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Post by JJ on Jun 18, 2013 13:35:36 GMT
Poor love - big hugs to you (kisses too - not rubber ducks!) Do you know how much it would cost to pay for him to titrate during 2 weeks? Someone said here once that their (private) dr told them to experiment til found the right dose. I have no idea what it would cost and whether that's anywhere in your price range? I know this shouldn't be the way, I'm now just trying to think of any way to get his bloody process started for you. Could you ask him for a discount on his fees for this too - you could say that if he wants you to advocate him amongst so many people here it would help if you could say that he helped when your GP was being awkward ? Wracking my brains.... Hmmm, my next suggestion is robbing a bank - so I'll finish the post here Sending you lots of love xxxxxxx.
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Post by jan on Jun 19, 2013 10:23:58 GMT
nothing to add sorry kath - sometimes words just not enough eh xxxxxxx
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 19, 2013 11:25:43 GMT
Thanks peeps.
Still no call from GP. Can't bring myself to call her. Keep thinking if there was good news, she would call me, so there can't be. Thought of emailing psych, too, but can't bring myself to do that, either.
Just going to sit here and wallow a bit longer ... back soon.
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 19, 2013 11:44:16 GMT
Typical. No sooner do I write that than the phone rings.
GP not going to prescribe. Passing me back to psych. Have emailed him to ask how much it will cost through him.
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Post by JJ on Jun 19, 2013 12:25:19 GMT
what were her reasons?
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 19, 2013 12:41:01 GMT
She said she'd spoken to someone for advice on prescriptions and they had said they must be titrated by the psych. Couldn't be bothered to argue that it was advice, not law.
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Post by JJ on Jun 19, 2013 12:46:08 GMT
You must be drained by it all xxxx
You'll get your fight back soon enough, at the moment it's just one knock after another, it's bound to take its toll....
Sending you hugs xxxxx
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 19, 2013 13:22:04 GMT
Yeah, I'll bounce back.
It's movie night with Genghis tonight. Superman - that'll cheer me up.
Might be getting a bit further with his diagnosis, too.
Fingers crossed.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2013 19:59:52 GMT
Just thinking...robbing a bank... could we do that AND raid and steel from a pharmacy? Though knowing our luck there would be no adhd drugs in there. If I got caught, I would quite happily say I was certified crazy so very diminished responsibility - in fact, if that happened do you think it would make the powers that be more in favour of giving me adhd meds? Anyone up for it? See....this is what all this does to your thinking . There isn't a smilie good enough to express what all this does to your head. Just now can think of quite a few words though - will be civilized and not write them down...
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 19, 2013 20:08:12 GMT
Well, so long as we could plan it, remember the plan, remain focused on the plan, all be there at the right time and not get distracted by the shiny things in the other shop windows ... I can't see any problem at all!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2013 20:29:46 GMT
hadn't thought it through very well..... bugger..... (you don't suppose police are keeping an eye on this forum to nip any criminal behaviour in the bud do you? Maybe we should all find a new way of communicating in code...but then, like you say...none of us would be able to pull it off.... unless...the medicated peeps on here....just saying..)
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2013 21:14:50 GMT
We could always test run it by volunteering for an "ADD TV special" for Derren Brown. It'd give the Russian roulette episode a run for its money!!
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Post by JJ on Jun 28, 2013 8:35:31 GMT
How's it all going kathymel? Have you got any further?? Xxx
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Post by jan on Jun 28, 2013 9:23:03 GMT
yes ive been meaning to ask as well - but hadn't got around to it sorry i found it all a bit overwhelming to follow actually - so god knows how its affecting you xx
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 28, 2013 15:01:04 GMT
Hello you two. It's lovely to log in and discover someone has been thinking about me.
I haven't posted because there hasn't been anything to post about aside from the stress of not getting anywhere and not getting replies to repeated emails. Until today ... funnily enough.
As per my last comment, I emailed the psych back on the 19th ... no reply. Emailed again on the 25th explaining that all the delays were causing me stress ... finally got a reply today. Jeez!
He said: "I am in the process of setting up a prescription arrangement for you with our online Pharmacy partners. This is slightly complicated as ADHD medications are controlled drugs (they are classed as stimulants, and as such are controlled under law), and I will have to get a paper prescription to allow them to prescribe. For this they first need to send me the relevant prescription pad.
Following this I will be able to tell you how much the prescription will cost and we can go from there. I am very aware of your situation as a student with a limited income and hopefully will be able to arrange this as minimum cost (i.e. the cost of the prescription). I will also need to speak to you after we have commenced the medication to review its effect and decide whether it is of benefit.
Following this I would also contact Dr Marshall again to confirm what we have decided.
I hope that is ok, and please be reassured I am working on this, and please do contact me if you have further questions."
Sounds OK, I think. Still have no idea how much longer it will take or how much it will cost. I am surmising that he may have had to acquire an online pharmacy partner in order to set up the process and that this may explain the delay - if that's the case, I wish he had just said so, rather than leaving me waiting with no idea.
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Post by jan on Jun 28, 2013 17:41:42 GMT
- getting there then - hope he started off with an apology for no reply's to your previous e mails xx
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Post by Lesley on Jun 28, 2013 17:54:15 GMT
That's sounding much more hopeful - I hope it goes smoothly from now on (and doesn't take too long).
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 28, 2013 19:34:18 GMT
- getting there then - hope he started off with an apology for no reply's to your previous e mails xx Well, he apologised for the delay.
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Post by Kathymel on Jun 28, 2013 19:38:07 GMT
That's sounding much more hopeful - I hope it goes smoothly from now on (and doesn't take too long). They've got to send him a prescription pad, then he's got to send the prescription back, then (presumably) they send the meds to me? is that how that works? How long do you think that might take? 10 days? Is that optimistic?
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Post by jan on Jun 28, 2013 20:17:26 GMT
me singing - 'always look on the bright side of life du du, du du, du du, du du,'
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Post by JJ on Jun 29, 2013 13:12:26 GMT
That's fab news kathymel (stupid wait for a reply, but better than stupid wait and bad news) I'd be hoping 10 days if I was you cos of weekends as well - omg, fingers crossed it all happens soon
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Post by Kathymel on Jul 14, 2013 21:22:28 GMT
That's fab news kathymel (stupid wait for a reply, but better than stupid wait and bad news) I'd be hoping 10 days if I was you cos of weekends as well - omg, fingers crossed it all happens soon Well, if that was a stupid wait for a reply, this is ridiculous ... I waited 2 weeks for an update - nothing. First thing on Friday morning I emailed one word - "Anything?" No reply as yet. There aren't enough swear words in my vocabulary to adequately express my frustration. I also got the NHS report back. It details all the things I said which point to ADD, then says that because I didn't want to explore other explanations for my traits (alternatives didn't come up in the consultation), but just insisted on being referred to a specialist, they weren't going to refer me. It also said that I had become "agitated and angry". I just thought I was being assertive. It's only writing this now, and the feeling of hopelessness and nausea it is generating, that makes me realise how much I have been avoiding thinking about all of this and consequently not doing anything about it. Suddenly, after days of frantic busyness and achievements, I feel terribly unhappy and wish I had left my head in the sand. I don't know what to do.
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Post by JJ on Jul 14, 2013 23:02:37 GMT
Bloody hell 1) private psych - is he anywhere near you? Can you go there in person to get a reply? I'm assuming not and I also have the impression they're not contactable by phone? If you're up to it, I would call or mail every day - when you do that they want to get you off their back and hopefully that translates into doing something... Easier said than done I completely appreciate.... Ffs... I'm so pissed off for you... 2) NHS bast**ds - what other explanations ?? ?? Yes there are co-morbidities but adhd has its own diagnostic criteria and you have to meet so many of them for diagnosis... What other explanation is there for adhd symptoms in enough numbers other than adhd... "Well I could have difficulty thinking clearly and being constantly distracted because of this in-growing toe nail of course...." So because you knew the NICE guidelines and had the audacity to ask for the right process they're now not referring you... Omg, this is appalling.... Pragmatically, I would wait til the end of this week before you stress yourself further about this. It might be that you hear something back from private psych and then this NHS team issue possibly becomes redundant.... I should be able to, but I still can't believe just how insane the whole diagnosis / medication procedure is..... Poor love, no wonder you feel the way you do.... Xxxxx
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Post by Kathymel on Jul 15, 2013 8:47:42 GMT
They're in Bristol, I think and yes, no phone no. I just emailed him this, do you think it's a bit strong?
Please tell me what is happening. Why is it taking nearly 4 weeks (so far) to get an online prescription? Did you have an online pharmacy partner before this or are you still in the process of setting one up? Why all the delays?
Last week, I had the report from my local NHS general psych. He said that because I had insisted on a referral to a specialist, rather than yet another consultation with someone who knows next to nothing about Adult ADHD, they won't refer me. Beautiful. For knowing the Nice guidelines, I am dismissed. What I had perceived as being assertive is described as being 'agitated and angry'.
I have put off writing to you over and over again over the last 2 weeks because I know I am tactless and have a knack of pissing people off. I am so frustrated I don't know what to do with myself.
Please, let me know what is going on and why there have been so many delays. If it is because you are still setting up the business, haven't got all the wrinkles ironed out, whatever, I would rather know than be always in the dark.
I also need evidence of my diagnosis to give to my university if I am to get support. The report you sent me says the diagnosis will be confirmed if the meds are effective, rendering it unacceptable as evidence. The university Assessment of Need system is yet another long, drawn-out process. If I can't start it now, it will not be in place in time for my final year.
What would you do in my position?
Kathy
You never know, I might even get a reply this time.
As for the NHS psych, he states that I don't appear to be depressed, we discussed that I do have sleep problems, but that I'm doing OK at the moment and he accepts that I have had these issues for many years. I don't know of anything else that can cause ADHD-like symptoms. Are there other causes? If there are and they are more likely than ADHD, of course I would consider them.
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Post by jan on Jul 15, 2013 9:25:18 GMT
been wondering why you havn't been on and thought was cos you getting your head around the meds. in my opinion what you have written is fine - straight to the point - not rude - but saying it as it is so don't worry anymore about that - remember you are a customer - you have paid for this ( atrocious ) service and they should be worrying about keeping YOU sweet not the other way around.
have a read of chris musician thread he's in similar position and may jog you into action reading what he's doing about it . I know that inertia feeling mixed up with anger and fear for the future is horrible and if you weren't depressed before you soon bloody will be tell your doctor!!!! that's such bullshit anyway - you don't have to have depression as a symptom of adhd.
I wonder is it worth ringing a physc (i'm thinking dr chad as he was so lovely ) who has experience of diagnosing and empathy for us adhde'rs and doesn't seem obsessed about cash and asking his professional opinion about what to do (can offer a consultation fee and hopefully he would refuse it )
can't think of anything else to say but if you want to vent over phone i'm in all morn and can ring you back if you havn't got credit wish could think of more to say to help xx am with you in spirit
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Post by Kathymel on Jul 15, 2013 9:58:23 GMT
Thanks for that, Jan. I usually run my letters and emails past my S. Ex. before I send them, but I just sent this and then started worrying. Last time I saw my GP I told her this was making me ill (I was barely able to talk for crying for the 15 minutes I was with her), but she didn't seem that concerned. I know I'm not depressed at the moment because I've been there before. The psych wasn't saying that depression has to be there for a diagnosis, I was saying that it can be ruled out as an alternative reason for my symptoms. I'll have a look at Chris's thread. I am trying to work up the courage/energy to start ringing the practices in my area (not many of them) to ask if any of their GPs have experience with Adult ADHD and might be willing to titrate. I also wondered if it was worth writing to the specialist I want the referral to to ask for his hints and tips on actually getting to see him. I'm supposed to be working right now, but if you're in this evening, I might give you a call. Thanks for everything. You're a Senior God!
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Post by jan on Jul 15, 2013 10:15:07 GMT
I also wondered if it was worth writing to the specialist I want the referral to to ask for his hints and tips on actually getting to see him I think that's a really good idea and if you can't handle a letter at mo would be worth ringing and even just talking to his receptionist if you cant talk to him - my one seemed to know a lot about stuff (cant think of my words at mo )
You're a Senior God! ess remember -
and so are you and you will get this sorted even if it doesn't feel like it at moment xx and yep tonights fine if you feel like a chat xx I think it helps to chew over it out loud with someone though I don't know if i'l have any (bright) ideas but may help you to formulate some xx
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Post by JJ on Jul 15, 2013 10:28:44 GMT
Letter v good - def not too strong, just the right balance IMO ...
Agree with yr and jan's suggestions for action ...
Did have something else to say but can't scroll down properly on my phone - all the words go massive?? So can't remember what it was...
Lots love and good luck. Xxxx
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Post by JJ on Jul 15, 2013 10:32:17 GMT
Lol- just tried to press edit and phone so small I pressed like by mistake- so it seems u can make yrself look really popular by liking everything you've written!!!
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Post by jan on Jul 15, 2013 10:38:00 GMT
also Michael (sort of ) Lesley and thingy with the dog avatar - sorry cant rem name all in Bristol area - and I got friend can stay with there and 2 weeks off coming up in august - LETS START A PROTEST CAMP RIGHT OUTSIDE THEIR FUCKING OFFICE - I LOVE BIT OF DIRECT ACTION AND I GOT A TENT I don't know if others would - but I bloody would - these people make me so fucking angry and I got nothing better to do (apart from chasing my own and daughters assessment problems but its easier to do it for someone else )
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