I was newly diagnosed with ADD and I am having a hard time coming to terms with it. It's different when you hear it outloud rather than going along and not knowing at all. I deal with my ADD and the feelings it brings on by joking around. :confused: I figure if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?:)

Welcome "again"

I have been dx for a few months now & I still have problems coming to terms with it. That is a very common feeling. Please know that you are not alone & we are here for any support you might need.

How long ago were you dx?
Are you on medicine?

About a week ago. I do not want to take rx for it, too many side effects, I want to try and deal with it on my own like not having sugar, caffeine, too many carbs. I want to approach it in an all natural way and see if diet can help, if not there is always the rx's available. I dont like even taking asprin.

Thanks for the support!

That is a great approach. You are the only one who knows your body & how it will react to things

There is some great information on the forum about options, other then taking medicine. Medicine is not right for all people, while it does help others.

Good luck!!

http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=5

This section has some interesting alternatives to medications or they can be used in addition to.

I have found that after being on meds I was able to add on other healthy things in my life that helped.

Rach is right, you know your body best. Warm welcome, and I hope you find what you're looking for.

Hey welcome again from me too

I felt your original thread was a funny way to introduce yourself it certainly got our attention. lol I laugh at myself all the time I have no doubt in my mind that we will get along well.

Do not get discouraged if for just a little while you have to take meds to get programs in place. My son took meds for a year and has been off them for almost a year. Meds do not have to be forever.

I too chose a med free path though at times I wonder why lol

Hugs to ya,
cherity

How does one start when they suspect ADD, what kind of doctor do you go to?
I am thinking my 18 year old son is ADD..any idea...is it difficult to DX?

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16440

Please see this introductory course. And a warm welcome to you. I hope you find the information you need for your son's health.

I did not have any problem coming to terms with my diagnosis. In fact, when my brother was diagnosed, and I realized at that point that I had it too it was an epiphany! I was looked at for ADHD as a kid, but the diagnosis at the time was inconclusive - it wasn't as well understood back in the 1970's - so I was familiar with the concept of ADHD, but I never associated myself as "hyperactive". I found it very good for my self esteem, which historically hasn't been that great. So many behaviors that I had previously thought of as character flaws suddenly had a biological basis AND I could treat them! I realized that back in school, when I didn't do as well as my classmates, I actually did very well, unmedicated, since they weren't paddling against the same current that I was!
One of the hardest things that I've had to deal with since, is the continuation of my standard practice of selling myself short w.r.t. jobs, relationships, etc. We see so much negativity resulting from the ADHD that we come to expect criticism and sometimes we don't challange ourselves because of fear of faliure. Removing some of the impediments to success via treatment of our disorder makes it much easier for us to do well - but to do this we need to take risks and you get pretty used to the status quo - taking risks is scary!
I don't feel that my ADHD is a flaw, per se. In another culture, we would be the leaders, the best hunters, etc. - the genetics that make me ADHD may be what kept my forefathers alive long enough to reproduce - and flourish. My brain is the way it is, and I have to live with that - I've got a 98th percentile IQ, but a 2nd percentile attention span - the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away - ce lavie!
If medication can help me fit in better in the culture in which I live, then I'm going to take advantage of that - we can all use a little help from time to time. I personally find the side effects mild and the benefits large. The only side effect I don't like is that my wallet gets thinner every time I fill a scrip!

In answer to your question Tiara, the first doctor you would go to would be your family doctor - they generally would refer you to a specialist - at least that's the way it works in Canada. But you are already taking the most important first step - educating yourself about the condition. An patient who is better educated going in, will almost certainly get a better level of care - regardless of the complaint - this is true of most things in life, especially medicine (with the possible exception of the emergency room!)
With a child, their school may have resources that can help you as well.
Cheers,
Greg