[Maus5321]

Little story titled: I did not know where to start.

So I did a google search and found this awesome website, Psych central forum. Did some reading. Took the quizzes. Talked to YYZADD who has been amazing and I have a a lot to thank him for.
So I have been thinking recently I could have add(after doing some research,reading other people accounts, Talking to YYZADD on PC) as I stated in the opening statement. So I set up my first appointment for Tuesday February 5th at 5:30 pm to see someone about it and to hopefully find an answer. I went to the office building to see the doctor there. Only to find out she had been there all day and was not there when I arrived. SO I felt really disheartened and left discouraged. I talked to YYZADD afterwards and he said don't give up. So I made a new appt. for Friday February 8th at 10am. I Beat the doctor to her office. Imagine that. I have never been early to anything in my life. But Anyway. She was really awesome and nice and was not threatening in anyway and made me feel really comfortable the moment I met her. Unlike doctors I have had in the past. She asked me what brought me in. I say I am not a good story teller so I say to her. Lets start with this and I hand her all my old report cards from kindergarten all the way til I Graduated High School. She glances at a couple of the report cards on top and goes ok. doesn't say much about it and we start to talk and she does her history/survey/question asking. We start she is asking me things I am just going along answering as best I can. I am lightly getting frustrated and a little mad about it all because this about where things have gone wrong in the past for me with psych doctors. But she keeps asking and lets me go off in whatever direction I want to an extent but brings me back when she wants to continue a thought we were talking about. So talk for about two hours. First appointments are only suppose to be 1 hour and 15 minutes. But I got a free 45 mins . Along the way she says a few times in there she specializes in ADD and I say well that is why I chose you. WE talk and finish the history. At the end she tells me she didn't even need to do her survey to tell I had ADD. I guess it was that obvious to her. I was getting all anxious and worked up for nothing while trying to answer her questions. After I left I felt happy and sad and many other things all in one. Like how am I gonna tell my parents or what are people gonna think of me. I have many mixed emotions about it all because I grew thinking I was lazy not smart. Really no identity. Then Poof out of no where I have an answer. Makes me sad no one saw it sooner. Grade school High School. Was all hell for me. I really can't blame anyone for not seeing it in me.

Well anyway today is my first day of medication. I have never felt this amazing and this clear before. I mean writing this has been awesome. I did not wander off or struggle with my head to get out the thoughts I wanted to on here. I really feel I may have a fighting chance now.

Thanks to any who read, Maus

[Travelinglady]

You're welcome. I'm glad you finally have an answer and treatment is working. I don't think ADD has been diagnosed much in the past. I know I never heard of anyone who was diagnosed with it when I was in school. I only heard of it around the 1980's. (My son was diagnosed with it a couple of years ago. He is now setting the world on fire in an elite university!)

Just a note: It's standard practice for a therapist to ask a bunch of questions during the first meeting, regardless of why the patient says he/she has come. It even has a name: "The Intake Interview." So, she wasn't just trying to put you off. She was getting to know you and making an analysis. Just letting you know, in case you're wondering why she wasn't heading right toward ADD type questions!

Hey Maus
I'm sure glad you're found some answers and the meds are helping. Just remember that there is a lot of work to do now. We ADDer's develop many bad coping skills which need to be replaced with healthy ones. I know you're reading Dr Hallowell's books, do keep up the great work. Your doctor probably recommended talking to a psychologist, which is a good idea too.

I'm sure glad things are looking up for you

[Maus5321]

Originally Posted by YYZadd

Hey Maus
I'm sure glad you're found some answers and the meds are helping. Just remember that there is a lot of work to do now. We ADDer's develop many bad coping skills which need to be replaced with healthy ones. I know you're reading Dr Hallowell's books, do keep up the great work. Your doctor probably recommended talking to a psychologist, which is a good idea too.

I'm sure glad things are looking up for you

Thank you Payne1! Yeah I was having issues around 1990/91 I guess when It was well known. I am 27 yrs old now. But I am really glad you son is setting the world ablaze.

I think doctor I chose does both things, Like non medication ways to help and what to work on. Like diet excercise ways to break habits on and on. FInd out what I am good at kind of thing. She is going to have me read another book. But she said it is geared and written for people with add. SO I will be reading that as well when she figurs out what the name is lol.

[2_b_free]

Now starts the hard part, changing behavior and creating new habits. I found out when it came to organizing, I didn't know how, I never learned. And I couldn't put things away, because they never had a place they belonged. So much painful self discovery. I wish you the best of luck

[Maus5321]

Originally Posted by 2_b_free

Now starts the hard part, changing behavior and creating new habits. I found out when it came to organizing, I didn't know how, I never learned. And I couldn't put things away, because they never had a place they belonged. So much painful self discovery. I wish you the best of luck

Thank you! It may be a rough road ahead but I have to start somewhere.
This is the first I have ever felt like I am moving in the right direction.

[avlady]

I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Maus5321]

Thank you avlady!!!