Hello. My name is Cynthia I am 29 years old and JUST had a doctor tell me I have A.D.D.. I have been wondering about that for years now, but had no medical insurance, still don't.

I haven't been diagnosed yet, for some reason, but he wants to put me on Strattera. I have looked at the threads here on that med. and they have kind of confirmed my concerns.

My appointment where he gave me the strattera was Dec. 31st and I have not even taken one yet because of what he told me and I guess from what I've heard about ritalin, etc..

I don't have an income at the moment or insurance so that is a contributing factor and no I don't qaulify for welfare. I had a seasonal job at Christmas, but am looking again.

One question I have is, would this coaching/learning habits on organization etc. help me as well? At leat enough, until I can start a med. if I want to, that is.

What is coaching, does it cost? What are some sites that list things to do at home or whatever that will help me?

I was tested in sixth grade for Dislexia, but didn't have it. They didn't test me for A.D.D., I know they didn't know much about it, it's all been recent-ish.

I knew a mom in 1994 who was activly trying to get dr's to stop putting kids on ritalin, but I don't have kids, it's just me. I guess that may have put me off to it a bit, you know?

Anyway, this is hard to make sense out of, what to do etc.. I'm positive I have this and that it has contributed to my life more than I even know.

*sigh*

anyway, found you on google. Thank God for google!!

hi. :D

Welcome Cynthia,
I am sure you will find a lot of support here! There are a lot of different oppinions about meds out there. For me the meds have helped some. One thing to remember is nothing will wver end the ADD. It is finding out how you are wired and how best to make that wireing function for you. I would see if there are any ADD groups in your area. These are usually support groups and are free. I would also find out as much as you can about ADD.
I am in counseling ,but not coaching. I am sure people here can give you some ideas about that.
Jim

Welcome to the forums, Cynthia, always glad to have another one aboard, and we will try to help you if we can.

You brought up two major issues that I can see: 1., you are unhappy with your Dr. putting you on Strattera without further information and testing, and 2. what is coaching, is it the same as learning organizational skills, and does it help you.

1. I would be unhappy too in your circumstances. Unfortunately, not all doctors see it our way, and where you are it may not be cheap or practical for you to get a second opinion. But there are some things in your favour to remind you of here:

a) your doctor cannot ORDER you to buy and take Strattera - they can only recommend it.

b) you obviously have access to the Internet. Here at the forums, and in many other places, you can find out all about ADD to be sure whether or not you think you have it, and also you can find out all about Strattera, so be sure whether or not you want to be on it.

With regards to the second issue, unfortunately I don't think there is a lot of good news. Professional coaches seem to be very expensive, unless you can find someone at an "agency" who is willing to take care of you on someone else's dime. i.e. school counsellor, community agency, etc.

Learning organizational skills IS important, but there are ways to do that other than through a coach.

We do offer peer coaching here at the forums, but none of us are trained in it, and it is kind of chaotic. :D

Hope you have a lot of fun around here! :D

Hi Cynthia and Welcome to ADD Forums!!

Coaching fees and services differ from coach to coach. There are many coaches who will take on people for reduced rates.

Many people have found ADD Coaching to be very helpful.

Hi Cynthia, and welcome to the ADD Forums :D I have added my comments in bold below:

Originally posted by Smile4Me
Hello. My name is Cynthia I am 29 years old and JUST had a doctor tell me I have A.D.D.. I have been wondering about that for years now, but had no medical insurance, still don't.

Please see the link below for help with ADD Meds:
http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3964

I haven't been diagnosed yet, for some reason, but he wants to put me on Strattera. I have looked at the threads here on that med. and they have kind of confirmed my concerns.

It sounds like he is trying to diagnose you by seeing how you react to ADD medications. If this makes you uncomfortable, you might ask him, instead, for a referral to a specialist that can diagnose you properly. If, for some reason, you want to try Strattera, you should know that as many people have reported some side effects, there are as many people that have had tremendous benefit from it as well. Just keep that in mind. Also, there is nothing that says you can't stop taking a medication if you don't like how it is working for you.

My appointment where he gave me the strattera was Dec. 31st and I have not even taken one yet because of what he told me and I guess from what I've heard about ritalin, etc..

Strattera is much different from Ritalin. Ritalin is a stimulant, and Strattera is a non-stimulant. They are not even closely related. You can check www.bigsplace.com/meds.html for more information on ADD Meds

I don't have an income at the moment or insurance so that is a contributing factor and no I don't qaulify for welfare. I had a seasonal job at Christmas, but am looking again.

See the link posted above

One question I have is, would this coaching/learning habits on organization etc. help me as well? At leat enough, until I can start a med. if I want to, that is.

Some have found ADD Coaching VERY helpful. If you cannot afford it, or cannot find a coach that will work within your budget, you are welcome to post within our ADD Peer Coaching section, and members will coach you :) http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=71

What is coaching, does it cost? What are some sites that list things to do at home or whatever that will help me?

I was tested in sixth grade for Dislexia, but didn't have it. They didn't test me for A.D.D., I know they didn't know much about it, it's all been recent-ish.

I knew a mom in 1994 who was activly trying to get dr's to stop putting kids on ritalin, but I don't have kids, it's just me. I guess that may have put me off to it a bit, you know?

Understandable. Even today, there is alot of misinformation about ADHD and medications to treat it. Don't rely solely on your medical professional...do your own research!

Anyway, this is hard to make sense out of, what to do etc.. I'm positive I have this and that it has contributed to my life more than I even know.

*sigh*

anyway, found you on google. Thank God for google!!

hi. :D

[/B]

Hi Cynthia!!

I am going through sort of a similar situation as you... (kinda) I have no money becuase I'm in college right now, so I cna't afford to do anythign like coaching. Fortunately my school does have some resources so that I don't have to pay for a counselor or to see a doctor, but they really arne't that great.

The counselor thinks I have ADD (and I'm POSITIVE that I do), although I think I also have some issues with anxiety.
near the end of december I saw a doctor who wanted to see if taking medication for anxiety only would resolve my issues on focusing.... she put me on lexapro for anxiety but I didn't take any until about a week ago becuase I was worried. After doing a bunch of research I decided it was ok, but I honestly havne't seen any difference.

We are going to try strattera in 2 weeks - so I did a bunch of research on that too, and I'm kinda excited... I have NO idea if it will work for me or not. the same will probalby go for you - you just won't know until you try. If it has bad side effects just stop and try somthing else.

ALSO, remember that side effects often go away after a few days or a week, and a lot of medicines really take a week or more to have a positive effect on you, so don't give up right away unless you hate it.

Ritilin is not for everybody, but it does work great for some people. I wouldn't rule out trying it, but strattera definately has some advantages (generally) in that it is longer lasting with less ups and downs. And, yeah... they are VERY different.
-----------------------

you can also look up books in the library if they have any. That can give you some good organization tips.

Part of the process includes denial and greiving... I went through it myself, and am still going through it. We are here to give you support!!!! Please post more! :)

Hi Cynthia - welcome to the forum.
Ritalin and concerta worked well for my daughter. I think, with most meds, what works for one person doesn't for another, so it is pretty much trial and error....

Hi Cynthia!
I am 32 and believe to have both ADHD/ADD,I tried Straterra a month ago and it wasn't for me,then Dr.prescribed Concerta,MAJOR difference in a positive way!.I too am on a limited budget,our Insurance is awful and though it covers the meds.,my office visits aren't covered.I reached a point in my life though where I figure it's worth scrounging up money for the visits as I want to live a productive life for a change,not to mention I have three children,one a teenage son who has ADHD,so yes; I need the meds!!.As for Coaching,I'm not real familiar with how they work,and they may be costly,therefore I'm
thinking that like the others have mentioned above that it wouldn't hurt to get Books,Literature,etc....... and moreless be our own Coach so to speak.I know it's frustrating and for me can be very overwhelming,but hang in there,things are sure to get better!!.

I am very blessed with a mother who hasn't made me go get my own health insurance yet... I would have a lot of difficulty with my medical problems, getting by on insurance plan that will be available to me at work in March..
I was diagnosed with ADD in december, and started taking concerta a few days ago.. some ways it has made a big difference, and others not so much.. but where it counts i can already see an improvement. I just wish I had known sooner!!

I found that just knowing that I had ADD was a major relief.. I was starting to think I was incapable of mastering difficult college courses.. I start school tomorrow, so I will definately notice if it helped where it really counts..

Until you find a solution I would hit up all the ADD pros that seem to reside here, for advice on getting yourself organized. Some things work better than others for different people..
Since I tend to explain myself way more than ever needed I'll just make a list up front, and you can read my explanations why if you just really want to lol
What I have used to stay organized
1. Cheap, simple day planner.. no extra junk. Barnes and Noble had a great one.. Just don't get sucked into thinking the bigger the planner, the better. Less is more, in this case.. Walmart always has planners, but always too many for me to make a choice.
2. A pen. Preferably 2 or more.. I leave them everywhere.. But always have one on you when you aren't at home so you can write down anything that occurs to you while you are out and about.. Most planners have a notes section..
3. Mental checklist of everything I need, before I let myself leave the house (keys, wallet, planner are the musts, other things can be left behind)
4. A watch, preferably with an alarm if you lose track of time.. They have relatively cheap ones and cute ones at Target (I work there, so I had to throw it in here somewhere).. I havent been to walmart in a bit, though I imagine you could find just about anything there.
5. A buddy who can listen to you, and encourage you, even better if they have gone through this themselves.
Tips I picked up from all over the place, but have trouble doing for myself..
1. Don't set unrealistic goals.. Make small goals, and reward yourself for achieving each one.. New Years Resolutions are a bad idea for ADDers, in my opinion.
2. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get something done. Take it as a lesson learned, and move on.
3. When you have a large task ahead, break it up into 15 minute parts, and set a deadline for yourself for each part.. Reward yourself for completing it on time, then move on to the next part. Reward, meaning something that makes you happy, or just taking a mental break.
4. Similar to #1.. dont make promises you can't keep.. I get in way over my head at work trying to help everyone else, and never asking for it myself which is my #5
5. Ask for help when you need it.. When you get overwhelmed, take a step back, and few a deep breaths. If that doesn't clear your head, work on something else if you have that option, then go back to what you were doing, possibly approach it from another angle if thats possible.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Those work best for me.. My roommate is ADD also, but I'm not sure she cares to organize herself.. You have to want to to make it work..

personally have lived by a day planner since high school.. I write *anything* remotely important in there (bills, work schedule, appointments, birthdays with a reminder the week before to mail a card, sometimes grocery lists and little reminders of people i need to call).. Aside from work and appointments, somethings get done a day or 2 late, but it keeps me from completely forgetting.. . I got a great, and extremely simple one at Barnes and Noble.. Just a cover, a mini calender, and a page for each week, and address pages. I found that any other planners had too much in them and was just taking up space (I dont need room for 360 business cards, I don't even think I have 1.. lol).. My mother swears by her palm pilot- which is of course more expensive, but most of them (i think) have alarms you can set as reminders.. if you go that route make sure you get one that has a memo along with the alarm.. I wouldn't know what to do if it beeped and i hadnt a clue why.. I like my planner though, simple, cheap, and u dont have to learn palm typing (its weird)
I do misplace it occasionally, but I won't leave the house until i find it.
I also have a mental checklist so I don't leave the house without the basic contents of my purse (if it was something like return a movie, i wrote it in my planner)... If one thing isn't there I just start looking, cause if i thought it was in my purse, then thinking harder isnt getting me anywhere, I just check my usual finding places.. If I'm running late, and it isnt vital to my getting there (keys, wallet), I do give up and go without it. I hate leaving without my planner, but it can be hard to find when I'm in a rush.
I have no sense of time, so a watch is a must for me.
I don't really have anyone who is patient enough for me to talk to about ADD.. My roommate has it as well, but she is not dependable. I love the internet, it can be a great resource for jsut about everything.. just beware or sites that are strictly opinion and no fact (like the ones that say "ritalin is killing our kids".. which it can if the parent doesnt control or monitor their childs medication and general health.. ritalin-and many other drugs- are strictly regulated to try and prevent medication abuse).
I have found great help in this forum and other ADD forums just knowing that im not the only one dealing with it.
Ok, off my soapbox :)

hi, sorry for the delay, lol.

I will responde more later, but I am going to post now in college.

I ty for the info on stratera I will take it when I get up tomorrow.

As I am very lazy when it comes to typing so I have created a welcome page and ADDed a link here to get you there

My Welcome Page (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3345)

Garry

Welcome Cynthia, Good luck in all your research. This is a very helpful place and yes thank God for google and Thank God for the Forums the best place to get info and to vent and get feedback from thee rest of the family..glad to see you here! :)

Hi Cynthia
Welcome to the forums. Don't be afraid to act like an aware consumer with your doctor - they are an expert, but you are a client & have inalienable rights to question and be comfortable with the proposed treatments. Lots of good support here on the forums so dive right in! Also if you are short of cash & want some practical tips try http://www.flylady.net/ - I personally find it all a bit annoying but many people with adhd I know have found it useful.
Good luck!
best wishes

First Cynthia let me welcome you to the forums and I hope you not only find everyone here as thoughtful and supportive; but, that you find the information you need to make the best decision's for you and have a little fun along the way.

I too was diagnosed late in life lol (as if 27 is old) and I found it a relief for a long time I secretly thought I had to be slightly retarded. First thing I did was go thru a anger stage; but, I sat myself down and made a list on one side what benefits does having ADD give me and on the other the downfalls. And yes their are benefits sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper.

Then I made a list of thing's I needed to change right away. I basically have no concept of time--it serves me no purpose in my reality. lol But, I'm happy to say I have not been late for an appt. in a long time.

Planners do help tons. But, I found hauling mine around day in and day out a pain. So, I alway's keep mine on my desk and every morning write the day's events and times down on a piece of paper then wrap it around a pen securing it with a rubber band and tucking it into a pocket. There for it is always on my person and I feel more secure knowing I can look at it at anytime I need to. Alway's leave space for more notes as they come to you and if all else fails God gave you one hand to write with and one to write on.

But, basically it all comes down to finding what works for you,,,try different suggestion's until you find the right fit. And please above all else remember your human, you will make mistakes and ADD has no cure; but, thank God it's not deadly.

Cherity

Welcome to ADD Forums!!!

You can find some info about coaching in our Coaching section.

http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=71

Greetings Cynthia,

Welcome to the ADD Forums.

My daughter takes Strattera and is doing very well on it. Myself though it made me kinda ill feeling. As with any medication though it's an individual bases. Also with just being dx'd either officially or unofficially it's still a trial and error game until you find what works for you.

There is a lot of good information here as well as what other people have gone through. And the support here is awesome.

I look forward to reading your posts.

Welcome to ADD Forums Smile4me