Diagnosis confirmed today

[savedbygracewgr]

I just had an appointment today with my family doc. She had me do some paperwork prior to this visit and told me today that it confirms her suspicions that I am definitely ADD. She gave me a ‘script for methylphenidate ER. While I am happy to be doing something about the ADD, I am nervous and concerned about taking the meds. Just hoping that I am doing the right thing.

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[Stash]

Welcome to the club! I got my diagnosis yesterday, today is day 2 of ritalin. Remarkably unremarkable actually! A bit clearer, but other than that, I’m not feeling any huge change. Wasn’t looking for a miracle, but was hoping for a more obvious difference.

Read around the forum – there are lots of good folks and lots of resources under videos that might give you good info to make you feel more comfortable with the meds.

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[billd]

She ruled out all the dozens of other causes for the symptoms? Wow.

I guess after my “journey”, I’d never let a family doctor diagnose ADD/ADHD. They haven’t the knowledge and skill-set IMO, but that’s just how I feel after learning so much from a top neural-psychologist. In fact, I now feel my family doctor who diagnosed me was bordering on malpractice. Yes, he was in the end correct, but for the wrong reasons. He never bothered to rule out the dozens of other things that COULD have been the cause. I mean, really, in a 10 minute office visit and a single 2 page test, he’s going to know all that about me? LOL – I’m told however that my symptoms are SO obvious, that his nurse probably could have diagnosed me pretty closely.

I not only got the ADHD diagnosis, I got the subtype, personality type, and a whole lot more. But it ain’t over yet – still no treatment plan (6 months and 2 more docs later) and no meds yet.

Meds:

With the thousands (or more) being treated successfully on meds – you shouldn’t have too much fear. However, do note – they may or may not work, they may end up changing meds, doses, or combinations. And what one med fixes or helps with for one person with ADD might not be helped in the next ADD person. Meds act differently in different people. So don’t look to them as a cure – there isn’t one, and don’t even expect all symptoms to be reduced or controlled……….

Also give ’em time! Sometimes you get instant effects, then months later the effect is diminished, other times it takes months for the full impact to be realized.

It’s a process – sometimes trial and error, sometimes taking months. Note I say “sometimes” – as they say, “your mileage may vary”.

ADD or not, you are an individual – thus have individual needs and other personality traits aside from ADD – either because of, or in spite of, so good luck, welcome, keep at it – don’t pull an ADD and procrastinate!

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[Anonymous]

A couple of things to keep in mind. No one reacts to the same meds in the same way. What works for some may not work for others. Keep track of how you’re feeling and be sure to report back to your doctor so adjustments can be made if necessary.

The biggest problem I’ve had with ER (extended release) medicines is that they will give you terrible insomnia for the first 3 days until your body adjusts. Again, your mileage may vary. See how you feel after that and make note of any improvements in the way you’re feeling. It is most likely that you’ll know exactly when the medicine is wearing off – make note of that as well so you can get a feel for how long it’s lasting.

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[billd]

Ha – he said it in 50% fewer words than I!

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[savedbygracewgr]

First day on Ritalin was a success as far as I’m concerned. Noticeable difference in focus and attention to detail. Did not feel as though I was trying to hang on to a bunch of greased rattlesnakes while trying to think about things. Just thought about them and was able to do them without spacing out. Here’s hoping that things continue to go smoothly. I am prepared to go through the process no matter how long it takes. Just happy to know that there is hope for me. Was beginning to think that I had reached my max potential and could go no further (pretty sad when you’re only 42, huh?). I am also looking forward to learning more ways to help cope with this as I know that the meds will only do so much. Funny how I need to learn so much about something that I have been fighting for my whole life. Thank you to all those who replied (and to those who thought about it but then procrastinated :wink:).

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