Hey everyone, i've lurked around this forum since I believe February now but I think this is my first post... So anyway yeah i've come to the conclusion that I must have it. At first I was really thinking that I must be subconsciously feigning it to have some kind of excuse for my inabilities but I suppose I got to the point where I needed to make an appointment.

After about two months of putting it off i've decided to come back to the A.D.D. realm, to get it done and over. I want to know for certain if I have it. I've called my insurance and have scheduled a check-up with the a Doctor... problem is I haven't been to a doctor in like five years --disregarding the time I went in Nov 05' for the flu. So not only is it a new Doctor, but one in a small town. I'm quite anxious and don't know what to say, as the person who makes appointments for the doctor asked me if theres anything else pertaining to my visit and I just blurted out "err uhh yeah! A.D.D!"

What i'm wondering is should I have called and scheduled for a psychiatrist? How am I to bring about this to my doctor without looking a fool. I don't want the doctor to believe that i'm trying to score drugs or anything, or like i've said before feign the condition so that I have an excuse for my short commings. I'm really overwhelmed by it really.

Especially since i'm at that age where it seems just 'perfect' to score these miracle drugs some proclaim... but I Digress! I'm not (going for the drugs).

I've also picked up Driven to Distraction and am currently on page 107. Wow this is one the of the few books i've picked up that I didn't shy away as something 'ill get to reading around later' *ahem* toiletry reading *ahem* but yeah I'm really relating to many of the peoples stories, infact i've pulled out some elementary report cards and am baffled by some of the things my teachers have said about me but it's not frequent enough to cause concern, or they elaborate further saying that 'i've improved' so I'm at a lost cause here am I not?

Sorry for the long post!

-Ramblings of a 17 year old named Jonathan.

I went to a psychologist, I think they are morel likely to be accurate and knowledgeable.

I would just go to the Dr. and tell about what you are experiencing. Be honest. Whether you have it or not, it would be good to know for sure.

Good luck!

We started with the regular Dr with my son. They ruled out some comment illinesses and I would imagine they would do that with you also. Besides with a lot of insurance companies you need a referral anyway so that is as good as first step as anything. Good luck!

Thank you very much! I look forward to visiting and am feeling a bit anxious.

My doctor referred me to a psychologist who specialized in ADHD issues. I didn't have a ton of comments on my report card either but I had the history to back it up. You might do an on line survey (web MD has one, www.schwablearning.com (http://www.schwablearning.com) has one as well as other) and take it with you as a starting point in your discussion with your doctor.

Hope it goes well -- let us know how it turns out.

Scattered

Forgive me but I am unable to locate the self survey. I do however, find the quiz's asking about general A.D.D. ie 'Why do I think I have it?'...

Thank you very much Scattered

I just wanted to jump in here with a few tips. First, make a list of the things you are concerned about. I find that my mind goes blank when I am under stress and I just do not ever end up saying the things that I had intended to. I tend to answer questions with yes or no, and not really go into my issues. Have a list, take it out, and give it to the doctor. If you think you might get too nervous to give it to the doctor, give it to the receptionist or nurse.

Do not feel stupid, or like a fool. One thing I have realized on this little journey is that there ARE doctors that won't listen, wont' believe you, or that make you feel stupid, but if this happens they are not the doctor for you. You don't want a medical doctor at all, that makes you uncomfortable, or that you know isn't listening to you, no matter what the subject is. When you have a good doctor, the right doctor, they will make you feel comfortable no matter what. They will listen, no matter what. They won't let you feel stupid, even if they think you are way off base.

You obviously feel you have an issue, and you deserve to have that issue heard. Go in there remembering that. If you aren't heard, move on to someone else.

Good luck!

Update: Okay my appointment was scheduled for today and lo and behold. There is no one in my house. I told my dad about it and he wasn't here. I was having what I think was a panic attack for a good hour... so I called and rescheduled. Darn! I was really looking forward to this.

Well I suppose that gives me one more week to think what I am to say to my doctor.

Thank you ladym, good advice :P

Update : I just visited the doctor and he has prescribed me Cylert. I was a bit down at first because I was expecting the more popular medications such as Adderall XR, Ritalin, or its extended release variant --Concerta but like I said I was prescribed Cylert. I had to get a blood test and urinalsys done at the lab.

I've read a post about Cylert and its ban and it's possibly liver damage... I believe what my doctor is doing is screening me out for drugs or as a potential drug abuser which i'm fine with, I have nothing to hide but would it be possible in one months time to ask for something else? I feel that if theres possible liver damage involved I shouldn't be taking this drug and possibly a safer alternative.

He didn't say whether I had or hadn't have A.D.D. but I just ran through the gist of things and he said "I'm going to prescribe you something so that you can focus and concentrate better..." and then he wrote me the prescription for Cylert (pemoline).

What are some questions I should be asking myself. I'm a bit dizzy from the bloodwork and shot I recieved (hepatitus booster?)

Thank you ver much :D

If you are concerned about the Liver damage warning tell your doctor and discuss it with him. He should be fine to discuss it with you. If you want something else tell him. However, wanting something because it is "popular" will not be a good reason for the doc. If you have some reason to believe something else will work better, tell the doc and see what he says. You have every right to question and discuss your Dr.'s prescription. He should be able to explain the reasons why he chose Cylert.

I agree with MG's Dad. You definately have a right to ask any questions you need to know to feel comfortable taking the medicine. I certainly understand your concern about Cylert. I've also read some very positive reports from people who have taken it. You might ask for more info from others in the med section if you haven't done so already. I'd probably give it more than a month in any case if you're trying to establish a good track record with this doctor, unless there are bad side effects. I'd be interested in knowing what the actual incidence of liver problems are (that would be a good question for your doctor perhaps).

Scattered