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Unread 09-30-2008, 03:06 PM
 
Location: Chicago, IL
2 posts, read 7,146 times
Reputation: 12
Unhappy Adult ADHD help!

I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and have suffered my whole life. I refused to take meds as a child and now I am learning that I should not have done that.

I was being regularly treated for my ADHD with my psychiatrist and things were going well. I was on a low lose of Dexedrine. I started to feel that I was better when on it but I wasn't where I could have been when it comes to my school work, attention, emotions, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and daily living.

We had planned to increase my medication. The problem is I ended up having a Grand Mal seizure last year. i have been discharged from my neurologist since we did not find an exact cause for my seizure. I had thyroid cancer and was just finishing up my body scan which required me to get off all my thyroid medication which of course made my body go nuts. Once I started to get my levels back to normal, I had a seizure. I have been told they think that is what could have caused it.

Anyway. It's a year later and now doctors do not want to increase my medication because it's a stimulant and they fear I'll have another seizure. I have been given the run around by the past three psychiatrists I've seen and I'm really struggling now. I need help. I know I am at more risk of having a seizure but I am willing to take that risk if it means I can live everyday NORMALLY. I am tired of forgetting things, not doing my work, low self-esteem, being so unorganized, racing thoughts, etc.

Is there anyone that somebody can suggest I go to? I just had an appointment yesterday at UIC and the doctor made me feel worse than ever saying that I am wasting money by going to college! He also did not offer any help or guidance. He said all of this while I was in tears. I want to be able to graduate college this year but I feel like my ADHD is getting to much in the way and I don't know what to do.

Am I forever doomed? I know a seizure has basically put me on the blacklist when it comes to medical care but I'm tired of this. I need proper treatment and now because I had a seizure I'm never going to receive it
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Unread 09-30-2008, 04:00 PM
 
Location: Chicago
2,481 posts, read 7,169,635 times
Reputation: 744
You are not forever doomed. I don't know people who specialize in adult ADHD, but both Rush and Northwestern provide great treatment in general. For Northwestern, you can go online to their physician finder and find someone.
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Unread 09-30-2008, 05:01 PM
 
132 posts, read 292,235 times
Reputation: 40
Check meetup.com
There might be an adult ADHD group. I've noticed them in other cities. They might be able to help you out, give advice, recommend a doctor, etc.
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Unread 09-30-2008, 08:40 PM
 
Location: Chicago
2,481 posts, read 7,169,635 times
Reputation: 744
Also, I would highly recommend also seeking out counseling, specifically someone who specializes in CBT. They could help you with some of the things you mentioned as well. At both Rush and Northwestern, I'm sure you can find both individuals so that your health care is managed by both a psychiatrist and psychologist. Also, just making sure you know that you are eligible to receive special services at college.
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Unread 10-06-2008, 07:09 PM
 
Location: Chicago, IL
2 posts, read 7,146 times
Reputation: 12
THank you all so much. Yes I'm involved in my special needs program at school so it's been a big help. I was referred to a doctor through my sister so I see this woman on saturday. if she turns out to be a quack, I will definitely look into Northwestern. I'm going to check out that website right now. Thanks so much!
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Unread 10-07-2008, 05:13 AM
 
Location: Charlotte, NC
6,938 posts, read 6,735,980 times
Reputation: 2086
Also, do some research on the web concerning foods that trigger ADHD. My son has been able to keep his under control by being very careful about what he eats. Good Luck!
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Unread 10-07-2008, 05:49 AM
 
Location: Tennessee bound...someday
2,516 posts, read 2,440,046 times
Reputation: 7037
Soph7133, I suggest seeing an endocrinologist. I was diagnosed w/ Sjogren's last year & have Hashimoto's also; both are being treated w/ thyroid meds for now. MD suspects I might also have ADhD & I concur because for as long as I can remember, I have always compared myself to little Billy in the Family Circus; you know the comic strip? His mom sends him out to borrow a cup of sugar next door & you see little dash marks trailing behind him that go everywhere thru the neighborhood before they finally get back home. No cup of sugar, BTW.

MD does not want to treat the ADhD until we've had a chance to see how thyroid meds. proper diet, and exercise all work together. I have noticed that when I am completely on target w/ the thyroid meds, AND I'm eating right, AND I'm in the gym at least 3-4 times a week...the ADhD seems almost non-existant.

Not saying your situation would be the same - but worth looking into. Do you exercise regularly? I mean REALLY break a sweat? There is something about a good workout that really makes a difference in my focus for the day. A spin class AT LEAST 3-4 times a week, and weights 2-3 times a week - my goal is more - but I really believe it's having a huge impact all the way around. Just FWIW

Best of luck to you.
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