[BamaSurvivor]

So I went to see my pdoc today... I explained to her in extreme detail how I know I have ADD. Starting from back when I was in emementry school all the way up until I finished school... How when I was given a test to see which grade level I was at, I was in the 8th grade and scored a 5th grade level in everything but English, which I had a 10th grade level in. I continued to explain things to her from on up into my life now and how it's very difficult for me to study for my GED and go get it when I can't even concentrate long enough to read even half a book without having to start over because I've forgotten what was said in the beginning of the book.

She said it does seem as though I had ADD and for me to call the hospital early next week and she will call in my perscription... I can't, for the life of me, remember what the name of the medication is... It starts with an F and once you take it, it takes close to an hour to kick in and only last for 4 hours, then it wears off for the day. Can anyone help me out here? What's it called?

Anyway, I'm excited. I'll finally be able to finish things I start because my concentration will be where it needs to be. The only thing I don't like is it only lasts 4 hours, so I'll have to rush to get things done. *shrugs* She said she's only going to keep me on it temporarily and if it works, she's going to put me on Stratera.

[BamaSurvivor]

I found the name of the medicine... It's called FOCALIN... Anyone heard of it?

[PinkPain]

Glad to see your Pdoc finally is listening to you.
I have heard of Focalin, my brother takes it. I don't know much about it but I do know he takes it twice a day four hours apart. So, I don't think you will have to rush to get everything done it that four hours your doc will probably have you take it twice a day.
Hope it works for you

[BamaSurvivor]

Thanks! I was mainly needing it because I've started taking a home study course to get my diploma and I couldn't concentrate to save my life. And I was so forgettful. Everytime I'd get to a section that was a repeat from a few sections before, I had already forgotten how to do it.

The Focalin has helped some, but she doesn't have me on a high dose at all so it's not quite as effective as it should be. Plus she's only got me on one a day and she says for me not to take them on days I don't study. So I'm not able to get them fully in my system because I can't take them everyday like normal. I'm waiting on more books to come in now for me to work on and until I get them, I can't take the Focalin. So right now I'm having a lot of concentration problems again. Moms constantly yelling at me because I forget stuff that she asks me to do or stuff she tells me about and I come back 20 minutes later asking her the same question because I forgot her answer. I hate it!

[dottie]

Hi. Glad that your Doc is listening to you. That is so very important

~Dottie

[darkeyes]

I am glad someone's pdoc is "listening", mine treats me for mild bipolar but not the ADD I was also Dxed with, the same time I was DXed with mild bipolar and mild ADD.
Well, never had a "manic" episode, mostly a depressive,mostly due to lack of focus and completing things, all the the stuff you read about today and kids having ADD, I was throughout my school years, it changed in college when I was taking diet pills ( phenterimine/stimulant) amazing to be on honor's list twice in a row, get grades, mostly A's, lowest was C in pre-calc class. I was a kid that barely graduated grammar school and high school. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what disorder is really ruining lack of focus/accomplishing things, etc., and that is what is the source of my depression. What do I do? Look for a new pdoc? If so I wonder if that one will listen. . .guess I have to "shop around"
Sorry, got carried away, about me. But I am happy your pdoc finally listened. Mine looks at me as if I'm scamming him into writing a prescription for a med he thinks isn't for me. I'm not scamming, I'm miserable.
I wish all here luck with their pdocs and progress.
Sincerely,
DE

(((((((((((((((( for everyone )))))))))))))))))))))

[BamaSurvivor]

darkeyes, you very well may have to try finding a new pdoc. My pdoc doesn't LIKE prescribing me a medication for ADD, but she knew if she didn't, I was going elsewhere. I made it very clear the last time I seen her. MANY pdocs think that since you're bi polar, you don't have ADD, that ADD symptoms come along with being bi polar. Most of them are very wrong. I too tried a few different diet pills, that were stimulants. They helped me greatly concentrate as well. When we take stuff like that and see that our body and minds start working after taking them, that's a sign we KNOW what the problem is. Just a matter of getting the pdoc to listen. Wish you the best with that. (((((darkeyes)))))

[darkeyes]

Thanks so much, "smootches" to all of you that know and can relate to what I am "saying" Now, how do I go about finding or maaking my pdoc "listen" ??
Masybe telling him, "he is fired"/ ha!ha!
I'm sure he has heard that over the years.
Thanks for your reply,

Sincerely,
DE

(((((((((((( all here ))))))))))))))

[BamaSurvivor]

Hey, if "You're fired" works, do it! lol I'd try discussing it one last time with your current pdoc and tell him exactly how you feel about the situation. If he doesn't listen, tell him you're finding a new pdoc... Then look in the phone book or directory and find pdocs in your area.

(((((darkeyes)))))

[melancholybaby]

I can so relate! My shrink has been treating me for bipolar just because my Family Practice doc thought I had it. I can't believe the dangerous side effects of all these anti-seizure meds he prescribes. I've never had a manic episode either and I don't think I'm bipolar. ADD, absolutely, but not bipolar. I have been taking Adderall timed release and I think it is beginning to help.

[BamaSurvivor]

Adderall is a VERY good medication for ADD, if taken right and not abused. I see so many people now in my town who chop the Adderalls down to powder and snort them or chew them up or even shoot them up. It's sad... I'm so glad the Adderall is beginning to work for you. Hope your ADD continues to get better.