Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2018 17:30:23 GMT
I am a woman and 56 and was first diagnosed 2 months ago, so this has come late in life. Like many people with a late diagnosis there is a deep sense of sadness to think of how different life might have been had I been diagnosed and had access to effective medication from an early age. I try not to think too much about that as what has passed is gone. My life is miraculously better since the diagnosis and the meds. Also important is the insights into myself, my behaviour and my difficulties and strengths that makes sense out of what was a confusing scenario. It has also given a clue about ADHD in my family and I hope that some family members may be helped similarly. I am so happy that I can focus better and that my levels of stress and anxiety are at what I imagine are much more normal levels. I finaly feel confident in my work life too after countless problems in the past.
The diagnosis took many months to get. I started the NHS route, and waited several weeks before realising that it could be 18 months, (if I was lucky) before I might, if they let me, see someone qualified to give me a diagnosis. I opted for the private route. I am so grateful that this was an option. I still had to wait two months. I suspect many of you know what a life changer a positive diagnosis is.
My GP practice agreed to do shared care, so today I had my first post diagnosis meeting with my GP regarding the shared care arrangement. Although he was nice, he fairly quickly stated talking about weaning me off the meds and that I would have to think about this in not too long, as I needed to be wary of the health risks and that I should be aware that I can't stay on them forever. He seemed to be worried about cardiovascular problems as a result of the meds, not that I have any history or signs of this at present.
I am feeling so upset that just when I am starting to get a quality of life, my GP is seems to want to put plans in place to end it. I want to cry.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2018 19:58:50 GMT
I can imagine how upsetting it would be to hear that.
Personally, I'd welcome the opportunity to get off the tablets but I absolutely would need a substitute.
If the tablets are going to kill you, would you still take them? Is a shorter, more fulfilled, life better than the alternative?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2018 20:27:19 GMT
I do value my health and would not take silly risks, however I would have to come to terms with the frustration and disappointment especially so soon after a late diagnosis. I am not getting much problem with the meds that I can see at this point apart from thirst which is hardly noticable. The GP didn't seem to have a real basis that I could understand except perhaps my age. It is not something that my ADHD specialist commented on at all. It would be different if I could see the problem of course, then I would probaly find it easier to get on board with it. I know it is common to have issues with meds and some people just don't get on with them or struggle to find the right ones. I suppose I was feeling luckiy that it was fairly straightforward for me, or so I thought, until the GP visit today.
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arte
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Post by arte on Feb 14, 2018 7:58:56 GMT
Hi and welcome! It is quite the adventure, isn't it?
How is your blood pressure? Would a complete panel of tests appease your GP and convince them you can continue to take your meds, at least until you retire, or at least for the next 4-5 years, when you could get tested again?
These things aren't like anti-depressants, they're more like insulin. Would anyone try to "wean" a diabetic off of insulin, if they didn't have a better solution to replace it with?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2018 8:10:55 GMT
Yes it feels like a battle. I have won a battle to get a diagnosis but it is just a battle and there are many of those. Blood pressure is fine.
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Post by roland on Feb 14, 2018 11:04:33 GMT
Your GP doesn't seem to understand ADHD meds or shared care agreements. Here is an example of a standard shared care agreement Shared Care Prescribing Guideline Note that the second question for the GP is as follows: Do you have the relevant knowledge, skills and access to equipment to allow you to monitor treatment as indicated in this shared care prescribing guideline? Also note that the last line in the 6th paragraph is emphasised thus: It is important that patients are consulted about treatment and are in agreement with it. You could ask your GP if he has actually read and signed the agreement but probably the easiest way to handle this is to ask the practice manager of the surgery if there's another GP with a better understanding of ADHD that you can switch to. I hope this helps!
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iddo
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Post by iddo on Feb 21, 2018 14:55:10 GMT
I was about to log off when I saw your post - and I must react! Your story is my story.... excatly!!!!!
In short: I am 56. Male. Suspected ADHD for a few years. It was dismissed by a senior psychatrist I saw because I could not confirm I had problems in primary school (on the contrary). I started doubting it because I never experienced Hyperactivity. Saw a clever psychotherapist who realised it after two sessions. She explained the concept of "Hyperfocus" which I recognised immediately. I then had a penny dropping: I am very intelligent (no vanity) - and always was. I had difficult time as a child. So... I must have instinctively developed coping techniques that worked..... Tried all routes to get diagnosed. GP said the same as they told you. Yet, I believed they started the process. Let it be for two years, but got into a worse shape. Realised GP never referred. Forked the money and got a private diagnosis. No doubt whatsoever. Then - my Consultant suggested I would look again at old school reports. I did - .... and of course, age 10, it is all A-s but C in "attention in class". The trend continued.... So I started medication - ONLY AFTER I got an all clear from a cardiologist. In my case, by coincidence I had a single episode of AF (Atrial Fibrulation) which was treated (wonderfully) by the NHS on emergency basis but was not followed up as they should have. So I got my private insurers to pay for a cardiologist. A long ordeal followed, but I got a full bodilly MOT and a letter saying my heart is fine. Started medication - and my world changed. Currently coping (with difficulties) with the necessity NOT to look back. NOT to think "what if". NOT to get utterly depressed and angry. Not easy. But it is good to know that I am not the only one. Neither are you. There are many of us. All walks of life, but the stories are so similar. The life stories - not the diagnosis and treatment.
So my advice - do try to see a cardiologist. Make sure heart is fine. If you have High Blood Pressure or any other condition do not despair. The ADHD medication generally has a VERY marginal effect on BP. Maybe 5% increase. This can easily be combatted by BP medication. In my case, because of the AF I am obliged to take beta blockers and anti-cougalants for teh rest of my life. It is fine, as they protect me from strokes (30% of which are caused by AF) and have minimal side effects. The Beta Blockers reduce my BP very very nicely. So no problem at all with the ADHD medication.
In my view, I would use the medication until I feel it is no longer necessary. Quality is better than quantity.
Good luck.
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