[Aunt Donna]

Just been diagnosed with ADD. Everything makes sense now. I thought I was a mental nutcase with the ocd, panic disorder, and phobias. I never thought of having ADD. My brother has had it all his life. I am sorry to say I judged everyone with it by his behavior. He failed in school and never stays any place long and is wishy-washy. I, on the other hand, did great in school and college. I admit it took me awhile to finally get my degree but I did. I have had the same job for fifteen years. Taking the test to see if I had ADD really opened my eyes to ADD and it was a definite fact I have it. I am going to work on the things I need to improve which is a lot. I do wait to the last minute to do a lot of things and I want instant answers among the other symptoms. Just needed to get it out. Thanks for reading my release of thought.

[Skully]

I am glad that you finally were able to put it together and have an name for what has been going on. I too have ADHD and it wasn't diagnosed until I was an adult. It was very frustrating growing up because I was always "that kid" to everyone else. Hope things look up for you and you can continue a health life.

[Aunt Donna]

Thanks for the reply. It is a relief to finally to have a name for it. I have been battling it all my life but because I made good grades in school and behaved in class, the teachers didn't have reason to suspect anything. It is usually the misbehaving children they test. It became more pronounced the older I got. Now, at the age of 43, I know what it is. I have a doctor's appointment next week to go over my medications. I have to make sure anything I take can be taken with my blood pressure medications and allergy medication. I know my doctor will help me and I will still go to counseling to help. Thanks again, Skully. At least I know I am not alone.

[slowinmi]

faylowell,

I'm so happy for you that you have a diagnosis that will help you. Your story sounds very similar to mine. I also did comparatively good in school so no one suspected anything for many years. I hope that you soon are feeling excellent.

slow

[sunrise]

faylowell, I have a similar story to yours. I was diagnosed less than two years ago, in my forties. I was also well-behaved in school and got good grades. My PNP says I have the inattentive type of ADHD, which is more common in girls, and doesn't have the hyperactivity that can push teachers to seek an intervention for the misbehaving child. As I have gotten older, it has gotten worse, getting to the point where it has overwhelmed my ability to cope effectively with it, as I had done for many years. I do take medication for my symptoms, and that has been helpful. I also have borderline hypertension--see my response in Callista's thread here on blood pressure. I take BP medication and it has not been incompatible with ADHD medication.

Good luck. You are not alone!