I've been just recently diagnosed with type 5 Limbic ADHD (and a lot of other types too lol) and I'm just starting the experimenting of what medications will work best for me and what won't. I also suffer from muscles back and neck pain, on top of really awful anxiety.
I've just started taking 10mg Adderall XR and the effects have already faded. So sad cause they felt awesome when they first started working.
This waiting for things to move along to get help is really hard because I've gotten so much worse in the last 7 months. Before I was even diagnosed or anyone took me seriously I was unable to leave my bedroom. My terrible anxiety and horribly negative thinking went from bad to unbearable in almost 7 months. Now that I've gotten the diagnoses and can get the help I so desperately need, it's all turned into a waiting game and the waiting is really hard.
I heard of this place from reading Healing ADD by Dr. Amen and I thought I'd give it a try talking to others like myself. Truthfully it's been awesome knowing they're others out there that has or is going through what I am. For all my life I thought I was by myself in how I thought, acted and felt. I came here hoping to talk to others about their experiences and ask questions about treatment, ideas, anything that may help.
Right now I'm scared, nervous, very anxious because I just want to figure out the best meds I need to get my life together. It's been so long I just hate the idea of waiting any longer to get right.
I just wanted to say it's nice to meet you all and it's good to know I'm not alone
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AprilC3
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Hello April - I am the mother of an adult with ADHD. He is presently going through diagnosis/therapy recommendations as well. As his only advocate at the moment, I feel your distress as you wait and wait and wait. It is so hard to not let it all get you down. Focus on what you CAN do, and try to do something positive for yourself every day. Exercise, eat healthy, keep good sleep habits.
Everyone on this forum is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
I just want to put it out there that medication is not the only answer. I have been off-meds for nearly two years now and it hasn't been easy but I am finishing my first year of college with As and Bs and I would say that I am truly happy with the person I am becoming.
Anyway, here are a few things that you can do on your own that might help you while you wait.
-maintain a healthy diet - this would benefit anyone really
-get regular exercise - it doesn't really matter what you do just get moving
-meditate - meditation can help calm and refocus your mind - it doesn't have to be long, just 5 minutes a day can make a difference
-get connected - listen to other people's stories and learn from their experiences - you've already done this in a way by joining this group
-ask about counseling - Ask your doctor if there are any reliable counselors in your area - a counselor can teach you ways to manage your symptoms and your life with or without medications
-educate yourself - learn about your condition, don't rely on your doctor to tell you everything, learn about your treatment options, learn about the laws that may help you in school or in the workplace, and learn ways to work around your difference
Hi happy_kitty. I love this list, and especially agree with the meditation. I've long been a fan of meditation, yoga and pranayama, and I helped my husband do a 5-minute alternate nostril breathing practice the other day. I've never seen him breathing so slowly and deeply, and his state of calm remained for days! A huge breakthrough for him, as although he's always respected my practice, he hadn't realised how much it could benefit his ADHD. I also like to sing mantras, and hubby finds those very relaxing to listen to. One day I might even get him to join in!
Hi April. My husband (aged 49) has also recently been diagnosed, and he is experiencing the same feeling of being stuck while the meds are titrated. I know it's hard after so many years of struggle, but this is a new journey for you, and it will take a bit of time to sort out. My husband sees his doctor every 2 weeks at present, and knows he can go sooner if he needs to. But I know it's hard when every moment seems to last forever. Hang in there!
The waiting has been a little hard because my doctor is nearly impossible to get a hold of. It's a mixture of struggles with them taking off so much time, too few providers, too many patients per provider in the clinic I attend, and I was told to wait a full month before they'd let me come in to be seen *sigh*
Still, Thank you for the encouragement and kind words. Your husband is lucky to have you and an understanding doctor
And AprilC3, thank you too! You and another member on here have introduced me to the 7 types of ADHD, and my husband and I have discovered that he has 5 of the 7, except for Limbic and Inattentive. This info has been great at helping us fine-tune the meds and nutrition. The 7 types have really helped me understand why ADHD can present so differently in different people. I hope you are also feeling less alone in your journey!
This is quick google definition. I found the best in-depth answers on amenclinics. com
"What are the characteristics of Limbic ADHD? Symptoms: Core symptoms of Classic ADD, as well as chronic low-level sadness (not depression): moodiness, low energy, frequent feelings of helplessness or excessive guilt, and chronic low self-esteem"
Hey! As someone who was also recently diagnosed, I can sympathize with the impatience and desperation to get the help you need. But I can also tell you that once you find systems/meds/therapies that work for you, your life can get so much better.
I agree with happy_kitty on the other things you can do besides medication. It’s a great list. Exercise is a big one, although if you’re dealing with chronic pain that can be difficult to implement. Another good thing to do is just to get out in nature: studies have shown that being among green things can actually restore attention and focus.
And one thing to keep in mind with medication is that there’s a euphoria that makes you feel good for at first, but even when that wears away that doesn’t mean the medicine isn’t working! Keep an eye on your behavior and see if there is any lasting changes, that’s a better metric than the nice fuzzy feeling.
Also, look into supplements like fish oil and magnesium. Both are shown to reduce symptoms and increase efficiency of medication. You’re brain can’t function at its best if it’s low on supplies!
Also, check out ‘How to ADHD’ if you haven’t already. It’s both informative and comforting.
Best of luck to you, and I hope you find a good regimen soon!
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