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Post by smogz101 on Oct 5, 2015 13:58:37 GMT
Hi everyone, haven't posted in a while... (i think last time i posted I had been referred to my local ADHD service by the GP back in June). Had my initial assessment a few weeks ago with the nurse specialist who has diagnosed me (after discussing with consultant) with ADHD. Mixed emotions! - Feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.. but also a bit annoyed that I'm now 25 and its been a struggle to say the least through school, college and uni! But focusing on the good, now I'm diagnosed I can finally begin to understand myself a little bit better (maybe not be as harsh on myself), and start to focus on finding strategies and ways to improve areas of my life!
I've been recommended Amoxotine (strattera) or MPH (3x 5mg). I've also been offered CBT if I don't want to try medication. I don't really know what to do! The nurse is giving me a bit of time to think about it, as i need an ECG on Thursday before even thinking about a prescription (my resting heart rate is at the higher end of the normal category), so better to be safe than sorry!
Im inclined to try CBT and self help strategies first, I'm also studying at uni at the moment, so can access some support there now I have a diagnosis, then if I'm still struggling to keep up maybe consider the medication. But then I think, these medications are there to help, so why not give them a go alongside. Im a bit worried reading some peoples stories, about side-effects and things. I was wondering if anyone on here has had good experiences with any of these meds?
H
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Post by contrarymary on Oct 5, 2015 21:17:52 GMT
hi smogz101there's lots of stuff in the diary section about people's experiences with meds. that's probably the best place to start...
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Post by smogz101 on Oct 6, 2015 19:36:06 GMT
Thanks contrarymary , i think I'm gonna ask for a prescription for MPH if all goes well with my ECG on Thursday! I do feel nervous about taking them but I really need to do something really and stop being such a worrier!
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 9, 2015 12:25:38 GMT
So today's the day! Took my first dose of medikinet 2 hours ago... Was nervous to take it! So far so good.. But I was expecting to feel it more? I suppose after reading other people's threads on here I was expecting to actually feel it starting to take effect in my system? However although I haven't physically felt it, my fidgetyness is almost none existant, my mind feels so much calmer .. Like I've got time think about something before responding! I'm shocked at this, because I thought I was more leaning towards the inattentive side of ADHD rather than impulsive but obviously not. I don't feel any more focused I don't think.. However I have a 9-4 day at uni tomorrow so I suppose that will be the tester.
I know it's very early days, but so far so good!
H
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Post by tessaract on Nov 9, 2015 14:55:40 GMT
Its funny feeling anger, relief, sadness and hope all at the same time after a diagnosis. See if they will offer you an ADHD Coach?? As far as I know CBT isnt well regarded as far as treating ADHD unless the person treating you is experienced with it so try to push for that as much as you can. As far as meds are concerned there is a lengthy thread on Strattera: aadduk.proboards.com/thread/8588/strattera?page=4&scrollTo=93457And the last post is very positive indeed. I myself have decided to not take the strattera and the specialist recommended Ritlan but it as I have an overactive thyroid its out of the question. Trying to organise my life around ADHD instead and failing to save up for an ADHD coach. I have my first occupational therapy appointment on Fri, I was referred in May.
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 9, 2015 15:26:22 GMT
Its funny feeling anger, relief, sadness and hope all at the same time after a diagnosis. See if they will offer you an ADHD Coach?? As far as I know CBT isnt well regarded as far as treating ADHD unless the person treating you is experienced with it so try to push for that as much as you can. As far as meds are concerned there is a lengthy thread on Strattera: aadduk.proboards.com/thread/8588/strattera?page=4&scrollTo=93457And the last post is very positive indeed. I myself have decided to not take the strattera and the specialist recommended Ritlan but it as I have an overactive thyroid its out of the question. Trying to organise my life around ADHD instead and failing to save up for an ADHD coach. I have my first occupational therapy appointment on Fri, I was referred in May. Hi tessaract ... yes I agree! I think I'm on the waiting list for CBT but going to be doing this through my uni instead, they also offer mentoring for students with ADHD which I'm hoping to start in a few weeks time. How long have you been diagnosed for? I was inclined to go for Strattera, but was put off that it takes so long to build up in your system.... I have started on Medikinet 5mg twice a day instead (just taken the second dose now) I'm sorry to hear you can't try the MPH but good luck for Friday! I've been trying my best to organise my life around ADHD too... theres an app I use to write everything in that i need to do, which helps me keep a track of things a bit better... My memory is totally horrendous, my mind is always racing thinking about 101 things and I'm always on the go.... I'm hoping these meds will help with that! What sort of things do you do to try and keep organised? I struggle so much, sometimes getting myself out the door with everything i need just seems impossible and I've only got myself to look after! A few weeks ago I met a friend to play badminton, drove all the way there with a niggly feeling i'd forgotten something: water bottle - check towel - check money - check ... badminton racket - errrrr oh dear.
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 9, 2015 16:34:53 GMT
so far only side effect is no appetite!
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Post by vagueandrandom on Nov 10, 2015 9:34:13 GMT
Hi smogz101 I have mixed thoughts about meds. I couldn't remember to take the IR MPH 3 times a day, so I'm now on Concerta. I was also convinced that they were doing nothing. So I stopped for about 10 days recently and realised that they've been keeping me a bit more emotionally stable. So I'm back on them now. Give it a good go though, and see if you can get the correct dose. I have not found CBT to be useful personally. Student mentoring could be good.
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 10, 2015 19:26:21 GMT
Hi vagueandrandom ... did you notice much difference between the concerta and instant release? I forgot to take my first one this morning so took one at half 11 alongside a jacket potato (wanted to eat something big as barely ate yesterday) and barely felt any different :/ .... I then took my next one at half 3, was almost on the verge of going home because I wasn't getting anywhere with my work, but after half an hour or so I managed to just crack on, ended up getting quite a bit done! So far I've noticed I'm more physically calm and my mind also feels clearer/calmer... Still as distractible as ever though and not noticing any difference in my concentration really! Still, its only day 2. I haven't heard many positive experiences of CBT so just going to plow my energy into the mentoring. Have a slight headache at the moment, but nothing major. I think I'm gonna end up needing a higher dose, staying positive though - definite improvements in some areas. H x
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Post by vagueandrandom on Nov 10, 2015 22:17:18 GMT
I don't see much difference between concerta and IR, except I kept forgetting the IR.
I was getting a lot of headaches when I got to 36mg concerta, which is one reason I stopped,
But doesn't seem to have happened on the re-start.
It's all an experiment!
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 11, 2015 17:07:22 GMT
It certainly is!
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 11, 2015 18:49:08 GMT
Day 3 and had another full day at uni. Took the meds on time today, again didn't really notice my first dose but second dose worked okay, again got quite a bit of work done without getting bored or restless which is a big improvement in itself. Memory is just as bad, as is my distractibility.
Still not noticing any other differences! Had mega dry mouth for 2 days, will have to get some rehydration tablets as I drank bottle after bottle of water yesterday and still didn't help!
Wondering whether to ring the nurse and ask if i can take 10mg instead on a morning... is it too early to be increasing the dose? Im on the lowest dose possible by the looks of it.
Ive been invited over to my friends for takeaway and drinks at the weekend. I was going to give myself Saturday off the meds anyway, is it safe to have a few glasses of wine?
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 13, 2015 9:41:50 GMT
So yesterday, I didn't really notice the first dose again, but after the second dose I felt an improvement again - no fidgets and just felt more calm and collected. I only take 2 tablets a day, 10am and 2pm... i wonder if I would be better taking 3 a day... 7am, 11am, and 3pm, rather than increasing the amount I'm taking in one go - Going to ring the nurse and ask. I also had the best nights sleep I've had in months last night - woke up once... YES ONCE!?! to go to the toilet, and fell back asleep easily! How is it possible for our sleep to be improved if there IR meds ware off at 5? Not much of a difference with concentration and certainly not memory.. but it is only week one and I'm happy with the improvements in other areas. Also glad to not have any annoying side effects. I can cope with dry mouth, i was worried about headaches and increased heart rate. All in all a successful week 1... Small steps but definitely in the right direction! Having a day off the meds as I'm having a few drinks tonight. Will resume as normal tomorrow.. i think its important to get into a routine with taking them! Onwards and Upwards!
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Post by vagueandrandom on Nov 13, 2015 10:29:29 GMT
Hi there! I found that my sleep improved dramatically for the first couple of weeks on mph. I've always had problems sleeping and couldn't believe the amount and quality of sleep I got. Unfortunately it wore off and I'm back to not sleeping much again. I think the theory is that the bits of your brain that aren't used to being stimulated get tired from the stimulation provided by the meds. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I'm glad you're seeing some improvements.
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 13, 2015 11:50:33 GMT
Ah yes, that would make sense. Shame its wore off though! Im quite liking the fact I'm not lying awake at 4am thinking about 101 different things
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Post by smogz101 on Nov 17, 2015 18:41:57 GMT
So the last 2 days haven't been great barely feel like the meds are working.. I need to ring and ask if I should up the dose! Such a change from last week Ughhhhhhh!
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Post by smogz101 on Dec 5, 2015 12:34:44 GMT
Thought I would check in on here as i havent written anything for a while! Although I have been browsing the other threads we need a 'me too' button on here for sure. So its my sisters 21st birthday tomorrow, and I still haven't got her a present! Why, why, why! I also have 2 presentations to 'learn' (will probably be note bound for both of them) and a pile of journal articles to read through for Tuesday! How is it already 5th December!? I always feel 10 steps behind everyone else! AND if I hear one more person gloating that they've done and wrapped their christmas shopping I'm going to scream! Anyone know of any reliable magic fairies that I can contact to come and help? haha! Or maybe a link to somewhere that sells money trees! Not feeling the christmas spirit yet!
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Post by smogz101 on Dec 7, 2015 19:00:59 GMT
had another appt today. Meds have been put up to 30mg (3x10 a day) ... all in all a positive start on the mph just need to find the right dosage for me as I wasn't seeing much on just 10mg after the first 2 weeks. Heart rate was normal for once (pleasant surprise) but I've lost half a stone (oops). I've had a banana and a beans and sausage bake from greggs today. Im just not hungry! Going to have to have a look at increasing my calories somehow so if anyones got any tips that would be great
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Post by smogz101 on Dec 29, 2015 17:35:51 GMT
3x 10mg is working quite well for me... Lasts longer than the smaller dose at least! First dose is where I notice the most difference. Calmer, clearer headed and can just get on with things without chopping and changing from one thing to the next, and at not at 100miles per hour.
Second and third doses - not a great deal of difference. Still calmer and overall better than no medication but no where near as effective as the first dose in terms of concentrating on the task in hand.
I've been really run down over the last few weeks. Had the flu week before last which seemed to last ages! And then this week I'm just knackered! I have a meal out tonight with friends and then the pub after (I'm not drinking obv) so spent the last hour trying to have a nap.
Probably didn't help that I had a day off the meds Christmas Day and drank a bottle of sherry - woops. So spent Boxing Day hungover and haven't been 100% since!
So yeah don't know whether the tiredness is down to the mph or if I'm just not well! Busy time of year, lots of germs floating about so hopefully it is just that!
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Post by smogz101 on Feb 18, 2016 18:35:54 GMT
Haven't posted on here in ages! So quick update..
Now on 60mg of mph per day (3x20) and what an improvement! Had a bit of a wobbly start as I was titrating up from 30mg .. had some groggy side effects such as sore throat and cold, usual dry mouth and was quite tired on the evenings but over this last week most of these have gone.
I feel like I can hear what is being said to me, I'm actually taking information in and able to process it/ store it/ respond to it properly whereas before things would literally go in one ear and out the other.
Hoping this is the right dose for me and that the effects don't wear off over time! I've been taking it at 9am, 1pm and 5pm so it lasts until the evening! I was taking my first dose at 7am but was really tired at 4/5pm which was a bit of a pain.
Mornings are still a nightmare but I'm trying to get myself organised the night before - not much success tho yet. I did ask about splitting the dose up 10-20-20-10 but if i can get the mornings cracked i won't need to do this!
Heart rate still quite high at 115bmp resting. Which means if I find i need a higher dose in the future, she can't increase it. So lets just hope this dose carries on working! My blood pressure is spot on and I'm fit and healthy dont smoke and rarely drink, so it's a bit weird that its this high! It was high even before starting medication, so had an ECG and all came back fine.
I do get a little bit nervous for docs/dentist things like this so maybe its just that, I've been told to monitor it myself and keep a record ... so far its been between 75-90 ... 130 when on the treadmill so I'm inclined to think its just that I'm a bit anxious for appts. Im the same even when speaking to lecturers at uni, feel my heart thumping if I'm answering questions or whatever - weird!
Still struggling with the appetite, now down to 8 stone 5 so adding a pile of cheese to everything I eat to try keep those fat macro's up haha ... not the worst side-effect to have but don't want to be skin and bones, it's not a good look!
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Post by annie on Feb 18, 2016 20:45:38 GMT
Hi hethz101
Good to have your update and pleased to hear you're having some success with the meds.
From your earlier posts it would seem as though you live in a part of the country where access to an Adult ADHD service has been relatively pain free and speedy! Are you able to tell us which area you live in and/or what Mental Health Trust you've been attending? Information like that can be really useful for other members/newcomers who might be having a struggle.
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Post by smogz101 on Feb 18, 2016 22:51:34 GMT
Yeah I can't fault it at all, I've been very lucky by the sounds of things! I'm from stockton on tees not sure what trust its under though either TEWV or south tees I'm guessing! I'm not sure whether the process was quicker with me having a past referall to CAMHS as a child and the fact my medical records are full of broken bones etc it wasn't too hard to find the evidence haha!
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Post by annie on Feb 19, 2016 9:16:39 GMT
Hi hethz101
Thanks for that information.
Your Trust is just down the road from ours - ours has a much longer waiting list ? 2 years+. An Adult ADHD support group was set up in Newcastle a few years ago and we had several people travel up from your area. Late last year one of those people did set up a more local group for the Teeside area and I believe it's attracting quite a few new members.
Just for your information and for anybody else who comes under the TEWV Mental Health Trust, the contact details for the group are:
Meets 3rd Wed. of the month Time 6-8pm Place Community Hub@ Newport Settlement St Pauls Rd, Middlesborough E-mail aadhd_ne.south@yahoo.co.uk
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Post by contrarymary on Feb 19, 2016 9:33:54 GMT
annie it would be helpful to put the details of that support group as a clearly named post in the folder of support groups ie Meetings Non Commercial. there are several mentions of other things happening in Middlesborough but not that support group, so i wonder if other members are aware of it. indeed it would be good to flag up any other groups you are aware of that are not there already. it might save reinventing the wheel, or perhaps make helpful links. it's great if we can all share information as we come across it, and even more so if we're able to label it and file it away tidily for easy future reference
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Post by smogz101 on Feb 19, 2016 11:10:19 GMT
Wow 2 years!? Why is there such a difference! Thanks for that info about the group, the nurse did mention that to me when I was first diagnosed but have just never got round to going! Are there any members on here that go?
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Post by annie on Feb 19, 2016 12:29:39 GMT
Probably down to money and the capacity of the Psychiatrist(s) to press through change.
Not sure if there's anyone on here currently who's from your area but, support groups are invariably very informal and I'm sure everyone would make you very welcome.
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Post by smogz101 on Mar 5, 2016 13:10:50 GMT
Directions!? Does anyone else get lost everywhere they go? No sense of direction whatsoever, even on journeys I've done 100's of times! One of the reasons I'm still sometimes late despite now being on medication and finding time-keeping much easier!
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Post by clubby on Mar 5, 2016 22:38:25 GMT
Hi smogz101 I get lost so often it's a family joke but I've never seen it as a problem. I just love exploring. I can't help going down strange streets and alleyways. Other folk don't get lost, they follow directions. They don't know what they're missing. If time is a big issue I use Google man a lot to prepare for a prompt arrival.
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Post by smogz101 on Mar 6, 2016 17:34:00 GMT
Hi clubby Thats a good way of looking at it! Ha, its just when I need to be somewhere on time it becomes an issue! I'd be lost without google maps (biddum tsshhh) ... It's particularly a struggle with finding my way around buildings! For example at uni, all the corridors look the same .. an app that can get people from A to B inside buildings would be great!
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Post by clubby on Mar 6, 2016 19:59:59 GMT
smogz101. That does sound like a big problem. Do you have poor spatial awareness? I have good spatial awareness and once I have been somewhere and explored it like a child on a treasure hunt, I never forget how the layout flows
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