Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2009 15:03:32 GMT
Hi Guys!
I just thought I'd give you an update on my dx situation.
I posted an introduction on the board a few months ago (around March) and took the fantastic advice posted here. I downloaded the tests, did them and took them to my GP asking specifically for a referral to a specialist ADHD unit.
I was referred to the Maudsley in South London in May and diagnosed as inattentive ADHD in August. It was really a very painless process and quicker than I could have imagined.
I had purposely decided to stop visiting this forum while waiting for the dx , just in case I became influenced by other peoples experiences rather than my own. I wanted to be as honest and accurate as possible, to make sure the dx fitted exactly. I was brutally frank regarding the heinous amounts of recreational drugs that I have taken ( mainly ecstasy and cocaine). I have calmed down for the last 6 years (although I do go on 2-day benders maybe 2-3 times a year).
I was a little worried that they might not want to offer me medication due to my past excesses, but thought that it was more important that they have a clear understanding of who I was.
Anyway, I had an assessment in July with Dr. Maltezos at the Maudsley. I must say it was really quite enjoyable and probably the first time that I've really been able to talk frankly about my character and outlook to someone who I think actually understands. I gave him all my school reports and he promised to read the reports, discuss my case with the panel and get back to me within 4 weeks. In the meantime he did call my wife to ask her some questions about me.
Eventually he got back with the DX and a recommendation that I start a course of Ritalin.
I started on 5mg twice a day but didn't feel anything at all. I went to my GP who increased the dosage to 10mg 3x daily. I did begin to feel a little different, like I was a little sterner and gritting my teeth a little. I did become a little more focused, but that it was far from the dramatic change I had hoped for.
2 weeks ago I went for a follow-up appointment with Mark Pitts the clinical nurse at the Maudsley, he was really nice and supportive and has now increased my dose to 15mg 3x daily. I definitely notice a difference, but it is still not what I had hoped for. It seems just that the constant internal dialogue I have with myself (normally at 1000 ft per second) has slowed down somewhat. I'm not sure if it will make me more productive though, My strengths are imagination and quick-thinking. Mark had great advice (for my case) which was that I could take the Ritalin when I needed to be more organised and thorough (perhaps in the morning) and if I needed to be more creative I could skip the last dose. I liked this flexibility and trust, though he did ask me to respect the dosages he was advising or at the very least be honest with him if I was taking more or less than prescribed.
The fact I am 16st might have something to do with the slightly under-whelming effects (I had hoped to transmogrify into a driving entrepreneur) but I think it might be because I have developed ingrained behavioural patterns that can't be undone just with pills. I have requested any extra support possible in terms of CBT and group workshops and he has put me on the waiting list. Meanwhile I have ordered “Driven to Distraction” which I look forward to reading.
He called me up for a phone check-up and will do the same next week. I will have a follow-up evaluation with Dr. Maltezos after 3 months.
Anyway, I'm aware that a lot of people have been struggling to get a diagnosis for some time and I do empathise with you. The only advice I can give is to follow the steps outlined on this forum, give the GP everything he or she needs to make the referral (including the address of the nearest specialist clinic) and keep the faith. I know I was lucky because Islington (my Primary Care Trust) has an ongoing arrangement in place with the Maudsley – so everything happens automatically once the referral is done. But if you are having trouble and you are thinking of moving house or job, why not if possible choose an area with a similar arrangement?
I just thought I'd relate the process and the current situation – sorry if it's a little turgid. I'll now be a more regular (and entertaining) contributor to this forum, which really is a Godsend, so I'll “see” you all soon!!!
I just thought I'd give you an update on my dx situation.
I posted an introduction on the board a few months ago (around March) and took the fantastic advice posted here. I downloaded the tests, did them and took them to my GP asking specifically for a referral to a specialist ADHD unit.
I was referred to the Maudsley in South London in May and diagnosed as inattentive ADHD in August. It was really a very painless process and quicker than I could have imagined.
I had purposely decided to stop visiting this forum while waiting for the dx , just in case I became influenced by other peoples experiences rather than my own. I wanted to be as honest and accurate as possible, to make sure the dx fitted exactly. I was brutally frank regarding the heinous amounts of recreational drugs that I have taken ( mainly ecstasy and cocaine). I have calmed down for the last 6 years (although I do go on 2-day benders maybe 2-3 times a year).
I was a little worried that they might not want to offer me medication due to my past excesses, but thought that it was more important that they have a clear understanding of who I was.
Anyway, I had an assessment in July with Dr. Maltezos at the Maudsley. I must say it was really quite enjoyable and probably the first time that I've really been able to talk frankly about my character and outlook to someone who I think actually understands. I gave him all my school reports and he promised to read the reports, discuss my case with the panel and get back to me within 4 weeks. In the meantime he did call my wife to ask her some questions about me.
Eventually he got back with the DX and a recommendation that I start a course of Ritalin.
I started on 5mg twice a day but didn't feel anything at all. I went to my GP who increased the dosage to 10mg 3x daily. I did begin to feel a little different, like I was a little sterner and gritting my teeth a little. I did become a little more focused, but that it was far from the dramatic change I had hoped for.
2 weeks ago I went for a follow-up appointment with Mark Pitts the clinical nurse at the Maudsley, he was really nice and supportive and has now increased my dose to 15mg 3x daily. I definitely notice a difference, but it is still not what I had hoped for. It seems just that the constant internal dialogue I have with myself (normally at 1000 ft per second) has slowed down somewhat. I'm not sure if it will make me more productive though, My strengths are imagination and quick-thinking. Mark had great advice (for my case) which was that I could take the Ritalin when I needed to be more organised and thorough (perhaps in the morning) and if I needed to be more creative I could skip the last dose. I liked this flexibility and trust, though he did ask me to respect the dosages he was advising or at the very least be honest with him if I was taking more or less than prescribed.
The fact I am 16st might have something to do with the slightly under-whelming effects (I had hoped to transmogrify into a driving entrepreneur) but I think it might be because I have developed ingrained behavioural patterns that can't be undone just with pills. I have requested any extra support possible in terms of CBT and group workshops and he has put me on the waiting list. Meanwhile I have ordered “Driven to Distraction” which I look forward to reading.
He called me up for a phone check-up and will do the same next week. I will have a follow-up evaluation with Dr. Maltezos after 3 months.
Anyway, I'm aware that a lot of people have been struggling to get a diagnosis for some time and I do empathise with you. The only advice I can give is to follow the steps outlined on this forum, give the GP everything he or she needs to make the referral (including the address of the nearest specialist clinic) and keep the faith. I know I was lucky because Islington (my Primary Care Trust) has an ongoing arrangement in place with the Maudsley – so everything happens automatically once the referral is done. But if you are having trouble and you are thinking of moving house or job, why not if possible choose an area with a similar arrangement?
I just thought I'd relate the process and the current situation – sorry if it's a little turgid. I'll now be a more regular (and entertaining) contributor to this forum, which really is a Godsend, so I'll “see” you all soon!!!