ADHD and RA

[Gabesmom594]

Hi everyone, I'm a 58 yr. old female with ADD. I don't say ADHD because the H stands for hyperactive and physically, I'm not. I began to suspect that this was what had been wrong with me when my son was being diagnosed. I later decided to have myself tested and upon getting the results, that I do have ADHD, I was kind of relieved that I wasn't just crazy my whole life. I also felt hopeful after seeing what a huge difference medicine had made for my son. He was doing great now in school. Unfortunately, every med I tried did nothing and I had an allergic reaction to two of them. So now, 14 years later, I'm right where I've always been.

I also have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) which is kind of a double whammy.

[Bynddrvn]

Welcome! From what I understand finding a medication that works takes trial and error. I have literally tried all of the medications but the only ones that work for me are Ritalin and Ritalin SR. Unfortunately, Ritalin SR is from what I understand only available in 20mg and that is too much for me. One of the most frustrating parts of finding out what works for me, is how unbelievably hard it has been to find a doctor willing to prescribe this medication.

Chadd.org and the Understood youtube channel have a lot of information available

[Hidden]

how do I reply? I tried to respond to other posts who replied to me and they all ended up in my email??

What am I doing wrong.

I also wanted to respond to Gabesmom594 I have a similar issue.

thank you

winter56

[Reneed in reply to Hidden]

I can relate and it's a very hopeless feeling.

[StarDreamer]

I just read ‘Finally Focused’ by James Greenblatt (which was recommended by my boyfriend who is in the mental health field).

He lays out a lot of non-medication interventions he does with his patients, such as nutrition and mindfulness practices.

It might be worth a look if you’re having bad reactions to medications. I’m working to implement some of the strategies into my life right now.

[Gabesmom594 in reply to StarDreamer]

Thank you for that. I'm definitely going to check out that book. I hope you're able to find what works for you.

[LuvsIreland]

Are you still on here? I just joined and i just was diagnosed at 56... so much to talk about!

[Gabesmom594 in reply to LuvsIreland]

Hello...I am still here but just don't have time to go on here much anymore.

You say you were just diagnosed; has the Dr put you on any meds and if so are they working? I've been taking Adderall but if I take it everyday, it doesn't work. Also the ladt 3 times it has caused sores on my tounge. The last time was pretty bad so I probably won't take them anymore. I hoping you have better luck at treating your than I have. Stay in touch.

[Robabe54]

I know how you feel I’m 65 and my son also has ADD as well as myself. I just was diagnosed and I can’t take medication either due to heart issues. I also have MS so I am totally frustrated and at wits end. My mind feels as if it would explode sometimes and I don’t know what to do

[Gabesmom594 in reply to Robabe54]

Yes! That's exactly how I feel. I really would like to be able to talk to someone but can't really afford it right now. Sometimes I think I'm actually going insane.

[Hidden in reply to Robabe54]

What has helped me is learning to meditate- sometimes 3 min only. Also walking helps and knowing I'm not alone. Telling myself not be so hard on on myself and calm down.

[Robabe54]

I know how you feel I’m 65 and my son also has ADD as well as myself. I just was diagnosed and I can’t take medication either due to heart issues. I also have MS so I am totally frustrated and at wits end. My mind feels as if it would explode sometimes and I don’t know what to do

[Robabe54]

I see someone and I still feel like that.