Nursing and Adult ADD

[FluffyBear]

I had the opportunity to peruse a different nursing chat forum and checked out a thread on Adult ADD in nursing. This nursing forum is way easier for me to access, so I'd like to see if we might be able to get a dialogue going on this!
I have been newly diagnosed with Adult ADD. Two days prior to Christmas 2003 (Merry Christmas!). I have been on medication since then, and what a difference it has made in my brain! My rambling rampant thoughts are not as extensive as before and my moods are more even keel. I actually am starting to know what it is like to have energy, as well!
Although organization is still an area needing improvement, I have been capable of finding a system that is currently working. I am a student nurse and prior to starting medication, procrastination was my middle name. I am now able to focus on studying, writing papers, care plans, etc. I don't want to use this as a crutch, although I feel that my past relationships, schooling and experiences make more sense in the context of having ADD.
When I was diagnosed, I felt extremely alone. I have heard that ADD has been described as the "flavour of the week" diagnosis, and that high numbers of adults and children are being diagnosed, but there is so little information out there. I have only found one site that has given me a better understanding of ADD, and very little concerning adults. There is such stigma around it. I know that I can't just say that this is the reason I gap at times, rage, procrastinate, hyperfocus, and so on. Those who haven't travelled the road aren't able to understand the full scope of what ADD entails. My loved ones try, but it will be a long road to acceptance and forgiveness of past behaviours and interactions.
My intent here is to hopefully open a dialogue to share stories and experiences living with ADD of either yourself or family, tricks of survival, and whatever else.

[cassioo]

I've never been diagnosed but my teenage boys are. My husband says I multi-task. My brothers and male cousins also "multi-Task" I'm not on any medication now...was on an anti depressant a couple of years ago with work, a 2 year old, troubled teens and a husband with a big illness. Now DH illness is better, teens are older and 1 out of the house (still troubled)but better hours at work. Just being exhausted and overwhelmed made things worse.
I still procrastinate and luckily I never had to study much in school I just opened the books and kept them on my lap and watched TV while the information absorbed through my legs. Some things you just have to accept as OK but also can't use it as an excuse. Write down the important things and let the others slide.

[Aaron C.]

I have ADD, and so does my brother. I pretty much self diagnosed, because I knew I had it. Just told the doc to give me some medicine. First I was taking Concerta, then he wanted to try strattera, which didn't work at all IMO, it made me tired. I told him last month to put me on Adderall XR, which is the extended release form of what my brother takes. It has made all the difference for me...

[1mg.epi]

I was Dx ADD after requiring to receive counseling for telling a patient what I thought of him. I got 3 days off without pay for this act which made me feel so good. Well any ways I refused medication. When I told The ER docks and fellow RN's that I refused Meds., in unison they yelled, "What, I don't believe you refused Tx." Did not know I was that bad. It takes quite a bit of work to modified behavior to make it through school, make relationships work, anger management. Organization skills still lack. but I am doing OK, I think.

You're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad .. I think...




What the hey...WR,,, ( the initials still fit) three commas for Becca...

A friend etc...

[WellnessRN]

Hi!
It is interesting to me that no one ever mentions the significant role that nutrition plays in ADD...kids and adults! There was a boy in my grand daughters class (for example) who's Mom chose to try nutrition therapy before meds....in 30 days ...a new child!!! I am aware of many who have improved their nutritional intake and had a complete & rapid turn around!!
WellnessRN

[1mg.epi]

Well wellness RN where can I find a diet. I heard of it for children such as cut back the carbs, but not for adults.

And yes Oh WanderingRN at one time I was very BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD and had to change my thought process if I wanted to remain employed. That was 10 years ago. I'm much better now! ( A quote from the show Night Court, Harry's dad always said when he got out of the "institution" )

[tslane]

I was dianosed with a cluster of learning disabilities in 1992. I was diagnosed with adult ADD in 2004 just before beginning nursing school. I tried ritalin, concerta, straterra, then Adderall xr, which worked well for me. In 2006, one of my instructors had a relative that had been taking Adderall xr and suffered a heart valve failure and died. The instructor said the docs were blaming the Adderall. I started nursing school at age 49 (the age of her relative) and had had chest pains on the meds (during oh so stressful nursing school), so I weaned myself slowing off the meds.

I feel that this was a mistake and since my heart is fine, I am in the process of seeing a psychologist to start on adderall once more.

I don't do politics well and had a difficult time in nursing school. Since graduation, I worked for 8 mos in LTC then was accepted into a RN residency at a hospital, which was a disaster. I plan to restart adderall meds and find another job.

anyone with ADD have problems with politics in nursing employment? Any advice?

[Medically Jaded]

I was diagnosed ADD 12 years ago by a doctor who was treating my 4 year old son for behavioral issues and was DX ADHD. I grew up thinking is was normal to have to read something 3 times before I "got it". As I got older, my self esteem suffered. My ability to over compensate, hyperfocus on tasks, go the extra mile made up for my...shall we say bold nature. But not out of trouble.

So like FluffyBear, I too felt isolated. Also misunderstood because I don't always handle things "appropriately". Oh and try telling a doctor that you had 10 things running in your head when he was barking orders and you didn't hear him.

So where was I, OH YEA, it was a relief when the Pedi Psych explained it all to me. So I got help... I agree the antidepressants dont work. Anti anxiety meds are on hand for the panic attacks with chest pain. And I use my Adderall only on days when I feel I need it. Remark to tslane, my chest pain is when I am superstressed and let things get to me...not when I am on my Adderall. I have noticed my Blood Pressure and heart rate is elevated when I take the Adderall everyday. So only take it when I feel I need it. Anyone else notice that???

For those who want alternatives to prescription meds, check out Source Naturals on line for OTC supplements to help you focus. I use them when I want to be noncompliant with my meds. LOL And the blood type diet at dadamo.com. My son and I are blood type A cant handle alot of stress and certain foods to avoid are listed. My brain tends to shut off and I can't focus when when I get stressed out. Then irritable and start procrastinating or sharp.

If you cant change something, change the way you think about it.

[cougarnurse]

Husband was dx'd as ADHD, and the Feingold diet worked wonders when he was a kid. Many preservatives, certain sugary products....all set him off some.

I know not everyone believes in the diet, but it seems to have worked. The drugs sent him into a 'funk', and my MIL said 'Forget that mess'.