Re: 37 and finally got up the courage to talk to my doc

[Patte Rosebank]

In my admittedly short experience, Ritalin is nice, but Concerta is nicer. They’re both Methylphenidate, but the extended delivery system of Concerta seems to be more effective. And it’s very important to get ACTUAL Ritalin or Concerta, not the generic versions, especially Concerta. Here’s why: http://totallyadd.com/generics-part-4

My diagnosis came when my brother saw an interview with Rick, in the Toronto Star, in April. He sent me the link, with a note that said, “This sounds exactly like you.” He was right. I went to this website, did the Virtual Doctor and other diagnostics, and scored 100%. I printed out the results and took them with me on my next regular visit to my psychiatrist. (I was being treated for depression, later modified to “mild bipolar”, for 12 years.) He asked me about my childhood to determine whether I’d had symptoms prior to age 7. I had, so he said, “I think we can safely assume that you DO have ADHD Combined Subtype.” He started me on Methylphenidate (generic, since I’m on the Trillium Drug Plan), which had a slight effect. It wasn’t until he put me on the lowest dose of Concerta (branded, since my pharmacy didn’t have generic) that I discovered what “normal” feels like.

So here I am, aged 41, and finally finding out why I am the way I am, and what “normal” feels like. I always knew I was a late bloomer, but this is ridiculous!

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