Extremely Frustrated, Discouraged...

Morning, Friends...

I'm 60, have struggled w/ near life-long adhd.

Relocated to Alabama from the Chattanooga, Tennessee area almost two years ago.

I am still w/out my medication that my former physician provided me, as I've not been able to find any physicians/practitioners here in the Valley/Chambers county area that treat adult ADHD.

This is like the Twilight Zone. (!)

I'm severely handicapped, and the ADHD manifestations/symptoms are every bit as debilitating as the other medical issues I struggle with, daily.

I have contacted nearly every local Internist/Family-General Practitioner, Mental Health Agency, and have also addressed the Alabama State Medical Society, and our County Board of Health.

It is often very difficult for me to advocate for myself, as I am also statutorilly blind.

Anyone here, perhaps living in Alabama, have ANY suggestions/recommendations?

I'd be very grateful.

I only want my life back.

Thanks, all...

☆P.S.

Unable to provide my correct gmail address in my profile settings. Suggestions? Thanks...

[happy_kitty]

Hi Historychef.

I don’t live in Alabama but I do understand your struggle. I live in a rural area in New England, and I have had a very difficult time getting proper help for my ADHD. When I was younger my mother brought me to the only child psychologist in the area but all the psychologist wanted to do was put me on a bunch more meds for problems I didn’t have. I probably wouldn’t have much trouble getting on meds but what I’m struggling with is staying off meds.

I have found a few things that help. Getting regular exercise helps a lot (however you choose to do so is up to you, running, biking, dancing, ect.). Daily meditation can make a difference as well (this can be anywhere from 5 minutes to a couple hours). I also find that timers/alarms/reminders can help with time management. If you struggle with taking unintentionally long breaks, you can work for a defined amount of time then take a break for a defined amount of time and you may be able to gat more work done that way. A healthy diet can also improve brain function over time.

I don’t think this is what you were looking for but I hope it helps!

[Hidden in reply to happy_kitty]

Thanks Friend. Appreciate your response.

I'm actually from a small town up on the coast of Maine.

Wish I was back there, too!

Thanks again....

~Dave

[PoppyWithADD]

Hi Historychef,

I don't have any great advice but I'm stopping by to offer some sympathy, that sounds SO frustrating!!! I knew that it was a common myth that adults don't struggle with ADHD, but I didn't realize that affected people's access to proper medical care! So annoying!

I also want to give you some electronic high-fives(!!!). It sounds like you have done quite a lot to advocate for yourself, despite your many challenges, and I am super impressed. I know how hard it is to weed through administrative b.s. with the additional chellenge of ADHD, and it sounds like you are doing a lot to try to get the care you need.

I'm not totally sure how this works and of course I don't know your insurance situation, but is there any chance you could email your former doctor in TN and perhaps order some prescriptions by mail?

Best of luck to you!

-Poppy

p.s. I'm from New England as well, woot woot!

[Hidden in reply to PoppyWithADD]

Morning, Friend & Fellow New Englander...

Appreciate your response, thank you for the encouragement.

Almost two years ago I contacted my former providers back in Tennessee. They advised they didn't know anyone here to refer me to, could not prescribe anything out of state, and so on.

Thus, it's been nearly two years that I've been continuously, constantly tormented day to day w/ the severe manifestations of the adhd, chronic, intact able pain, and losing my vision. Also, a multitude of socio-economic Impossibilities that have debilitated me more than ever these past 45 yrs. of persevering w/ it all.

Made an appt. at a local M.H. Clinic, where they've advised they treat only adolescent adhd.

However, a "Therapist" is willing to see me. (?!?)

I'll keep the appt. and we'll see what happens.

The new P.C. physician I finally found is very disappointing.

Initial visit, he spent less than 3 minutes w/ me. I had to ask the receptionist on leaving to sign some ROI forms in order that they might obtain all my records, charts, etc. from the 3 physicians I saw on a monthly basis back in Tennessee. (?)

Never, ever...in all the decades of treatment have I ever been questioned, scrutinized as to the controlled medicaments I require only to struggle through each day.

New PC Doc's office was actually rude when I pressed for a referral to see someone to treat my adhd symptoms. "We don't prescribe for, nor treat "ADHD."

Yea, all the b.s. is too much, especially in my debilitated, worn-down physical and emotional condition.

Never been closer to simply giving up, yet I will persevere, "Soldier On."

~Dave

[ZoeyHarper]

Hi Historychef. I feel for you, but as I live in New Zealand, have no knowledge of your health systems in the US. You're not alone, though; my beloved husband has just recently been diagnosed at age 49, and it's been 12 years of us seeing doctor after psychologist after psychiatrist etc to finally get that diagnosis and start moving forward. You do sound like a great self-advocate, but as I'm a social worker by profession I'd like to suggest that you seek some professional advocacy to access the supports you need. Easier said than done I'm sure, but I do wish you the best of luck in your journey.

[Hidden in reply to ZoeyHarper]

Good Morning,

Thank you, Zoey...

Appreciating your input.

And, I wish you and your husband well.

The healthcare system here in America is deplorable. Seems to be getting much worse by the month now, too.

I will continue to persevere, "Soldier Onward."

~ Dave