The Forums › Forums › Emotional Journey › My Story › 99% sure I'm ADHD & now I have to circumnavigate getting diagnosed?? Cruel joke!
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September 21, 2011 at 4:02 pm #90036
First post after surfing the forums for a bit and laughing and crying in recognition all over the place….
My first insight was a CBC program I hear recently, featuring Dr. Jain & Rick Green. I had heard of ADD/ADHD over the years, but never before had I made the connection to my own life experiences. Listening to the show as I drove up the 400 I had tears streaming down my cheeks…
Not living up to my potential. That pretty much sums up my entire existence. I can see the possibilities, but I can’t touch them. I have the best of intentions, but am unable to …oh, crap – here’s the list: pay my bills, do my taxes, make doctor’s appointments, do my dishes, arrive anywhere on time, take out the trash, send birthday/Christmas cards & gifts, renew driver’s licence/health card/etc, pay parking/speeding tickets, make a hair appointment, take my donation pile to the box at the end of the street, etc, etc, etc.
Got straight As in school until about grade 11 when I no longer just ‘knew’ the answers, but actually had to study. Got disbarred after 1 year of university due to poor academic performance. So much for being ‘gifted’…
Until now, I thought I was lazy. Wow! That’s a whole lot of lazy, eh?
So, here I am, with a self-diagnosis (yes, I’ve done every online test I can find and I tick the boxes like I wrote the test myself), and now I have to find a way to get an assessment.
I have emailed a clinic (my sister applauded my quick action when I forwarded her the response!) and discovered a $1200 fee. How many of us have jobs in companies that provide insurance?? And no, I don’t have a family doctor. Well, ok, I do, but it’s in my childhood city and it’s definitely not convenient to get there. I’m living in a small town for a few months and there’s no walk-in clinic here, and when I called the local family practice clinic, they didn’t seem particularly helpful other than slightly begrudgingly offering an on-call doctor.
So, now I think I wait until I’m back in the big city (although was there for 2 days this week already and did not manage to get myself to a walk-in clinic….). I hope that I can make myself go to a walk-in clinic, and that they will refer me to a psychiatrist (covered under OHIP apparently), and then hopefully I won’t have a ridiculous wait time for an initial appointment. Then I worry about how long I will have to wait after initial appointment for actual assessment.
Feeling very motivated to get this done, but I wish there was a simple number to call (or better yet an online appointment system!) to just make an appointment with the right person so I can move forward. Very overwhelming to try to figure out how best to proceed.
Truly happy to have found this site and to read all the posts from so many kindred spirits. And to think I always thought I was just a bit weird….
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 4:51 pm #108415
AnonymousInactiveSeptember 21, 2011 at 4:51 pmPost count: 14413Hi Stash,
Don’t underestimate the value of a good diagnosis by an ADD specialist – yes, I paid out of pocket for my assessment, but it was worth it. I wonder whether or not you will be able to get adequate assessment and treatment without having a family doctor? Many ADD specialists just assess, but don’t take adult patients.
I started this whole process back in March of this year, I think. Made it through three assessment appointments (got in early because of cancellations), but the process is now stalled – yes, I have textbook ADD, but the psychiatrist says I need to have a sleep study before he’ll issue his final report. Apparently sleep disorders and other sleep issues can present as ADD.
I just had my sleep study – after three attempts to get referred for that by my family doc, two clinics never contacted me (I had to go to another city for my consultation, study and followup), the wait for an appointment with the sleep specialist for a consultation took 2 months (and they have 7 specialists on staff, it’s a big clinic), but after seeing him, he determined my case was urgent and I got a sleep study a week later. Now I have to wait 3 weeks for the report and followup. Then back to my family doc, then back to the ADD specialist. According to the sleep specialist, I have textbook narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). It can co-exist with ADD, but the treatment will be to treat the most prominent disorder first, and then treat any residual (remaining) symptoms.
Be prepared for a long wait. But if you do have ADD, I’m told that proper treatment can improve the quality of your life significantly.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 5:17 pm #108416Family doctor will typically mis-diagnose as often as properly diagnose. I’ve been the whole route, and although in my case the “doctor” was right – that’s as far as he could go, he knew so little about it. They aren’t trained in areas of the brain – they are trained in internal medicine, colds, broken bones, that sort of thing.
After all I’ve been through – and it was a lot – I’d say don’t even diagnose yourself, use it only as a lead to get more information.
There are SO many things that echo or mimic ADHD it’s amazing. I had a 4 hour session with a neuro-psychologist, and were my eyes opened. I was correct, I’m adhd, but then, grandfather, mother, son – doesn’t that sort of put me into the more likely category? Plus, my troubleshooting and reasoning abilities helped – I can often tell the family doctor what’s wrong with me before he or she can, and I”m typically quite accurate.
But when I heard the list of OTHER possible causes of almost every symptom I had, wow – I wonder how many visit forums, leave thinking they have add, and try to self-medicate, only making the REAL cause worse, or being wrong?
Get a formal diagnosis from a pro – just do it. Hey, it took me nearly a YEAR, and I was lucky as instead of a 3 months wait, there was a cancellation – I got in 7 days after the referral was made. (now I wait 2 weeks for a follow-up with him, a month for a follow-up with the previous provider, and 2 months for a follow-up on the sleep study for more answers)
I’m not trying to tell you that you are wrong – you might be dead-on, but I’m saying that your life is too darned important to make a mistake on such an important diagnosis. You are an important person – go get something done to make the rest of your life better.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 5:35 pm #108417Thanks to both of you for your comments!
I definitely want to get a proper assessment, but the process to get there is daunting. If I could afford it, I’d make an appointment at the clinic I was in touch with as I liked their wholistic approach and multi-faceted approach to treatment. However, one of my issues is an inability to manage my finances, and I simply can’t see how to pay for it. So, I’m left with working through the public health system as best I can.
Admittedly I’m feeling rather impatient at this stage. I’ve been feeling a lot of grief for the 40 years I’ve struggled through, and I just want to be able to start working towards a bit more stability. I’m realistic about the fact that there will be no ‘quick-fix’, but I also don’t want to wait months just to get to the starting gate!
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 6:57 pm #108418Impatience is one of my calling cards………. I can relate.
Procrastination is another. What an oxymoron, eh?
You hurry up while I figure out how to put things off until tomorrow.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm #108419I am currently going through the process of being diagnosed through a not for profit learning centre. There is a cost, approximately 1400 dollars, however I am fortunate to have coverage under 2 plans to pay for the majority.
Now, one thing they did explain is that there are payment plans and different options they have available for those without coverage. Spending that amount of money is a huge decision, if it is all out of pocket. Not sure if this is an avenue that they have avaiable, or if that makes any difference to you.
When I saw the Dr that is treating me, he said that a referral from him would likely take years to play out. He said to stay the learning centre route, which is way quicker. Also a nice thing is that this Dr. is doing medicine trials with me, which for me is helping dramatically.
So, I think I am in the “Lucky” (heehee) category with getting a diagnosis. Just 3 short weeks since the revelation that this is what I may have to now – going for my 2nd appointment with the psychologists, and bringing a family member (I guess they usually like to have another person’s perspective). They said that if all goes well, I am looking at getting some kind of diagnosis in October. Another “Lucky” thing is that they do not suspect a sleep disorder, which from what I have read from fabulous posters on this site takes forever!!
Whichever route you take, it will be the right one for you.
All that said, doesn’t it seem screwed up that a referral to a psychiatrist takes years through our provincial health care system? Also sad that if you have the money, (or coverage) you get the care. Very, very disheartening considering we all know how this effects our lives, and how so many people respond to treatment (counselling, coaching, medicine, coping strategies etc).
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 7:44 pm #108420
AnonymousInactiveSeptember 21, 2011 at 7:44 pmPost count: 14413Hey, I’m going to be 56 in a week, so I can relate to having gone through this for years, even 20 years ago when the narcolepsy diagnosis was missed on a sleep study.
I still have a lot more life left in me.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 21, 2011 at 9:39 pm #108421@billd – I’ll be happy to give you some pointers! (when I get around to it…)
@lucky – you are indeed from the sounds of things! I will look into the payment plan concept. Didn’t even occur to me! I may also talk to a family member. There are some things you don’t want to borrow money for, but this actually seems like one of those things that it would be silly to do without if there’s a chance of some help. I know if I could lend myself the money I would in a heartbeat!!
It is very disheartening to experience the drawbacks of our healthcare system. Money talks as they say.
I’ve also had private insurance suggested to me, so perhaps I’ll look into that too. (Or maybe I’ll have @billd do it for me tomorrow!)
@no_dopamine – I like your attitude! I’m in the process of shifting from regret and loss to joy at the prospect of a new beginning. I already feel a bit of a sense of relief and am letting go of some of the guilt that’s plagued me for every time I’ve let someone down.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 2:44 am #108422
AnonymousInactiveSeptember 22, 2011 at 2:44 amPost count: 14413lucky, even though I paid extra to see him, I am not being treated by the ADD psychiatrist, just assessed. I still have to work with my family doc, whom I think less and less of every time I see her. At least there are caring people out there who know this stuff and who are respected enough by our docs that they will follow their recommendations rather than muddle through attempting to treat something they clearly know nothing about!
Why is it that, as an accounting professional, I am required to do continuing education, but my family doctor is not. What’s wrong with that picture?
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 12:19 pm #108423No_dop I really like you! A kindred spirit for sure. Hey, remember, doctors are only practicing after all!
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 5:07 pm #108424
AnonymousInactiveSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:07 pmPost count: 14413LOL, billd, should I ask my doctor when she is going to stop practicing and start performing medicine???
Enjoying your posts too, think we have lots in common.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 5:55 pm #108425Well – Yay me! I have an appointment with my old family doctor on Monday morning. It’s a family practice unit attached to a teaching hospital and they have historically been at the forefront of medical knowledge, so I am not overly concerned that I will be brushed off as I’ve heard some are when they first talk to their docs.
This is the fastest I’ve moved on anything in ages! Helped to talk to my mom last night. Doesn’t matter how old we get, moms have a way of motivating us!
Any suggestions on how to approach this first vist? I’ve let them know that I’m coming in to discuss the first steps to an ADHD assessment, but is there anything else I should prepare before I go?
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 7:30 pm #108426Make a list of your concerns and symptoms. (that way since you may be ADD, you don’t forget them like I always do!)
Be prepared to explain why you are seeking diagnosis/treatment/information etc. (my doc asked me “since you have lived with this for 54 years and have done ok why are you now wanting to look into this” I wanted to slap him – I thought that was quite uncalled for.)
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 9:47 pm #108427Yes! A list – definitely! The list is a bit overwhelming when I stop and think about it for too long. Perhaps I’ll start a list today and add to is as things come to mind. (provided I remember where I leave the list…..and that I even created one….)
And Monday morning….an hour from where I live….maybe not the smartest way to start this off, but it’s so important to me that I’m sure I’ll make it. Will start now to tell myself appointment is at 10am instead of 10:30.
@billd – I tend to be super-empathetic, but I would actually hope that a doctor would question why now? What’s the catalyst? But perhaps your doctor didn’t ask it in a way that made you feel he was on your side, which is very unfortunate. I’m hoping for a good reception, but I worry about my ability for fight for myself. Great at defending others, not always so good at doing it for me.
REPORT ABUSESeptember 22, 2011 at 10:18 pm #108428
AnonymousInactiveSeptember 22, 2011 at 10:18 pmPost count: 14413This may not apply, but I was asked for copies of all my school report cards. And for any comments by family members over the years about my behaviour. Think back to when you were growing up and make notes about how the symptoms have manifested for you, then make notes about how it has affected your life. That will help give you the basis to talk about it with your doc. And print out the report you got from the quiz here. Good luck! Glad you’re getting in so fast.
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