Diagnosed with ADD

[luvtoto]

Went to the doctor today, because I am fed up with my memory problems and inability to focus.

 

Found out after a long interview, that I have suffered from ADD most of my life and didn't even realize it. My ADD has affected my relationships, jobs, school, ... everything. Basically, ADD has held me back from succeeding in a lot of areas of my life...for obvious reasons. I have it so bad, that I can't remember faces of people I talked to a few days ago.

 

Just think of what I could have done with my life.

 

So, I've been on medication for only four hours already today. But, I already feel more alert. My brain is clutter-free already.

 

I can't explain it. I just got off the phone with one of my friends...and I didn't feel fidgety. I was completely focused on what she was telling me, wasn't impatient thinking about other things going on. Also, when I felt as though I was drifting off (in my mind)...I could still recall what she said. Kinda like pushing the rewind button in my mind.

 

She seemed more open to me. Our conversation went really good!

 

Hmmm....

 

Wow. I feel a lot more confident. When I meet new people, and I can remember all that is being said to me, and retain it...then, I will be able to make more friends.

 

(If you have never suffered from ADD...that statement probably wouldn't make much sense to you.)

 

Is there anyone out there that can relate to what I am going through??

[westernxer]

My ADD prevents me from reading past the first sentence. LOL

 

Kidding...

[luvtoto]

My ADD prevents me from reading past the first sentence. LOL

 

Kidding...

I know Westernxer.

 

But, the thing is, is that I've suffered my whole life from comments about my unbelievably poor memory. Like, "hey...bring those last two brain cells over here. I have a question for you." ha ha ha ha. NOT.

 

I've been the butt of most jokes in the office. I spent most of my life just laughing along with everyone. I am tired of making fun of myself. It's affected my self-esteem.

 

I guess now, that I am diagnosed, I will have to suffer from comments about me having ADD. I'm figuring....

[luvtoto]

Ok..well. Thanks for everyone's support.

[norajane]

You get my support! I think it's great that you've figured out what's been going on with you and have been able to get help to change your whole life. Think of this as your opportunity to do the things you've always wanted, and now really can achieve.

 

I'm curious, though - didn't you say your daughter had ADD, or am I confusing you with someone else? If that's true, didn't you recognize the same symptoms in yourself that you saw in her?

[luvtoto]

You get my support! I think it's great that you've figured out what's been going on with you and have been able to get help to change your whole life. Think of this as your opportunity to do the things you've always wanted, and now really can achieve.

 

I'm curious, though - didn't you say your daughter had ADD, or am I confusing you with someone else? If that's true, didn't you recognize the same symptoms in yourself that you saw in her?

Thanks very much, Norajane. Yes! It is a life changing moment for me. I have been held back by this disorder..and now am just wondering how much I can achieve. You phrased that all very well. Do you know someone with ADD??

 

Um, no, my daughter doesn't have ADD. She suffers from severe control issues. Probably cause she's had to put up with a forgetful and flighty mother all these years.

 

But, thanks again!!

[whichwayisup]

Does the medication have any side affects? Just curious.

 

I do understand what you're saying, I've experienced something similar, but it only happens when I get bad migraines, and then the next few days afterwards I feel like I'm in a fog. I call it foghead. I just feel out of it and can't concentrate for too long (unless I'm on LS! LOL!).

 

I am glad you're feeling better. Hey, now when someone says something about 2 brain cells, you can think fast on your feet and come up with a real good smart ass answer!!

[Horse]

I was diagnosed a couple years ago. I knew I had it all along. It just took me a long time to seek treatment.

 

The drugs are great. It's like you flip a switch and your brain works.

 

Now people think I am on drugs (weed) when I am not on drugs (Adderall).

 

One suggestion though. Don't just rely on the drugs. There are other things that can also help. Omega-3 fish oil, enough sleep, exercise and a good diet work wonders.

 

The drugs do have some side effects. If you take them too late in the day, it's hard to get to sleep (a beer will fix that). It can increase your heart rate and BP. Mine are both low, so it's not a problem for me. It also decreased my sex drive a lot, but for me that is a good thing.

[Pyro]

Good for you that you were able to get over that hurdle. Maybe this will change everything for you. I heard somewhere that millions upon millions of people with ADD go untreated because they don't even know that they have it.

 

Maybe I should go in for a check-up.

[Storyrider]

I tend to be spacey and have trouble completing what I start. I have often wondered if I have it. I tend to do better if I load myself up with caffeine. Self medicating?

 

Congratulations on figuring this out. You'll have to keep us posted about how the medication works over the long haul.

[luvtoto]

Does the medication have any side affects? Just curious.

High blood pressure was one. But, my BP is super low. It will actually do me good.

 

Another was weight loss. But, I guess I'll try to keep up with my eating.

 

I do understand what you're saying, I've experienced something similar, but it only happens when I get bad migraines, and then the next few days afterwards I feel like I'm in a fog. I call it foghead. I just feel out of it and can't concentrate for too long (unless I'm on LS! LOL!).

Have you gone to the doctor yet?? Doesn't sound too good.

 

I am glad you're feeling better. Hey, now when someone says something about 2 brain cells, you can think fast on your feet and come up with a real good smart ass answer!!

I have never been able to think on my feet fast like that. Who knows! Maybe, I'll change that.

 

I was diagnosed a couple years ago. I knew I had it all along. It just took me a long time to seek treatment.

My doctor said that's usually the case. By the time, we seek treatment, we've already incorporated many coping skills already into our lives. I never realized until yesterday how I've managed to keep my ADD under control.

 

For example: keeping my keys in the exact same spot so I can find them, strong organizational skills, maps in my car cause I'll get lost driving. At work, I have all my tasks listed on sheets. I have even bought software programs to help me stay organized.

 

The drugs are great. It's like you flip a switch and your brain works.

That is exactly how my doctor put it. That is exactly how I feel now being on the medication. I feel "ON". I love experiencing how my brain functions when people talk to me now. It's like having a whole new brain.

 

One suggestion though. Don't just rely on the drugs. There are other things that can also help. Omega-3 fish oil, enough sleep, exercise and a good diet work wonders.

I have had this disorder all my life. I have developed coping skills that have helped me. Some of those skills have included eating good, vitamins, and good sleep. If I didn't have those things included in my life, I struggled. Didn't know what was wrong with me, but I struggled. I seriously thought I had brain damage or something like it.

 

Good for you that you were able to get over that hurdle. Maybe this will change everything for you. I heard somewhere that millions upon millions of people with ADD go untreated because they don't even know that they have it.

 

Maybe I should go in for a check-up.

Well, the three major symptoms are impulsiveness, inattentiveness and constant movement. Check. Check. Check.

 

I tend to be spacey and have trouble completing what I start. I have often wondered if I have it. I tend to do better if I load myself up with caffeine. Self medicating?

Well, the treatment for ADD is to stimulate the brain. So, you do have a point.

 

Congratulations on figuring this out. You'll have to keep us posted about how the medication works over the long haul.

I didn't figure anything out. My doctor did. I thought I had early alztheimers or something!

 

My medicine is the missing link I've needed. I can't believe how different I feel. I feel new and improved.

[ash519]

I dont have add or anything but just thought (for your awareness) i read in the news the other day medications like Ritalin and Adderal are going to have to start putting a warning label on there meds notifying people of the risk of stroke and heart attack..

 

Also, you said now you'll have to put up with comments about you having add...you dont need to tell people at the office you have that, it is none of there business.

[luvtoto]

I dont have add or anything but just thought (for your awareness) i read in the news the other day medications like Ritalin and Adderal are going to have to start putting a warning label on there meds notifying people of the risk of stroke and heart attack..

My doctor pointed that out to me. Which was good. I will have to go in and be checked often. Ritalin is a controlled drug. Thanks for letting me know.

 

Also, you said now you'll have to put up with comments about you having add...you dont need to tell people at the office you have that, it is none of there business.

Yea, I was going to keep things on the down-low. But, out if comes without my ability to keep it to myself. Maybe that's the impulsivity part of my disorder.

 

I only work with 8 people, so I am lucky. They are more like family to me. They love me.

[Sup]

Went to the doctor today, because I am fed up with my memory problems and inability to focus.

 

Found out after a long interview, that I have suffered from ADD most of my life and didn't even realize it. My ADD has affected my relationships, jobs, school, ... everything. Basically, ADD has held me back from succeeding in a lot of areas of my life...for obvious reasons. I have it so bad, that I can't remember faces of people I talked to a few days ago.

 

Just think of what I could have done with my life.

 

So, I've been on medication for only four hours already today. But, I already feel more alert. My brain is clutter-free already.

 

I can't explain it. I just got off the phone with one of my friends...and I didn't feel fidgety. I was completely focused on what she was telling me, wasn't impatient thinking about other things going on. Also, when I felt as though I was drifting off (in my mind)...I could still recall what she said. Kinda like pushing the rewind button in my mind.

 

She seemed more open to me. Our conversation went really good!

 

Hmmm....

 

Wow. I feel a lot more confident. When I meet new people, and I can remember all that is being said to me, and retain it...then, I will be able to make more friends.

 

(If you have never suffered from ADD...that statement probably wouldn't make much sense to you.)

 

Is there anyone out there that can relate to what I am going through??

 

 

YO! It doesn't mess with my memory(I have a memory like a whip! CRACK!). But, I can relate to having problems in school, and feel like I've been held back. A few things I've noticed, is I make more sense verbally, more outgoing, can talk for 2 1/2 hours about bellybutton lint! LOL j/k. I'm more confident, it's night and day differences. However, I've also noticed it can make you seem a little jumpy, like you drank too much coffee, NEVER take this kind of stuff past 4PM, or you'll NEVER get to sleep that night! It's harder to express emotions, but I'm more centered, Logical, like Mr.Spock in a sense, you may not experience this, as how it can effect people in different ways. My productivity is WAY UP since starting the meds. One other thing you may notice is this stuff can make you very tired, after about midday. What do you take?

[Sup]

I dont have add or anything but just thought (for your awareness) i read in the news the other day medications like Ritalin and Adderal are going to have to start putting a warning label on there meds notifying people of the risk of stroke and heart attack..

 

Also, you said now you'll have to put up with comments about you having add...you dont need to tell people at the office you have that, it is none of there business.

 

 

I agree with this Luvtoto.

Someone on here mentioned that it decreases their sex drive, well I gotta argue on that one, because I've been noticing the opposite sex a LOT MORE now than ever before. It could be different meds though. I asked the Doc about decreased sex drive, he said nope, if anything it'll help you!

[Porn_Guy]

what did u say LUVTOTO?

[luvtoto]

I've also noticed it can make you seem a little jumpy, like you drank too much coffee, NEVER take this kind of stuff past 4PM, or you'll NEVER get to sleep that night!

I already cut back to two pills a day instead of three. Because, I was feeling a bit wired. But, now I feel lots better.

 

I agree with this Luvtoto.

Someone on here mentioned that it decreases their sex drive, well I gotta argue on that one, because I've been noticing the opposite sex a LOT MORE now than ever before. It could be different meds though. I asked the Doc about decreased sex drive, he said nope, if anything it'll help you!

I have super low blood pressure. So, I really don't think it's gonna be a problem for me. When dr's take my BP, they usually ask if I am alive.

As far as the sex drive, that is basically not an issue anyways.

 

what did u say LUVTOTO?

what, when, where??

[luvtoto]

If you are medicated with Ritalin, never tell anyone. I guess I didn't realize the stigma behind the drugs that I'm now taking. Maybe Tom Cruise was right.

 

People that don't understand ADD, think that ADD medication is equivelent to speed. That upsets me.

 

What people don't understand is that to the normal person, yes, Ritalin would give you the same feeling as speed. It would bump you up above the normal brain functions. (well, I don't know how else to put it.)

 

But, what Tom Cruise and those judgemental people don't know is that to a person that has under-stimulated brain functions, Ritalin put us up where normal people's brain functions are.

 

Is that fair to say?

[luvtoto]

what did u say LUVTOTO?

I just now got that!

 

I meant to say above..."Thanks, Tom Cruise". He hasn't helped the stigma that people have about the medication.

[Sup]

I just now got that!

 

I meant to say above..."Thanks, Tom Cruise". He hasn't helped the stigma that people have about the medication.

 

 

Should've used that third pill, huh? LOL!!!! Just Kidding!!!! I've had days like that, when you just knew you should've taken a higher dose, DOH!!!! What I hate is when I get home, I start to come down from this stuff, then I start feeling stupid again, DUH!!!!!!! I REALLY HATE THAT! I would take a long lasting version, but with my sleep disorder, that kinda would ruin my sleep and the next day!

 

Are you taking Ritalin Luv? At least thats better than the name of mine: DextroAmphetamine

My word is MUCH bigger, I WIN! LOL!

But to look at the name, well, it'll get people a thinkin.

[luvtoto]

Should've used that third pill, huh? LOL!!!! Just Kidding!!!! I've had days like that, when you just knew you should've taken a higher dose, DOH!!!! What I hate is when I get home, I start to come down from this stuff, then I start feeling stupid again, DUH!!!!!!! I REALLY HATE THAT! I would take a long lasting version, but with my sleep disorder, that kinda would ruin my sleep and the next day!

 

Are you taking Ritalin Luv? At least thats better than the name of mine: DextroAmphetamine

My word is MUCH bigger, I WIN! LOL!

But to look at the name, well, it'll get people a thinkin.

You sound like you are just a ball of energy!

 

I take the generic Ritalin. When the doctor gave me the prescription, he joked and told me to not sell it on the streets. He asked me if I was ever an addict...drugs or alcohol. I don't have that type of personality. Smoked for a year, and then just quit one day. Didn't like the way my clothes smelled.

 

Anyway, on the internet, looks like people crush these pills and snort them.

 

I am still on only two pills a day. Can't handle that third one. I am so focused and getting tons of things done at a normal rate.

 

It's a wonderful feeling to be able to stay focused on a task and see it through.

 

No jittery feeling or anything. Little bit of an upset stomach if I don't eat food with it in the morning. Also, I sleep better at night. With all the things I get done during the day, I am more tired at night.

[Sup]

You sound like you are just a ball of energy!

 

I take the generic Ritalin. When the doctor gave me the prescription, he joked and told me to not sell it on the streets. He asked me if I was ever an addict...drugs or alcohol. I don't have that type of personality. Smoked for a year, and then just quit one day. Didn't like the way my clothes smelled.

 

Anyway, on the internet, looks like people crush these pills and snort them.

 

I am still on only two pills a day. Can't handle that third one. I am so focused and getting tons of things done at a normal rate.

 

It's a wonderful feeling to be able to stay focused on a task and see it through.

 

No jittery feeling or anything. Little bit of an upset stomach if I don't eat food with it in the morning. Also, I sleep better at night. With all the things I get done during the day, I am more tired at night.

 

 

(shaking) Why do you say that? Anyway, getting lots of things done at a normal rate? I've was moving so FAST once that people were staring at me! LOL:cool: Now I know how it feels when people look at Lt. Commander Data typing or doing stuff. However, I learned REAL quick that going that fast can hurt your body, I aggravated a former neck condition from that, never do heavy stuff really really fast like that, not good! I think I have slowed down a little on many of the tasks, to keep it safe, I don't wanna scare no one! I was on a higher dose myself, but, MAN! It would mess up my quality of sleep, I liked the doseage, but, it's not worth it. I called it wigging out! A combination of powerful meds and tiredness. The meds alone will put a person on MARS! Some of the things I'm doing now, wow! I'm slowly, on purpose of course, learning Japanese, I know really hard, but having everything being hard before, even that's not bad. I've always eaten something in the morning, because my parents made my little brother and sister do that when they were younger and on Ritalin.

[Guest]

I think I have ADD, but I was checked by the doctor and he said that I didnt. I dont believe him.

 

Some things I notice that I have is horrible short term memory, trouble putting a simple sentence together (kids have asked me if Im high when i speak sometimes and i feel i cant be myself when I cant put a simple sentence together and am made fun of, i come off as dumb, but im real smart), and lack of motivation.

 

Im confident that I have it, but my parents think Im lying. Do these symptoms sound like that of a person with ADD?

[luvtoto]

I think I have ADD, but I was checked by the doctor and he said that I didnt. I dont believe him.

 

Some things I notice that I have is horrible short term memory, trouble putting a simple sentence together (kids have asked me if Im high when i speak sometimes and i feel i cant be myself when I cant put a simple sentence together and am made fun of, i come off as dumb, but im real smart), and lack of motivation.

 

Im confident that I have it, but my parents think Im lying. Do these symptoms sound like that of a person with ADD?

Trouble putting a simple sentence together?? I dont' know if that is a symptom of ADD either.

[Sup]

I think I have ADD, but I was checked by the doctor and he said that I didnt. I dont believe him.

 

Some things I notice that I have is horrible short term memory, trouble putting a simple sentence together (kids have asked me if Im high when i speak sometimes and i feel i cant be myself when I cant put a simple sentence together and am made fun of, i come off as dumb, but im real smart), and lack of motivation.

 

Im confident that I have it, but my parents think Im lying. Do these symptoms sound like that of a person with ADD?

 

 

Are you talking about triping over words alot? I've had that. Get another Opinion, OK? Lack of motivation is another sign of ADD, my parents Always said that I was lazy in one form or another, get tested.