|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 26, 2017 20:35:04 GMT
Been a lurker for a little while and decided to join up. Hello, all you lovely and insightful people.
Well, bloody hell. Being female, and bright enough to coast by when it came to actual examinations (and having a mother who literally did bits of coursework for me), I never in a million years considered ADHD could be the cause of my current wheel spinning. Now I'm at that stage where I'm looking back over my life - only now it's like the lights are on, for the first time ever. Reading that list of symptoms was like being punched repeatedly in the gut.
During my at university, I got prescribed medication for anxiety. I now realise that most of the anxiety was caused by ADHD symptoms: the massive disconnect between ability and output, not having huge numbers of friends growing up, finding social situations a little overwhelming, general chaos leading to me losing VERY important things, inability to work unless the deadline is less than 24 hours away, weirdly extreme emotional reactions to things - the list goes on.
Now I'm trying to get together enough proof/testimony to make it worth going to my GP and asking for a referral. Only problem is, we've just been rebuilding our house, and a lot of the important documents are in storage. I suspect lots of my behaviour in nursery school (from what I remember) will suddenly make a lot more sense and be a powerful bit of evidence. I don't have those; but I've found from primary school upwards, littered with comments like 'Needs to work more quickly, sit still on the carpet, not read the books or be distracted by those around her' (aged 6) to 'Capable of a very high standard. Verbal contributions show exceptional early grasp of geographical concepts, but missed numerous homework deadlines and often without exercise book' (aged 12) to 'has an exceptionally high skill level in art but has missed coursework deadlines, resulting in a disappointing low grade for the GCSE mock exam.' (aged 16). School was full of humiliating events, like being summoned (alongside my mother) to the Head of Sixth Form's office and shown a chart, showing students projected grades against where they were at that point academically (I was, unsurprisingly, at the bottom).
By the time I reached CSM art foundation, I got referred (a.k.a failed) for the first term, and barely scraped by in the end because despite my nearly empty research files and journals, they like my actual piece. I distinctly remember coming home from a meeting with my tutor in tears of frustration and shame that I had got my life horribly wrong. I graduated near the top of my year group at university - but likely only because I did Creative Writing and I'm good at that, so I sure as hell can hyperfocus and write a pretty good short story in 6 hours or so. There were a lot of lucky coincidences along the way as well. But now I'm struggling to find a job, because dammit, that requires organisation...
I'm guess I'm angry that nobody ever noticed a problem, and that I never thought to pursue it, always allowing myself to be convinced it was a problem with my attitude. Of course, it's entirely possible that I won't be diagnosed with ADHD and that I am, as so many people have told me, just overthinking things... but nothing has ever felt as right as this.
Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say, and thanks to the people that set this board up and those that sue it, cause it's been VERY helpful. Should I wait it out until I have my nursery reports too before going to my GP, or just take what I already have?
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Mar 27, 2017 0:57:53 GMT
Hi! Fuck waiting
|
|
|
Post by vagueandrandom on Mar 27, 2017 6:51:20 GMT
Been a lurker for a little while and decided to join up. Hello, all you lovely and insightful people. Well, bloody hell. Being female, and bright enough to coast by when it came to actual examinations (and having a mother who literally did bits of coursework for me), I never in a million years considered ADHD could be the cause of my current wheel spinning. Now I'm at that stage where I'm looking back over my life - only now it's like the lights are on, for the first time ever. Reading that list of symptoms was like being punched repeatedly in the gut. During my at university, I got prescribed medication for anxiety. I now realise that most of the anxiety was caused by ADHD symptoms: the massive disconnect between ability and output, not having huge numbers of friends growing up, finding social situations a little overwhelming, general chaos leading to me losing VERY important things, inability to work unless the deadline is less than 24 hours away, weirdly extreme emotional reactions to things - the list goes on. Now I'm trying to get together enough proof/testimony to make it worth going to my GP and asking for a referral. Only problem is, we've just been rebuilding our house, and a lot of the important documents are in storage. I suspect lots of my behaviour in nursery school (from what I remember) will suddenly make a lot more sense and be a powerful bit of evidence. I don't have those; but I've found from primary school upwards, littered with comments like 'Needs to work more quickly, sit still on the carpet, not read the books or be distracted by those around her' (aged 6) to 'Capable of a very high standard. Verbal contributions show exceptional early grasp of geographical concepts, but missed numerous homework deadlines and often without exercise book' (aged 12) to 'has an exceptionally high skill level in art but has missed coursework deadlines, resulting in a disappointing low grade for the GCSE mock exam.' (aged 16). School was full of humiliating events, like being summoned (alongside my mother) to the Head of Sixth Form's office and shown a chart, showing students projected grades against where they were at that point academically (I was, unsurprisingly, at the bottom). By the time I reached CSM art foundation, I got referred (a.k.a failed) for the first term, and barely scraped by in the end because despite my nearly empty research files and journals, they like my actual piece. I distinctly remember coming home from a meeting with my tutor in tears of frustration and shame that I had got my life horribly wrong. I graduated near the top of my year group at university - but likely only because I did Creative Writing and I'm good at that, so I sure as hell can hyperfocus and write a pretty good short story in 6 hours or so. There were a lot of lucky coincidences along the way as well. But now I'm struggling to find a job, because dammit, that requires organisation... I'm guess I'm angry that nobody ever noticed a problem, and that I never thought to pursue it, always allowing myself to be convinced it was a problem with my attitude. Of course, it's entirely possible that I won't be diagnosed with ADHD and that I am, as so many people have told me, just overthinking things... but nothing has ever felt as right as this. Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say, and thanks to the people that set this board up and those that sue it, cause it's been VERY helpful. Should I wait it out until I have my nursery reports too before going to my GP, or just take what I already have?
|
|
|
Post by vagueandrandom on Mar 27, 2017 6:57:56 GMT
Hi somewhatannoyed I think you've got plenty. . I didn't even know they did nursery reports! Go to your GP . .there can be a long wait to get assessment, no need to drag it out any longer! Welcome! Don't be afraid to ask questions
|
|
|
Post by marionk on Mar 27, 2017 9:31:59 GMT
Hi somewhatannoyed, welcome to the forums. While I am sure you are ADHD, you will definitely struggle to get dx, as one of the criteria is that you be significantly impaired by it. So I ask, as the GP's also ask, What do you hope to gain from diagnosis?
|
|
ant
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 23
|
Post by ant on Mar 27, 2017 12:36:16 GMT
Hi there somewhatannoyed,
Your experience sounds so familiar. I did eventually discuss this with my GP... (thanks to a lot of support from this forum).
The GP did basically say that it seems like I haven't been 'Significantly' impacted as I did well at uni, got a job etc... BUT I have been VERY lucky. I nearly didn't get my PhD and took 2 years extra to do it, I only did OK at work as people were more attracted by my (ADD) enthusiasm and different way of seeing things than they were from my lack of organisation.
When it comes to waiting, I think it will be more during the formal assessment that you'll need all the proof. After a chat with my GP, she said she would put me through for diagnosis if I wanted (without all the reports etc..) but said she honestly didn't feel I'd get medication, so as what MarionK said, why did I want to be diagnosed 'officially'.
One thing that did make me more reticent to continue was the GP said that ADD was 'Popular' these days... which I thought was a bit mean as it insinuated I was following a fad rather than the fact that there is just more info out there and more people have ADD than first thought... so be prepared for that.
About doubts, I had a load... thinking saying I have ADD was just an excuse... but when you look back and your whole life (ups and downs) pretty much makes more sense through the ADD lense... you have to believe it!.
Good luck Somewhatannoyed... just make sure you are able to no longer be annoyed at yourself!
So basically... that was a whole big rant to say... go for it now... it'll likely be a while before you get to see a specialist for the formal diagnosis, so no point wasting time.
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 27, 2017 13:34:50 GMT
Thanks all who have replied. It's so nice to not be instantly shot down for once.
This is a tricky one, because I feel like it's having a massive impact on my life, but I don't know if they'll see it like that.
1. Money is a huge problem. I'm an impulsive buyer (got into a bit of trouble with the bank during 3rd year; got so carried away with a project for uni, spent hundreds on materials and stuff, they thought my card had been stolen. and of course, I wasn't clearheaded enough to actually get the thing functional before I handed it in. On the same project, I forgot a VERY important form too, -10% of your grade if you don't hand it in, which I found on the desk when I got back from the faculty office. emailed my lecturer in tears, and because she for some reason likes me, she allowed me to scan it and send it over without penalty. Lucky breaks, as I said).
Then there's things like being charged by the estate agent for all the keys I lost during my stay there. There was an awful moment as well where student finance didn't pay me anything in the last term (which, if i'd read the forms properly, I might have realised earlier) so I suddenly owed £1,650+ in rent that I didn't have. It goes on... but basically, I'm broke now. My mum and dad have let me move back in for the time being, but that can't last forever.
2. Personal relationships down the pan! Rejection sensitive dysphoria is one of those amazing missing puzzle pieces for me. Anyhow, I'm paranoid about all my (limited) friendships, all the time. I worry that I'm too annoying. I worry that I'm not fun enough, that everyone walks on eggshells around me because I'm 'sensitive'. I do find it quite hard to relate to most people, like I'm on a different wavelength. Even my brother, who has always been my best friend, has been getting tired of me. Talking to strangers is completely potluck between silent anxiety or complete oversharing. My self esteem is in tatters after years of being lonely at school. I can see why nobody wanted to be my friend - too weird, too different, I didn't really get the hang of that 'washing yourself/your uniform/your teeth' thing for a long time. I had a small social circle, but often found myself as a third wheel with two people who would rather it be just them. All my uni friends now live together up in Liverpool, and I can barely afford to visit them because of money. What do I need to fix this?? Read on to find out....
3. A Job! It seems to simple and obvious... but I'm relatively unskilled. Never had a job growing up, except some very specific voluntary theatre work. Writing covering letters, CV, and applications confuse the heck of out me. I spend a week on one, trying to concentrate, writing a few sentences per day, constantly distracted or sidelined by one of my other 500 hobbies/pursuits; and afterwards, I'm completely drained, with nothing to show for it. There are things I could go for, but even yesterday when I mentioned applying for a local coffee shop, my brother said that me in a coffee shop was pretty much the worst fit he could think of (I make an alarming number of mistakes in my day-to-day life, so I can't disagree with him). Honestly, I need to do something creative, something where I'm relatively on my own terms, but with a firm hand to make sure I get stuff done. In fact, I'd love to be a novelist, which brings me to the next point.
4. Personal development at a standstill. It's been 10 months since I finished university, and I've done nothing. This this pit has never seemed deeper. I KNOW I'm a talented writer. Out of my circle of chums (those who also studied Creative Writing) I had the best marks, the most adventurous ideas. I've got whole novels planned out, ideas which I've been told to pursue by people with industry experience, stuff which I've been told is already at commercial level. I could have hit the ground running. And yet I'm the one in our group who has completely ground to a halt. Writing is just so difficult. I can think and think all day, play out entire scenes in my head, but as soon as I sit down to type it up, it's boring - and there's no deadlines to kick me into hyperfocus anymore. I can feel myself getting more depressed by the day. The more time that passes, the more I think maybe I was horribly mistaken and that I don't have talent, that I really was just lucky all the way through. I cry most days about something or other. I hate feeling like a freeloader on my parents, but I can't seem to get myself into gear.
5. Finally (for now), health. It takes me so long to do anything. Months to sign up to a GP after moving back home. Kept losing the forms. Just this week, I got a mole removed that's been bothering me (bleeding, changing shape, hurting) for a long time. The final was straw was a nightmare where it spread cancerously all over my face. I legged it down to the doctor surgery to hand in my registration forms, and (luckily) they could see me that same day about the mole, and set up the hospital appointment which then led to removal. There's plenty more like it; I wore a pair of monthly lenses for half year because I couldn't wrap my head around changing opticians (as the current could no longer provide a consistent enough service). This gave me awful headaches for so long before I finally did something, and in the end it was only because my mum wanted to change opticians too and so I tagged along with her.
Anyway, I'm sure plenty more will pop into my head as the day goes by, but I can't type anymore. What kind of stuff do they look for with regards to it affecting your life negatively?
|
|
|
Post by marionk on Mar 27, 2017 14:04:08 GMT
Ok, I think that's probably enough impairment after all! somewhatannoyed I particularly identify with #3 there^ !!
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 27, 2017 15:05:09 GMT
Good luck Somewhatannoyed... just make sure you are able to no longer be annoyed at yourself! Thank you! I'm doing my best but I foresee a difficult few months ahead. How long should I expect for the process to take? I just rang my doctors surgery but they said I had to ring back tomorrow if I wanted to make an appointment. Phone calls make me nervous so now I'm here all wired up over nothing. What was your phd in, if you don't mind me asking?
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 27, 2017 15:09:54 GMT
Ok, I think that's probably enough impairment after all! somewhatannoyed I particularly identify with #3 there^ !! Well, I hope it's enough for them to at least consider. Or maybe enough for them to point me towards what is actually wrong, if it's not ADHD. And in answer to your question 'What do you hope to gain from diagnosis?', I would say I want the power back over my own brain and body, to take take back control of my life and get out of this increasingly dangerous pit of miserable unproductivity I'm in. Number 3, the job struggles.... Gosh, it just sucks so much, doesn't it? What has been the worst part for you? I'm so interested in everyone's stories!
|
|
ant
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 23
|
Post by ant on Mar 27, 2017 15:47:18 GMT
Good luck Somewhatannoyed... just make sure you are able to no longer be annoyed at yourself! Thank you! I'm doing my best but I foresee a difficult few months ahead. How long should I expect for the process to take? I just rang my doctors surgery but they said I had to ring back tomorrow if I wanted to make an appointment. Phone calls make me nervous so now I'm here all wired up over nothing. What was your phd in, if you don't mind me asking? I'm not sure how long the process would take as I haven't taken the next step to ask to be formally diagnosed. But I made sure I chose the doctor I wanted to have a chat with at my surgery, which helped. I also had a list of symptoms which helped (although I forgot them on the day... typical). I've also mentioned it to a proper doc, who said I can request to be assessed if I want. So I don't feel 'trapped' but am choosing to try with a formal diagnosis. Of course I don't mind you asking.. it was in Marine biology - on a fish parasite... basically some immunology and biochemistry. And I feel the same about phone calls (one of those things I thought was just me... but seems common in ADD). I'm lucky enough to have a doctor's where you can book via an app which suits me far more. Good luck with calling them back tomorrow!
|
|
|
Post by vagueandrandom on Mar 27, 2017 19:19:41 GMT
Wow! This has been a busy thread today! Yeah . .the phone thing . . I go in to make appointments, and they still insist on phoning me to tell me test results etc. .even though I've told them I won't talk on the phone. Anyway . .the first thing is to persuade the GP to refer you for assessment . . this isn't always easy as many GPs don't know much about ADHD. How long it will take depends on where you live and your local adult ADHD service. . If you can give some idea of area there might be someone who has local experience. Some areas have no service. . . The first step is asking your GP. . .good luck!
|
|
keefy
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 25
|
Post by keefy on Mar 27, 2017 19:24:20 GMT
Hi there somewhatannoyed.
I would suggest not waiting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I was dreading the initial contact with my GP. The symptoms of ADHD are something I found out recently apply to my life a lot and when discussing it with people close to me they were quick to dismiss it with statements suggesting everyone does those things from time to time. With me then getting on the defensive and having to explain that this is a constant thing, not a time to time thing. So I was worried that I'd be dismissed by the GP as well; but I was actually taken very seriously by them and spent a lot of time with them discussing my situation. They then started to get the ball rolling. I feel very much like you in the sense that it may not be ADHD but nothing has ever felt so right. ADHD links things like my thinking I was lazy and was lacking the self discipline everyone else seems to summon so easily with things like my extremely impulsive spending and emotional reaction to things. I can't really imagine it being anything else.
Secondly, I would say that the longer it went untreated if it is ADHD, the bigger the impact it will have on your life. I have managed to really damage my credit rating due to my overspending and putting off paying bills I could easily afford. I have also left many jobs and moved from job to job. I'm at a stage in life now that my friends have all moved into careers and are progressing up the ladders (and pay grades) of their professions and I can't seem to stick at a job long term. These things have also been a big influence on the ending of my marriage too so my advice would definitely try to get as much help as possible sooner rather than later because it leaves you with a deep sense of underachievement that maybe you will be able to rectify earlier in life and get more from life than you can currently.
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 27, 2017 20:47:05 GMT
vagueandrandom, I'm in the Buckinghamshire area, which from what I can tell is pretty poor for service. But I also am served by the London tube line, so it's not a problem to go into London. I think I worked out it would take an hour and a half to get to the Maudsley place. Today I did find some of the paperwork from nursery school (aged 3 to 4), and there are some quotes that stand out, although I don't know what they mean or signify. My mum wrote this to the nursery: '[my name] can be very single minded and stubborn at times, and when she has set her mind on something, she can be difficult to distract.' And then later, 'Good luck keeping her in line - [name of previous playschool] told me that she has "difficulty conforming".' There are some more of the familiar 'needs reminding of when to listen, can be easily distracted by those around her' comments. Stuff about having recently been better about cooperating and taking turns. Strong willed, gets upset if things don't go her way, etc. (I sound like a brat). The summary at the back says 'It has been both challenging and pleasurable having [my name] as a member of the class.' And my mother responds '[..] I know that she can be very strong willed and focused, often on things other than what she's supposed to be doing'. How young do ADHD kids starts hyperfocusing on stuff? ant Thanks. I hate phone calls partially because I can never remember what's just been said and there's no facial expression to read. keefy Sucks to hear how you've been affected I'm ringing back art 8:30am tomorrow (if I remember! alarm is set!) and I hope this will get the ball rolling...
|
|
keefy
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 25
|
Post by keefy on Mar 28, 2017 10:10:46 GMT
somewhatannoyedI was just trying to make light of a few negative things that have happened to me in the past. If I do have ADHD I wouldn't swap it for the world. Whilst it may have affected some areas of my life negatively, it has also had a big positive impact on other areas as I tend to dive in head first and give it my all when other people would be hesitant and I would say I am a very resilient person due to my set backs. I find it easier to pick myself up and dust myself off (after a short sulk ). Let us know if you managed to call your doctors.
|
|
fardale
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 37
|
Post by fardale on Mar 28, 2017 16:42:06 GMT
hey, people here are pretty great and have already given you tons of information. I'd just like to add 2 things. 1) good luck (in a nice way; not sarcastic ) 2) Your gp is not qualified to tell you if you have ADHD or not. Take a list of symptoms you are experiencing and a very brief example of how they are affecting your life. And say "I Want to see an adhd specialist. Please can you write me a referral." At this point they may or may not ask you to fill out or answer a questionnaire. based on your description you should... er... pass? xD the questionnaire with flying colours. But either way they shouldn't be allowed to say no as they are not qualified to assess you. so if it comes to it politely remind them of this fact. If you still have problems try and see a different GP. lists are about a year long to see a specialist on the nhs. I ended up going private and getting an appointment that same week. Now i'm having difficulty getting my GP to prescribe for me so i'm spending more money to go back and get started and titration sorted privately before i return to NHS. If you have anymore questions Just ask. Great community here.
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 28, 2017 19:22:28 GMT
Thanks again for all your advice. I didn't call the GP today. My alarm went off at 8am, and I didn't get to sleep for ages last night, and so I thought sleep would be more productive. Tomorrow there is an electrician coming to my house so I don't really want to be in his way. I'll walk into town early and see them in person.
A couple more questions: - Can I specifically request a referral to Maudsley? They seem to have quite a good rep (unless I'm mistaken) and they're nearby enough - Is stealing considered a form of impulsive behaviour? It was definitely an addictive one for a while... - Is there anything you categorically should NOT say in the initial GP visit? (something that might make them discredit you for example?)
|
|
|
Post by vagueandrandom on Mar 28, 2017 19:59:23 GMT
You can request to be referred to Maudsley, but if there's a service more locally they might push you to go there. I don't think there is . . I'm pretty sure computermandan is from Bucks and was assessed at Maudsley. Your local CCG will need to agree to fund assessment out of area. Some, like mine, will not fund anything for adults with ADHD unless clinically exceptional, whatever that means (Sorry. .spent all day completing complaint to the health ombudsman) Be prepared for the question. ."and what do you hope to gain from a diagnosis?" GPs don't like labels, and ADHD is incredibly stigmatising . . I had no idea how widely misunderstood it was . .BUT . .diagnosis is still the best thing that ever happened to me. Just knowing for sure and being taken seriously is incredibly liberating and now I don't beat myself up so much, or try to do things I'm never going to get good at however hard I try. By understanding why I do certain things or find things difficult, I have the chance to work *with* ADHD instead of fighting against it. Stealing can be impulsive, or risk-taking activity, particularly if you do it for the excitement rather than material gain . . Although meds can be really helpful for some people, it's probably best not to stress it to your GP. It's likely they think that, as stims are controlled drugs, it's all you're after and don't understand how they work in the ADHD brain. . .Maudsley do adapted therapy too.
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 29, 2017 11:09:41 GMT
Okay. Some progress. Got an appointment with a GP registrar (?) tomorrow at 9am. Got a printed list of symptoms with annotations. Got my school reports just in case, and some some other stuff I found.
It's been one of those mornings as well... Woke up way before my alarm due to my annoyingly sensitive hearing, felt my usual burst of RAGE toward those in my house who cannot keep the noise down, felt angry at my dad when he poked his head into my room and asked 'Hello! Are you stirring yet?' Yes, father, normally by the time you've asked that, I've been awake for an hour trying desperately to drown you out so i can doze off again, often with a headache, occasionally having cried already. My symptoms are bad and have always been bad, but lack of sleep makes them unbearable...
Decided to do some errands in town today as I'm walking in anyway to make my appointment. 1) pay into my account a generous £50 that i got for my birthday, especially since my bank have been sending ominous letters recently saying that 'money needs to start going into your account and not out of it!' And 2) do some sketches for the set I am supposed to have already designed by now. remind myself several times before I leave to MAKE SURE I HAVE MY EQUIPMENT.
Now I am sat in Costa with 1) £50 still on me, because guess what?? There is no Santander branch in this town! Which i forgot and didn't think to check either! And 2) No sodding ruler.
Ah well. At least I have a nice iced coffee.
The real question is, at what point do i get my mother in the know? It would be nice for example to get a lift into town tomorrow, and if i get my referral, she'll be my 'witness'... But i was considering not telling anyone else until I'm a bit further down the line, considering how skeptical everyone else has been. (Because everyone forgets things, don't you know... everyone has trouble concentrating. Stop looking for excuses! 😠)
|
|
|
Post by vagueandrandom on Mar 29, 2017 13:10:40 GMT
Hmmm. .I don't think it's worth taking your mother to the GP appointment unless she's supportive. My mum was a special needs teacher and was supportive when I was being assessed for autism, but won't talk about ADHD at all . .except for comments about things she's read about people selling their meds . . I think she probably thinks it's her fault, either because her parenting skills were bad, or that she didn't notice . . or it could be that she doesn't believe ADHD is real. . .don't know, she won't talk about it. All you need to from the GP is a referral to a specialist for assessment. You'll need to convince them that you need it and don't get fobbed off to therapy or general psychiatry, although they might want you to have a general psych screening to rule out serious mental illness as a cause . . Sensitive hearing . . I used to think I had super hearing, sight, smell . .but it turns out it's just the inability to filter things out, courtesy of ADHD Good luck tomorrow
|
|
keefy
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 25
|
Post by keefy on Mar 29, 2017 22:54:46 GMT
This is another example that makes me think. Here they are, these are my people! My body clock seems to be set for sleep between 2-3am until about 10am. If I set an alarm clock to go off before then (which everything in life seems to demand us to surface before then!) It takes me ages to get up. I wake feeling like I've been out for a night on the town and I usually have a headache and can even feel dizzy for about 10-30 minutes but it doesn't stop my brain from running overtime as soon as I wake. Sometimes I feel like my brains been running overtime while I slept. I've tried explaining to people that I really struggle to wake in the morning but they won't have it. The thing that annoyed me for a while was that my wife used to get the kids up for school at 7 and I never saw the point in this because they would be ready before 8 and fighting but didn't leave for school until an hour after. Anyway, Monday and Tuesday I used to have off as I worked 12 hour shifts Saturday and Sunday and the house would go really loud from 7am which really used to annoy me so I would lie in bed fuming but I used to stay in bed as I hate people when I wake up. I'd rather just sit quiet for half an hour with coffee and zone out. So I totally get what you mean when it comes to loud houses in the morning.
As for going into town, this is so me. I seem to forget something for every task I have unless I have checked 3 times before I've left the house. I spend ages going over and over everything I need and still forget things or leave the iron on or the heating or leave the backdoor unlocked or something else I needed to do before I left the house. I've learned not to beat myself up over this now. In fact, I have come to expect it...I reckon my neighbours think I have OCD because when I've left I go back at least once to get something or go and turn something off. In the past I've gone into uni to study and then realized a crucial thing I needed is sat on my kitchen surface at home so have ended up wasting 2 hours traveling to uni and back.
As for your assessment. I personally had a talk to my mum about it, who dismissed it trying to explain its normal to do these things from time to time. Though, for me it's constant. When going to the GP I just went alone and answered questions honestly. I found some hard to admit to like do I suffer with anger. I noticed the GP constantly changing questions before I'd answered them fully like he was gauging my reaction. They said they were going to send me for an assessment for underlying mental health and to return to them. I told my mum this and explained after this they will then probably refer me for an ADHD assessment. I explained the symptoms fully to which my mum seemed to take a little more seriously and acknowledge. I think it might just take a little ice breaking for them to get used to the idea.
|
|
ant
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 23
|
Post by ant on Mar 30, 2017 7:24:00 GMT
Good luck with your appointment today!
Regarding telling your mum, I have read that family sometimes don't want to accept it as they don't want to accept missing it for all those years. But, to be fair, the likelihood is they know something was up... and they might even have similar issues (as there is a genetic aspect to ADD).
I was trying to 'convince' my mum and other family members. Then realised, they don't know what's going on in my head and don't understand how ADD doesn't just explain one or 2 aspects of your life but A TON! even things that can't be considered as an excuse for being lazy. e.g. The phone things. I thought that was a very unusual thing... how can a group of strangers also have the same issue?
Then I realised, I was thinking about it wrong. What do I care if they believe me or not... I can explain what it is, how it affects me so the understand. But I didn't need to stress about what they thought. Over time, hopefully they will come round.
Hope it all goes well today!!!
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Mar 30, 2017 8:44:24 GMT
She's agreed to refer me! I was a complete gibbering mess the whole time, but there we go...
Apparently it will take about three months. I didn't make the joke (out loud) that three months is kind of the average time it takes me to sort out a washload so it doesn't bother me. She also referred to them as the local services, so I assume Bucks somewhere. Forgot to ask about Maudsley. She's kept my printed list of symptoms that I traffic-lit based on how much they are present/affecting me.
And i will be ringing back in a week, once a week, to check how it's going.
Thanks again to all of you for your help and information. I expect you'll be seeing a lot more of my ramblings in the months to come...
|
|
fardale
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 37
|
Post by fardale on Mar 31, 2017 18:51:52 GMT
glad you got it sorted best of luck.
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Apr 29, 2017 18:19:10 GMT
She's agreed to refer me! I was a complete gibbering mess the whole time, but there we go... Apparently it will take about three months. I didn't make the joke (out loud) that three months is kind of the average time it takes me to sort out a washload so it doesn't bother me. She also referred to them as the local services, so I assume Bucks somewhere. Forgot to ask about Maudsley. She's kept my printed list of symptoms that I traffic-lit based on how much they are present/affecting me. And i will be ringing back in a week, once a week, to check how it's going. Thanks again to all of you for your help and information. I expect you'll be seeing a lot more of my ramblings in the months to come...
|
|
|
Post by Blue Ribbon on Apr 29, 2017 18:27:43 GMT
She's agreed to refer me! I was a complete gibbering mess the whole time, but there we go... Apparently it will take about three months. I didn't make the joke (out loud) that three months is kind of the average time it takes me to sort out a washload so it doesn't bother me. She also referred to them as the local services, so I assume Bucks somewhere. Forgot to ask about Maudsley. She's kept my printed list of symptoms that I traffic-lit based on how much they are present/affecting me. And i will be ringing back in a week, once a week, to check how it's going. Thanks again to all of you for your help and information. I expect you'll be seeing a lot more of my ramblings in the months to come... Hi Somewhat annoyed, I have really enjoyed reading your posts from a month ago and I have found them very helpful as well. Congratulations on getting a referral for a Dx. I live in Bucks and am off to see my GP for a referral in a couple of weeks. I was wondering to where you have been referred aa I didn't think there was any where in Bucks ( it's a bit simple out here a times ) I am trying to find my old school reports buy I am sure ADD will help explain the gulf between my ability and output as you say. All the best Chris
|
|
|
Post by marionk on Apr 30, 2017 8:22:25 GMT
She's agreed to refer me! I was a complete gibbering mess the whole time, but there we go... Apparently it will take about three months. I didn't make the joke (out loud) that three months is kind of the average time it takes me to sort out a washload so it doesn't bother me. She also referred to them as the local services, so I assume Bucks somewhere. Forgot to ask about Maudsley. I love that 'joke', so very 'me'. Still two months to go I guess, but this time of reading I noticed 'local services'. Many places' 'local (mh) services' do not have the specialist provision for ADHD diagnosis, so it is probably worthwhile checking where your GP has actually referred you, and if there is any provision for ADHD diagnosis there. Many of us have spent years under general mh specialists and have been given/taken inappropriate medication with more or less disastrous consequences. When the time comes, don't get fobbed off with antidepressants etc., and be VERY careful taking them if you are effectively forced into taking any. In the meantime, can I ask how much protein you eat in a typical day? Many people on here have symptoms of deficiency (on top of their ADHD), but you don't seem to, so, as someone who is trying to figure out just how much I need to eat to stay alert, I'd be very interested to know.
|
|
|
Post by somewhatannoyed on Nov 7, 2017 14:48:58 GMT
She's agreed to refer me! I was a complete gibbering mess the whole time, but there we go... Apparently it will take about three months. I didn't make the joke (out loud) that three months is kind of the average time it takes me to sort out a washload so it doesn't bother me. She also referred to them as the local services, so I assume Bucks somewhere. Forgot to ask about Maudsley. I love that 'joke', so very 'me'. Still two months to go I guess, but this time of reading I noticed 'local services'. Many places' 'local (mh) services' do not have the specialist provision for ADHD diagnosis, so it is probably worthwhile checking where your GP has actually referred you, and if there is any provision for ADHD diagnosis there. Many of us have spent years under general mh specialists and have been given/taken inappropriate medication with more or less disastrous consequences. When the time comes, don't get fobbed off with antidepressants etc., and be VERY careful taking them if you are effectively forced into taking any. In the meantime, can I ask how much protein you eat in a typical day? Many people on here have symptoms of deficiency (on top of their ADHD), but you don't seem to, so, as someone who is trying to figure out just how much I need to eat to stay alert, I'd be very interested to know. Hello again. Sorry for not seeing this sooner! Thanks for the advice about medication. I'll stay wary. Hm, I don't really know much about protein deficiency but maybe I'll look into it. All I can say is there is no consistency whatsoever to my diet. Some days I snack or binge constantly, and on others I simply forget to eat at all... In other news, somebody rang up from Aylesbury yesterday to let me know that this Thursday is the big day for assessment. Had to run around the house a few times after that because I'm so nervous.
|
|
|
Post by marionk on Nov 9, 2017 9:16:43 GMT
No worries! I've actually got my protein requirement calculated to a 't', and it's a lot more than the NICE recommendation!
So much for three months though! Good luck!
For sleep, I have found a few things that help (that aren't 'sleep hygiene' related), the most dramatic of them is celery stew!! I don't know if it would carry on working if I had it every night for weeks, but I don't think I want to live on it anyway! I need to find other ways of using parsley and celery in food though, and if it does carry on working that would be great. I suppose I could add a load of parsley to things like ratatouille, I doubt that both are necessary as they both have the same natural MAOI.
For getting sleepy in the evenings, or rather staying sleepy longer in the evenings, so that I am still dozy by bedtime, I have to avoid caffeine almost completely. The weirdest thing about that is that caffeine does not wake me up AT ALL (short term, clearly, longer term, it does have an effect, just not the blocking adenosine receptors one!)
Eggs/choline/inositol can also have significant effect, but it's not usually so distinct as the parsley/celery stew. Although I discovered it because I slept through the night once out of the blue, and because I was eating very simply at the time, I managed to track it down to eggs/inositol with a little experimentation. Sadly this no longer gets me sleeping through the night, but I have no desire to deprive myself of it for any length of time, to see if it would make a noticeable difference after a period of deficiency.
I also found that melatonin helps, but it's effects were short lived (due to the caffeine/melatonin enzyme - it only helped me get to sleep, not sleep the night through). I haven't tried again since cutting out caffeine. I will try it again, once I have finished the celery stew and gone back to normal broken sleep pattern.
Protein also improved my sleep along with a whole load of other things, but you don't seem to have any of the usual protein related problems, so I doubt very much that you need more.
|
|
|
Post by Thunderboltsandlightning on Nov 9, 2017 17:18:03 GMT
Wow, you sound quite a bit like me. The psychiatrist who assessed me even commented (in his diagnosis report) on the fact I did well at exams in school, but struggled with coursework. This continued into University yet somehow thanks to taking courses that were 100% exam-based with 0% coming down to coursework I was able to get a 2:1.
It certainly doesn't mean you don't have ADHD (I'm not an expert, so I wouldn't want to diagnose someone else, but you sound an awful lot like I was). If you feel it is having a detrimental effect on your life (and I can see myself in several of your examples, from money management to jobs to relationships, both friendships and romantic), then you should definitely bring up those issues with a specialist. Fingers crossed for you. Good luck!
|
|