ADD/ADHD

CarolinaGirlinVA

Oh boy the whole to medicate or not medicate debate.

Here is my experience. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in my early 30's. I am also what some call OCD, I call very organized. In my life before meds, I learned how to cope by some of the methods mentioned above, color coding, strict schedules, lists, everything having its place type thinking. I was a teacher for years and saw many kids who did not need medication, they needed to be taught better socialization and coping skills. I also saw kids who would never get those skills down because they couldn't focus long enough to even hear what they should be doing. I do not believe ALL people with ADD or ADHD need meds. I do not believe ALL people who are on meds can cope without. It is a case by case situation, what works for some may not work for others and there are varying degrees of ADD.

I now take medication. Yes, I can cope ok without it. However, it helps keep me on track and actually gets things accomplished during the day. The medication does not kill my personality or creativity, I am still the same sweet good natured person I am, just more productive.

My 13yo son has been on meds since he was 5. I tried many methods to work with him and he just couldn't function well at all. Once he started the meds he improved. He still has issues, he has also been diagnosed bipolar and is currently in treatment for his mood disorders. The doctor is always adjusting his meds because we do not want to over medicate him.

My 6yo son just started taking Concerta last month. He is not as severe as his brother and only takes it on the days he goes to school. I can assure you it does not dull him one bit. Anyone who knows my little guy will tell you he cracks them up. He is super smart, witty and I'll admit...he can be quite a smarta$$. We continue to teach him right from wrong and that there is a time and place for everything. We also teach him to respect others. On the weekends, he does not take his meds and we give him plenty of room to run, create, play and get his energy out.

When the teachers thought my 9yo had ADHD, I did not agree. I took him to the pediatrician and explained why I felt they were wrong. Turned out, he had sleep apnea and couldn't focus because he was tired. We treated the apnea and now he is doing just fine in school.

I really don't think it is anyone's business to tell another person how to treat their condition unless they are actively seeking advice.

*climbing off of my soapbox now...*

CarolinaGirlinVA

My 10 year old daughter takes Concerta for ADHD. If there is a morning I forget to dose out her medicine, I'm either getting a call or a note from the school. She is pretty good at making sure I don't forget. She says she likes being able to think. She is off the wall without it. She is still very energetic and creative when taking her meds. I'm sure medication isn't for everyone, but it works for her!

Yes. This is my 6yo son as well. His teacher will actually call and ask if he got his meds. Just this morning when I stopped the car to drop my boys off at school, Reece looked at me and said, "Mom...my meds?" I popped him back in the car, drove back to the house (a few blocks away) and gave him his meds. I expect today will be a good day.

QueenJayJay

CarolinaGirlinVA

I have ADOLS (attention deficit...oh look! shiny..)

My favorite is "I have CDO, it is like OCD but the letters are alphabetical like they should be."

jimmacdonald

Having ADD can be great. Taking on several tasks at once. oyea focus.

Drug of choice coffee, diet coke.

Long bike rides 25 to 50 miles.

Sports down hill mountian biking, white water rafting,

Helps be be creative.

Problem in listening has been over come with years of practice. My wife still thinks its a problem.

Oyea focus.

Highschool wow nearly did not finish, but finally got things under control and finished my Ph.d in computer science.

You can learn to live with ADD, with the help of loved ones, good friends and mentors.

My wife of 35 years is my best friend.

Cheers
Jim

the_journeyman

Having ADD can be great. Taking on several tasks at once. oyea focus.

Drug of choice coffee, diet coke.

Long bike rides 25 to 50 miles.

Sports down hill mountian biking, white water rafting,

Helps be be creative.

Problem in listening has been over come with years of practice. My wife still thinks its a problem.

Oyea focus.

Highschool wow nearly did not finish, but finally got things under control and finished my Ph.d in computer science.

You can learn to live with ADD, with the help of loved ones, good friends and mentors.

My wife of 35 years is my best friend.

Cheers
Jim

Awesome! This is my boat. Without the Ph.d though ~

JM

UsedToBeHusky

I have ADOLS (attention deficit...oh look! shiny..)

My favorite is "I have CDO, it is like OCD but the letters are alphabetical like they should be."

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I need that on a t-shirt!!

UsedToBeHusky

I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.

kapeluza

Wanna ride bikes?

I win.

_binary_jester_

I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.

I do think it is ironic that this thread is too long for someone who has add/adhd to read.

UsedToBeHusky

I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.

I do think it is ironic that this thread is too long for someone who has add/adhd to read.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Truly... you have a point there.

LauraMacNCheese

I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.

I do think it is ironic that this thread is too long for someone who has add/adhd to read.

TL:DR

WendySue75

My son has ADHD and is 20 years old now, in college and struggling. He couldn't take the meds as a child and now he tries to take them but they hurt his heart, make it cramp and beat hard, sometimes skip a beat. But he suffers with it so he can pass his tests, and think well in class. He tapes his classes and gets longer to take the tests in a private area, but it is still a challange. He laughs about his ADHD, but sometimes he cries about it too.

I better not show him this video. I think it would hurt too much at this moment in his life.

WendySue75

What type of med does he take? Maybe ask Dr. to change? Having heart "palpitations" is not ok.... I'd seriously look into it!!

jimmacdonald

Ok it is windy out what were we talking about.

Just got back from a 25 mile ride.

oyea focus ADD.

Jim

CarolinaGirlinVA

I just want to say that I am not trying to debate the medicate or don't medicate issue. The OP wasn't either.

I do think it is ironic that this thread is too long for someone who has add/adhd to read.

Ok, I have had to come back to it a few times just to read it...lol And as my meds wear off my responses tend to get shorter...I wrote my speech this morning fully medicated! lol

Ashaeboni

ME in real life {Shakes head} haha

Interesting post...I think that ADD/ADHD...


SQUIRREL!!!



Sorry...what?

jimmacdonald

Oyea restful saturday, coffee coffee coffee, what were we discussing. Airplane in the sky look. Deer

hollyeverhart

I have ADD and thats pretty much my brain... If you saw the amount of tabs up on my web browser you would laugh... I cannot stay on one thing to long.... lol I take adderall but it doesn't help a huge amount.

StoutGirl09

Haha! I love this. I have it.