPILY NEVER AFTER.  THE END OF THIS GUYS CREDIBILITY.  THANK YOU FOLKS - PLEASE TIP THE WAITRESS.  I'LL BE HERE THROUGH THURSDAY.  THANK YOU THANK YOU

bugzappers and GlenW,

    How are you going to prove that Jake didn't tell me this ?

    Do you really think that all of my anti drug stuff is just posting to people like you ???

    One of you told me to get away from the keyboard and take it out into the community.   Great advice..... but 14 years late !!

    Want some bumperstickers, "business cards" flyers, lapel pins....

    Just let me know which psychotropic drug you are focussing on and I'll send you some.

belchingBee/Bear/Beer(?):  Welcome!  Don't despair, even though you may be used to it. Things are improving, it's just by tiny increments so you're not likely to be encouraged or have faith since you've not had much in the past it seems.  I have ADHD, & the hyperfocus/hyperactivity really helped me to focus when I had tons to do--my time was better allocated. (I never knew I had ADHD until I was 31.)  I just learned by experience that the more units/classes I had in one semester, the more A's I got:  15 units=A's & B's; 21 units=All A's.  My best explanantion is that the more I have on my plate, the more I know I MUST get done, so I have to plan/block my time.  If I don't have enough to do I obssess over some task of my own & usually get into trouble, because the things I had to do had no boundaries, like only going to school & not waiting tables @ night, or only waiting tables & not going to college (I could only bear that for one semester, barely), or being a stay@hm-Mom without an outside diversion with specific time demands/breaks from the schedule-less household minutia.  This may not be your problem, but all I can say is what helped me: 

If an assignment was given 2 wks ahead of the due date, I couldn't work on it because I need to feel my back's to the wall/under the gun to perform.  I guess I can't focus unless something's imminently due, deadline looming over me.  I would pull all-nighters the evening before whatever was due, & that, & the fear of not doing well (or now perfectly it seems) made me focus like mad.  Then the "Creativity" kicks into overdrive, & the next day I'd get a standing ovation from my classmates, memorize my oral report word for word, punctuation included, & never break direct eye contact w/my audience when I was giving it.  (This also helps distract from any quality that may be lacking in research, etc., sometimes.)

Learn to remember/retain only positive, ego-boosting experiences & you'll know you're going to excel at whatever is due.  Surround yourself with people who study, not just pretend to, if you can't trust yourself alone.  Ask for help--from teachers & friends--"2 heads are better" is actually always more insightful, even though you may have a vision, if you run out of direction or ideas, other people are rarely shy to voice their opinions on anything.  I guess my problem was/is I have too many ideas & perhaps the tight deadline I'd create helped me to choose the shortest option due to the time, thus making my decision for me/clear/obvious (too bad my adjective & phrase choices are not). 

Schedule your time like your mom's writing out what you have to do every thirty minutes of the day & stick to it!  Literally, include "brush teeth & apply make-up" for a fifteen minute square & figure out the little crap that takes up time & how much you need to do.  When I take into account all I need time for & write the day's time schedule, it's like a race to get it done/accomplished because it looks like so much, & that adrenaline that drives me to finish the day's list also "gives me no choice" but to be positive & quite focused.  Acting like, looking like, or even pretending to be accomplishing things can trick you into actually being productive, & totally develop new productive habits.

I hope some of this is helpful to you, even if it's just knowing what you shouldn't do.  But if what you've tried/habits in the past don't get your desired result, trying the opposite can often affect production in an unbelievable way.  The key is you have to believe it will & that's hard.  Pray for a positive, capable attitude & be manic (to me that means focus).  AD(H)D gives us many traits for "producing" others will never possess naturally/without effort--learn to USE them! Creativity & Hyperfocus can be non-stop yours. Honest.  

Keep coming to these boards (after you schedule reasonable allotments of time for posting, & then times later to check responses--ha!--scheduling is something you'll perfect as you do it on a daily basis & learn/know your schedule/needs better). There's a wealth of assistance & knowledge here, even though this may not be some of it!

Pinocchio?!

LOL! I'm dying here! Ok, but seriously, Tom Cruise/ Reality could be telling the truth because sometimes telling someone they have a problem they need medication for will make them apply themselves because they are scared & it's a wake-up call. Kid might have thought he might fail or something.

Not everyone needs meds, I guess. Some are poorly diagnosed. Why are you guys picking on the newbie?

DJ

DJ - Reality has been going all over the site - finding people newer than himself asking questions about medication.  He tells them the old line "ADHD meds are killing kids".  No mention that the numbers are amazingly small for a med so widely used - just that it's a killer.

We tried to be nice at first.  We tried to debate, to live and let live.  But Reality (and balanced who we believe are one and same) continue to harp at newcomers who are looking for answers.

We must protect each other here - and the battle cry has been answered!

DJ - Reality has been going all over the site - finding people newer than himself asking questions about medication.  He tells them the old line "ADHD meds are killing kids".  No mention that the numbers are amazingly small for a med so widely used - just that it's a killer.
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I've still not seen any real numbers on the whole killer thing. by Real I mean 'not made up by ritalindeath.com'.

There is no battle.

Glen thanks for your kind words and the warning about Reality.  I was had a   huh moment when I first read his/her comments.  I understand the medication debate still runs on--I've had it with my mother.

Debate on meds is fine - panicking people is certainly not!!

Do you remember the furor over tylenol and Reye's syndrome many years back?? They found that in certain circumstances, children with fever could develop reyes' syndrome when combined with tylenol.  However - many never knew that it's extraordinarily RARE - and that even if you have both the virus AND take tylenol as a child, most will never develop it!! And- those that do - the majority don't even show more than cursory symptoms.  Panic ensues, parents withdraw pain relief from their children, the panic mongers laugh at the pain they cause and the panic they produce. 

All meds have a small chance of being so unsuitable to the patient that bad things can occur.  Our meds are some of the safest - they have to be as the government is always demanding high standards from any med that can double as enjoyment for an abuser of them.  I'd like to see them force cold medicines to change from the ingredients that make crystal Meth though - there are alternatives today!

Just read, learn and be aware.  It's nowhere near as bad as this "reality" would lead you to believe!!

All I got to see was Pinnochio . . .

 . . . and apparently I spelled it wrong . . .

 . . . I mean, incorrectly . . .

GlenW,

    Let's talk about those "amazingly small" numbers about children dying from ADHD meds.

    I'm not really interested in the numbers though... I'd rather know their names. Were the parents okay with their child being labelled a "low statistic"?

... the government is always demanding high standards from any med....  Glen, I'm gonna send that post to my friends.  Thanks for the laugh.

Reality

from 1990 to 2000, 186 children died from Ritalin. That is about 8.5 children a year.  In 2003 11 children died from TOYS.   This means that more children die yearly from the use of toys than Ritalin.  So I guess we should OUTLAW TOYS.  Oh don't forget about cars.  1 in 2,960 will die from an accident in a car every year.   So to use your arguement we should all be walking everywhere.  we can't use horses because they kill too.  Oh yes you could trip and fall so maybe you should just sit in your chair in your livingroom,  Oh but you would die from obesity and lack of exercise.  Oh H**l you should just off your self now. 

Reality

from 1990 to 2000, 186 children died from Ritalin. That is about 8.5 children a year.  In 2003 11 children died from TOYS.   This means that more children die yearly from the use of toys than Ritalin.  So I guess we should OUTLAW TOYS.  Oh don't forget about cars.  1 in 2,960 will die from an accident in a car every year.   So to use your arguement we should all be walking everywhere.  we can't use horses because they kill too.  Oh yes you could trip and fall so maybe you should just sit in your chair in your livingroom,  Oh but you would die from obesity and lack of exercise.  Oh H**l you should just off your self now. 

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lolol

Yes - well put HM!!

He's doing this kind of deceipt all over the forum.  In another spot he's using data from a long-term study by a very reputable team for the food and drug admin and tried to make it look like it was saying that antidepressants are causing suicide.  when you look at what's really there - it's exactly the opposite - over more than 20 years - there is NO connection whatsoever!  He put in an anti-med "news" report - quoting little pieces and saying that the scientists said things they didn't .  All lies - and so not about ADHD anyway!

I'd ignore it but all this pseudo-science is scaring newcomers here.  Someone has to put it right.  And, as I sent administrators here info about curus, and balanced when they sent all this down - I am with reality.  I still think reality is just balanced under a new nick anyway.

Hopefull_Mother,

   How many children were PRESCRIBED toys? ... or cars? ... or horses?

   Glen can figure this one out...

    Ritalin kills 8.5 children a year.... and there are less than 3 million kids taking it.

    Toys kill 11 kids per year.... there are 4 billion kids in the world playing with toys.

    The way I figure it is that Ritalin is far, far more dangerous to children than toys.

Glen,

    Here's some more REAL statistics for you...

    In the USA, 80 people commit suicide... every day.

    In the USA, 65 of those suicides involve SSRI antidepressants.

    In the USA, over 90% of the "under 18" suicides involve SSRI antidepressants.

    You're really becoming the odd man out here. ALL of the drug companies involved in SSRI a/ds and the FDA have issued warnings that SSRIs may cause suicide.

    Perhaps you should update your research.

Toys only kill 11 kids a year? What are YOU smoking ?!?!?

Check out any emergency room - thousands die just from inserting toys into the orifices.  Many more from suffocation, lacerations, punctures, small-part choking, stuffing coming out, electrocution, etc.  Come ON - at least PRETEND to check this out!

Glen,

    Here's some more REAL statistics for you...

    In the USA, 80 people commit suicide... every day.

    In the USA, 65 of those suicides involve SSRI antidepressants.

    In the USA, over 90% of the "under 18" suicides involve SSRI antidepressants.

    You're really becoming the odd man out here. ALL of the drug companies involved in SSRI a/ds and the FDA have issued warnings that SSRIs may cause suicide.

    Perhaps you should update your research.

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90 percent? Not likely and I'll find the info on that to prove it out.  But there is a large number ON SSRIs because they are presently suicidal!! You are making a cyclical loop here - and totally flawed in logic.  If a person is depressed and thinking suicide of COURSE they are on anti-depressants!!

Man - this is getting very old. Same argument - still as flawed as the first time you brought it up.  Find new material - it's not funny anymore.

Here's a more up to date dispute on SSRIs/suicide link

July, 2005

New UCLA Study Disputes Antidepressant/Suicide Link