savage
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 6
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Post by savage on Jul 4, 2016 17:44:13 GMT
Hi,
This is for those with a formal diagnosis, and who have received treatment for the condition.
What treatment did you receive?
How has it affected your life? For better, for worse?
And for those on amphs, has it taken away a part of you?
Thanks.
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Post by vagueandrandom on Jul 4, 2016 19:13:22 GMT
Hi savage . . . I was diagnosed a year ago. . .what's changed? . . .I'm relieved. . . and in learning more about how ADHD affects me makes it easier to accept myself. . I tried mph, but didn't find much benefit apart from tiredness and a slight stabilisation in my moods. . . however, I didn't finish titration because I moved house. . . I didn't feel any less 'me' and I'd like to try meds properly, just to see if they can be of any help. . . I know that plenty of people find meds helpful and I'd like to try before writing them off. . . they're certainly not anywhere as bad as antidepressants and lithium! So. . I'm happier in myself and don't beat myself up as much. . .BUT. . it staggers me how ignorant society and health professionals are about ADHD. . I haven't met a GP at my new practice who takes me seriously, or even believes that I have ADHD, despite letters from specialists, and I recently had an appointment with a (general) Consultant Psychiatrist who seems to think it's all about a lack of concentration and doesn't feel that it would benefit me to continue treatment for ADHD. . .oh, and the counsellor who told me that it was down to parental neglect. . . What is also good is to talk to others here, and to realise that you're not alone, or unique in your quirks and habits . . .and meeting up and going to groups can be really positive too.
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Post by smogz101 on Jul 9, 2016 22:20:17 GMT
For me it's turned my life around for the best, I was really struggling this time last year. At first I held off medication, but after having a bit of a major wobble and speaking to my adhd nurse (who has been brilliant) started on medikinet. The first things to improve where sleep and impulsivity/restlessness. I was on a baby dose and it didn't last longer than 2 hours so went up to 30mg and then 60mg in March where everything fell into place. Processing things properly, taking in what was being said to me, calm, thinking more before making a decision. On 60mg people said I was more quiet, a few people commented about this.. so I suppose I lost the 'daftness' element to my personality - but i didn't really notice this myself. Then I had a weekend med break. And found everything 10x more hilarious and was literally bouncing about the place ... so this was an eye opener as to how much the meds were actually helping. Back down to 40mg whilst waiting on some heart checks... it takes the edge off everything but not as effective as my usual dose. It's a compromise though, I'm calmer and my sleep is much better but it doesnt really help me focus. Meds effect everyone differently though, and what works for one wont work for another. Im 5 foot 3 and my therapeutic dose was 60mg (even 80mg as 4x a day would have been better than 3x). Some people see big improvements on really small doses, and others see no benefits on the max and have to go through different brands/release mechanisms/non-stims to find something that works. It really is trial and error and I'm one of the luckier ones I think. All in all I've had a very positive experience with meds and the good thing about them is if you do try them and have a bad experience - just dont take them again. I wake up every morning with unmedicated ADHD and bounce out of bed like a coiled spring before I've taken my first dose of the day
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savage
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 6
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Post by savage on Jul 11, 2016 19:50:12 GMT
You're both female, so like, obviously may affect you in different ways than to men...but does it assault your libido at all? (sorry for intrusive question, but I think it's important)
I'm really quite adamant about going for a non-medication route, because I don't view them as a solution. Clearly, they'll alleviate symptoms, but they're not addressing the root of the problem.
Really want to hear from someone who's gone the way of just therapy or whatever, and has turned out fine. Or is that some sort of golden goose that doesn't exist?
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Post by vagueandrandom on Jul 11, 2016 20:33:49 GMT
I don't really understand your question. savage. . What do you consider 'turning out fine?' . . and meds don't so much 'alleviate symptoms' . .it's not like taking a painkiller and not feeling pain. . they can help by slightly slowing down your thought processes to give you a little more time to think before you act/speak and improve concentration for some. . As I said earlier, meds have not proved of benefit to me so far and stopped taking them . . I'm managing pretty much the same with or without. . ADHD is the way your brain is wired. . .it can help to educate yourself and accept your limitations. . it's about finding systems and strategies that work for you . . I was 48 when I was dx and had already Developed a lot of my own strategies. I have had a lot of therapy over the years, but none of it worked because I didn't know that I had ADHD. There are adapted CBT courses and ADHD coaching which address ADHD specific issues and help with coping strategies. . .they may help your understanding of the condition and give you tools. . But nothing will 'cure' it . .it's about living *with* it the best way you can. As regards libido . .there was a thread on this, but I can't seem to find it. . as you said, I'm a woman, so can't comment on how it might affect men, but my libido is unaffected.
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Post by shiningbright on Jul 11, 2016 22:33:28 GMT
A common misunderstanding about ADHD is that it's like an illness, like a reoccurring infection. Many think that like antibiotics, medications for adhd can cure or suppress the ADHD from a person either for lo fe or temporarily.
Rather it's a case of different people have different needs.
Personally I have opted for an undx, medication free approach. But I have noticed patterns to my days that can help me and habits that can hinder me.
I've also found and or created strategies to use my adhd to my advantage. But when I crash I crash hard, tears and tantrums, the lot lol.
My point is there is no one way does all, no golden goose, it's not curable only manageable and even strategies in place one day might need to be adapted or replaced another day.
You can only do what is best for you and your needs at the end of your day :-)
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