Hello,

I have had limited success in finding a doctor in the Denver/Aurora area who can understand my condition (ADHD type II). Been treated for 2 years, and recently came off of medication due to poor Dr/patient relationship, and my difficultly in seeking help consistently. Basically need a Dr. how understands the condition and is willing to help and cares for his/her clients.

It's been really tough, I need a suggestion.

Some of the reasons I came off of meds are:

1. Meds tend to help, but found that they will also loose effectiveness over time, and stop helping me manage the ADHD symptoms of inattentiveness, lack of focus, and impulsiveness. This tends to be managed in the first several months of treatment with a new drug, but soon looses effectiveness. Been on Ritalin (really didn't like it, awful Side effects), then Adderall (Much better, but made me a bit too nervous and it was hard to sleep for at least one day a week sometimes two), Dexedrine (this was by far the best, but it made me too calm and I would lack motivation several months into treatment). Further, since these meds change my personality a bit, my S/O doesn't like it, and knows when I'm medicated and when not. She believes that all I need is force myself to do things, and get lots of exercise. My S/O really doesn't like me on the meds, that's another story...

2. My Dr. really doesn't understand the condition. I didn't make an appointment in February; was too busy and had meds left over from previous prescriptions. So, I waited until I had no choice but to call when I had only a few pills of Dexedrine left before I called her (two weeks later than I should have called).

When I called her it took two days to get a call back, and then she wouldn't fill the script until the following Tuesday four days after my meds ran out. I came by to get my script only to find a locked office door. So, by this time I was well into a withdrawal from 40 to 60mg per day to cold turkey. I could barely get out of bed.

To make a long story short. It's been since March 3rd when I got off of the meds and It's been really tough getting things done at work and otherwise.

The only reason I'm writing now is that I found a single pill of Adderall in my office desk and actually feel like normal again.

I'm open to any suggestions or comments that any of you folks have.

Thanks.

What deficits and strength did your Testing find?

(Those results seem key to managing your ADHD optimally.)

Have you ever looked into working with an AD/HD Coach?

I haven't been tested formally. But, was diagnosed by two Doctors from sessions.

What deficits and strength did your Testing find?

(Those results seem key to managing your ADHD optimally.)

I need to see a Doctor first and probably get back on meds. I would benfit from a coach. Sugessions for some in my area?

Have you ever looked into working with an AD/HD Coach?

Most AD/HD Coaches work over the phone. One place to start looking is http://www.adhdcoaches.org

I live in Denver and know exactly what you mean! I had to call at least 10 psychiatrists before I found anyone who was knowledgeable about ADHD and taking new patients. I also had to go out of network because nobody on my plan, who specialized in ADHD, was taking new patients.

I went to Dr. Neil Weiss for the first time yesterday. Prior to Dr. Weiss, I had been seeing a psychiatrist who wasn't very knowledgeable about ADHD and wasn't able to help me. So, I completely understand your frustration with doctors who aren't able to effectively treat ADHD. What a difference finding a good psychiatrist who is knowledgeable makes!

I highly recommend him. He is very knowledgeable about ADHD and tries to really get to know the specifics of each patient before making drastic medication changes. I called his office last Thursday and he returned my call on Friday. I was in his office the following Monday!

Well I agree that a therapist or ADHD coach can be a great addition to a person's treatment team, I don't think that a therapist or or an ADHD coach can make up for the fact that a person is being given the wrong medication for ADHD. Effective treatment of ADHD often requires both the proper medication and therapy or coaching.

Are you suggesting that people can be fully treated for ADHD by seeing a therapist or coach even if they're being improperly medicated? In my experience, all the therapy, coaching, self-help books, and self-realization in the world weren't enough in and of themselves.

No, I didn't even come close to saying that an AD/HD Coach or any other professional can take the place of medication. I have no idea why you even asked me that! All I did was ask if he ever thought of working and AD/HD Coach and gave info on how to find one.

One of the many benefits of working with a well trained AD/HD Coach is that the coach can help the client communicate more effectivly to his or her doctor. AD/HD Coaches also network with other professionals and can support their clients in finding a qualified medical professional.

Pillman,

Finding the right doctor is so frustrating, I know. Here are some suggestions:

Doctor referral line at teaching hospital
Big teaching hospitals often staff them with nurses who tell you what insurance they take, are trained to find 2-3 doctors that meet your needs, tell you where the doc was educated and how long he/she has practiced.

Ask your GP or Internist
Do you have an intenist or GP? Sometimes they know more about a doctor than the staff. I found a good internist like this from my ENT! Some people here recommend a neurologist-I have never done that but could it be an option? Perhaps they could treat you while you wait for an appointment. You have a diagnosis. Sometimes pdocs will work with a GP/Internist to write your scrips under their direction-especially if you have to travel far or something.

Check with a support group
Is there an ADD support group there? They may know and sometimes patients can refer or ask their doctor to take a patient even if they say they don't. Especially if the person has been seeing them for years-or at worst, may recommend someone.

Stay hopeful, keep looking
Surely in that large a city there is someone-don't give up hope. Denver is twice as big as St. Louis-keep on looking, you will find the right doctor. There are more hospitals and psychiatrists there than where I live-you have higher odds of finding a good caregiver! My best to you!


Tara,

What you are so beautifully saying is that ADHD treatment is a Gestalt-the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Treating ADHD is not just meds, just therapy, just coaching, just nutrition, just exercise, just the right doctor, just this, or just that.

ADHD treatment is a balance, a blend, a combination of what works best for each individual. Just like treating diabetes, MS, or other disorders, there is no one magic solution, neither is there for ADHD-no matter how much we want there to be. It cannot be cured, it can be treated. And our own perspectives really do impact how we handle our lives each day we live with ADHD.

ADHD is a part of each of our lives. Will we define our lives or let the definition of our live come from others? Treating this disorder is part of my life with ADHD-Art is a part, and so on. The direction for treatment is so personal, so individual that you have to follow your heart-

Some of the names I got were Neil Weiss, Deborah Coyle, and Nancy Arko.