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AIBU?

To ask you about adult ADHD?

10 replies

worldsbestprocrastinator · 19/03/2019 19:12

I've just been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40 . I'm starting Ritalin in the next few days.
Can people come and talk to me about their experiences of starting ADHD meds as an adult? My consultant said that I should see a difference pretty soon, but it can take a long time for the full effect to kick in.
I can't imagine not feeling like "me" ie overwhelmed, disorganised, procrastinating like my life depends on it. I know I'm still going to be the same person, of course, but hopefully a better more in control version!
What should I expect?? Thanks all.

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worldsbestprocrastinator · 19/03/2019 20:23

Anybody?

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Worsethingshappen · 19/03/2019 20:38

I’m in a similar position to you. Do you mind me asking if you were diagnosed via the nhs? I am hoping my life is about to get easier too. 🤞🏻

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RussellSprout · 19/03/2019 20:45

Can I ask how you got the diagnosis, was this through your GP?

I've long suspected I've got ADHD, but I seem just about able to muddle through life so not sure whether a GP would take me seriously.

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Allfednonedead · 19/03/2019 20:52

Hi, I was diagnosed (privately) a year ago. It then took a year to get back into the NHS system and get meds prescribed.
I’m still in the long slow process of tapering up to find the right dose, but already they’ve been transformative.

I’m take Elvanse, which is longer acting than Ritalin, but it’s made me much better able to do stuff. My ADHD is combined, with a heavy emphasis on inattentive. For most of my life, I’ve slept too much, been continually exhausted and completely unable to actually start to DO anything.

I could sit and look at a task that I knew needed doing, that I knew I could do relatively easily and that I wanted done. And just not do it.

Now I’m awake all day and can usually just do whatever needs to be done next.

I think I need a bit higher dose still, but it’s still been fantastic. The first couple of days after starting/raising the dose is a bit grim - nausea and dizziness - but so completely worth it! After that, the only side effect for me has been a bit of dry mouth.

It’s only been two and a half months, so early days, but so far it’s been grand.

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Auntieaunt · 19/03/2019 20:54

Sorry world to jump on your post world but I keep meaning to get tested but I keep procrastinating (how blooming ironic!)

Could you possibly keep us updated how medication goes and if it improves daily life? I'm hoping for motivation to actually make that appointment x

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MonkeyfaceThereturn · 19/03/2019 20:57

Hiiiiii!

I've got my final diagnosis assessment thingy tomorrow. It's taken 30 years of my parents knowing something was wrong 😂😂

I can't WAIT to start Ritalin!

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Worsethingshappen · 19/03/2019 20:57

Also if anyone can recommend an adhd specialist in London that would be great?

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MonkeyfaceThereturn · 19/03/2019 20:59

auntie it's not quite that simple

I've been wrongly diagnised as bipolar first.

Now it's taken 2 years from the team saying 'you have glaringly obvious ADHD' to diagnosis.

I was in psychiatrists since I was 6. But my parents are vair middle class and god forbid I had anything wrong with me. I had an IQ of 150+ and am twice exceptional apparently. I don't even believe in ADHD 😂

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MonkeyfaceThereturn · 19/03/2019 21:00

I self medicate with alcohol (can you tell 😕)

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worldsbestprocrastinator · 19/03/2019 21:22

Hi all, and thanks! @Allfednonedead that sounds really positive. I've spent my life putting things off, which has had a huge negative impact on my life. I could never understand why I just couldn't just get on with things but there been this huge invisible force just stopping me.
For those asking, I was referred by my GP last year. After living my whole life just not able to to understand why I did (or didn't) do what I do, I decided that there HAD to be a reason that wasn't just me being a bit rubbish. When I saw the ADHD traits for women, I just saw a very detailed description of me. I made notes about how I demonstrate pretty all the traits, and how they impact my life, and asked (told?) my GP to refer me for an assessment as per the NICE guidelines. He didn't try and convince me I was wrong.
I was on the waiting list for a year, but it was worth it as I left the assessment today armed with a prescription, and a diagnosis that my workplace have to recognise as part of the Equalities Act.