to women with ADHD ???? help

I do not have ADHD myslef, but I have a fiend (female) and an ex-husband who do. IN both cases they do CRASH in the afternoon. Neither of them is on meds. My take has always been that they spend the day trying so hard to stay focused that they are mentally exhausted at the end of their work day. My ex worked 6am-2pm and when he got home at 3pm he ws OUT, my friend is a stay at home Mom with a 12 year old and an 11 year old. She gets up with her husband at 5am and then gets everyone ready, out the door, she cleans (!) and does laundry (!) and then falls asleep until she has topick the kids up from school. I think the menatl energy used to function for the day has zapped them. Meds should improve that since you don’t have to work as hard to stay focused.

It is common and you may find that it has something to do with your hormones. The older I get the harder it is somedays to stay focused and for myself I have discovered by fluctuation in hormones has a lot to do with this. I also need down time to just relax. It helps recharge my batteries.

Laura, you probably don’t need me to tell you this, but, don’t give Ball your e-mail. I really think he is scary. I’m sorry for being so forward.

I myself do have ADHD. I have found that as I have gotten old in my case the symptoms have gotten worse. My hyperactivity has gone down, but able to focus, remember, even in speech (mixing up words and so-forth) have gotten worse. Yes, my motivation has greatly gone down. I find myself wanting less and less to do or even think about new things, let alone some that I already do. I think it has to do with the constant feeling that I am going to fail. When I was younger, it didn’t bother me if I didn’t suceed, but now the results have a great impact on me and my children and I am tried of the constant struggle in everyday life. I am usually a optmistic person, you kind of have to be to survive, but I have found it harder as I get older. Now I just want to be as close to normal as possible. I only found out this year that I had ADHD. i always knew that something was wrong and I couldn’t get my brain to work right, but now I know why. There is an excellent book, that might help. “You mean I’m not, lazy, stupid or Crazy by K. Kelly.” I hope this might help.

I feel that I am losing motivation. It’s because I no longer work and find too much meaningless. I’m not on medication for ADHD and never was, although ritilin was tried briefly, but I never reached a therapeutic dosage due to my blood pressure being too high.

Now there’s question about my diagnosis. It’s not clear if I have ADHD or something else that may be causing my problems. I was diagnosed as having ADHD by several psychiatrists, but a neuropsychological evaluation resulted in the conclusion that I’m on the NLD- Asperger’s continuum. I consulted a specialist in NLD who thinks I may have a kind of ADHD that resembles NLD. I’m confused and all this is adding to depression, which of course is a major cause of lack of motivation.

To complicate things more, I was on zoloft for years. It helped with depression, but may have contributed to a severe balance-walking problem, which was first thought to be possible multiple sclerosis. This was ruled out. I stopped zoloft and my balance has gradually improved. It had been so bad that I fell frequently and even fractured my wrist and once fell on my head. Five years ago, when crossing the street, I fell in front of a turning car when trying to move quickly to avoid another car that was turning fast. Fortunately, the driver of the second car stopped and I was not hurt.

I’m on two high blood pressure medications and have recently started taking valium in addition to medications for other health problems. I’m afraid to go back on antidepressants but may need to because of how I feel. I’m sleeping too much and have much less appetite. That may not be bad, in that I need to lose weight. I used to have addictive behaviors (skin picking, compulsive shopping, compulsive eating) which I no longer have, but there’s a lot of emptiness inside. Also, my mate died three years ago, a friend died a week ago, I’ve just had an arguement with another friend that may end the friendship, etc.

I’m turning 61 this month, and am having a really hard time realizing how much I’ve missed in life. Thus tiredness, which I don’t feel daily, is related to depression. I don’t feel that tired, but I sleep too much.

Arlene,

I am so sorry about your recent and not so distant future loses. Hang in there lady, everything is going to work out.

Just wondering, has your doctor ever mentioned anything about Fibromyalgia???
I have Fibromyalgia, and recently have developed balance problems (I fell on the way home from our apt. complex pool one day recently for no apparent reason). Fibromyalgia is sort of a mystery disorder/disease that often has extremely similar symptoms to ADD. In addition, there have been some recent studies that have suggested that 80% of people with Fibromyalgia, also have ADD. That’s a pretty darn high correlation.

Common physical symptoms of Fibromyalgia include pain in what docs call “trigger points” in the body. I believe they are 18 of them, and all have corresponding points on each side of the body. Hips, upper shoulders, lower back (really, upper buttocks, on either side), behind the knees, and I have an odd one….my ribs often feel like someone has punched me in them, for no apparent reason. Other common physical symptoms include fatigue (which can range to the extreme), constipation, intolerance to cold, muscle spasms, myofacial pain, coordination issues (I have problems with hand coordination on bad days, recently with balance, and sometimes, slurred speech). “Mental” symptoms can include memory problems, “foggy” thinking (often referred to as “Fibro-Fog”), depression, and difficulty with concentrating. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia tend to be worse in the morning. As a matter of fact, I always say that on many mornings, I feel like I’ve been hit by a “mack truck”: when I wake up. Usually though, after I get moving around I feel much better. There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, as a matter of fact, there is still much controversy over exactly what kind of disorder it is. Some people think that the origin has to do with muscle tissue, some think it is neurological, and some think that it relates to childhood infections. Currently, I believe it is classified as a neurological disorder, but this recently, it was considered a muscle-skeletal problem. In any case, Fibromyalgia is a pain in the keester. I feel especially so because I am only 32 and on some days it feels like 100. There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but there are many strategies for managing the symptoms. Some of those include diet, massage therapy, exercise, use of medications such as pain relievers and antidepressants, as well as the use of stimulants (they have been shown to reduce pain). If this sounds like it may apply to you, perhaps talk to your doctor about it.

In any case, I hope that you are feeling a little better this day, and remember to just take one day at a time. Also, DON’T beat yourself up!!!! The past is the past, and you are here to live in the now. Have faith that all is as it should be, and work from there. You can do it!!! Take it easy all. Peace.

Traci

i have problems with energy in the afternoon too and i am 24yrs old. Recently I believe I read an article or book that mentioned something about blood sugar levels and possible connection to those with ADHD? I am not sure if anyone else has heard of this. I also read about the symptoms of hypoglicemia and find that i am experiencing some of the same symptoms. I am really not completly sure why myself and others with ADHD (my mom who also has adhd has a similiar problem) get so tired and burnt out in the afternoons. My meds seem to help but I have to wonder why this is the case? IF anyone has any suggestions or ideas about this I would love to hear it- as it might help myself and others with this problem.

Dear sara , i also checked the hypoglyciemia issue , i do not suffer from this , my afternoon exhaustion i think stems from the amount of stimulus that bombards me in the morning hours to the afternoon .. that is why i probably crash it is a shutdown reaction .. since i have been on meds my energy to much more consistant , instead of real up in the morning and real down in the afternoon „, laura

Arlene-there is a blood pressure med that is used for treating ADHD called Clonopine. Tryingh that could be a way to kill two birds with one stone.

i think you mean clonidine , these meds are different , one is for hypertensive the other is a powerful seizure drug…

Sara,
I am ADHD and suffer from low blood sugar levels especially in the morning. I try to have a glass of orange juice in the morning and some kind of fruit in the afternoon when i start dragging. It has helped me somewhat get through my day. I was a student and just started a full time internship so Im trying to leanr to make it through an 8 hr day. Previously i had to take a nap for an hour to get through the rest of the day. Any other suggestions for this afternoon crash?
ash

Laura,

Thanks for the correction-we all have brain farts ocasionally. This is a blood pressure med that they tried on my ex who has high bp and ADHD (thought they could kill 2 birds with one stone) but in his case it may him so tired he could not function-a problem for Law Enforcement …but then I think the ADHD personality led him into that profession…but that could be a whole new topic in and of itself!!!

I would think it would be dangerous to have 2 meds that similiar in name-wouldn’t you??? Only 2 letters different and I can’t read most MD’s handwriting anyway. That’s scary.

Thanks for the medication recommendation. I looked it up, but learned that there’s a problem between that and another medication that I take. For the present time, I’m not looking for medication since I may have had a major problem with a previous medication (I had a major walking problem that may have been related to zoloft. It may be coincidental, but when I had been off it for a number of months, my serious balance problem started to resolve, so I’m quite skeptical of medications. Also, on prozac, I ended up in the emergency room with such severe symptoms that I thought I was going to die. My pulse was racing and I was having hot flashes and incredibly strong anxiety. Although I have a history of fairly severe anxiety, I never felt anything as bad as I felt on prozac after only five days of taking it.)

I’m on medication for several physical problems, so I don’t want psychotropic medication at this time, except that I have been using a small amount of valium, which I’m now trying to get off of.

I could use an antidepressant, but I’m afraid of going on one, so am trying to get along without it. My psychiatrist thought massage might be helpful as a substitute for medication for depression. Has anyone tried this?

Beverly , pharmasists make the mistake with this drug … it is sad , they should change the name .. even the pill looks similar .. it is very scary .. thank God one kids father noticed the difference and didn’t give the med to his son .. if he did give the med , it would have been trouble .. thanks ,laura

hey arlene , my mother has anxiety , and prozac did the same to her , she also has high blood pressure , but meds are helping with that ..

message helped me a great deal , it is good for you too , but it is expensive .. and the effects don’t last that long , but i think it relieves tension a great deal and this is good for us .. laura

To Laura,
Do you see any side effects from the meds?
I am a school psychologist and pretty sure that I have ADD, however I have not pursued a medical visit yet. My afternoons are a huge struggle, especially now that I have a regular working schedule.

hey , no i do not see any side effects . first couple of days appetite supressed but this went away , i eat just fine now .. i do not feel racey , i feel very well .. it feels good to be able to have motivation and interest again .. i now take 1 20mg XR in the morning and then i take another in the afternoon around 1.00 pm and that leaves the system around 8.00 or so , thank God .. hope this helps .. laura

i am shannon and im 34yr old. my email is [email protected] i need any info that could be helpful!!! i will most like ly lose where i posted this. ugh! thats how scattered i am!!!!!!! i will try not to lose it. i am a.d.h.d. and cannot afford meds. medicade pays for my kids… my daughter is add and my son is autistic with severe a.d.h.d. ugh! they are real good kids though. i am blessed. we just all have this affliction! i forget everything and lose everything and forget peoples faces and they will walk up to talk to me and im like do i know you? i have no friends now. we moved to where i know no one and it is so hard to find a friend. i have strong morals so i cant just hang out with anyone i meet. im picky about who my kids are around. my husband is a truck driver and as wonderful as he is, he isnt here. im depressed and lonely for a friend and i have this a.d.h.d. thing and i get tired so easy these days. i think about how when i was a kid i did everything there was to do in a day and did it all in 1/2 a day. now i drag! i joined a gym thinking it might help for several reasons… find a friend for one… but everyone there seems to already have their groove with their lives and friends. but ive also gained 150pd. thing is i tire so easy. my daughter goes with me but she is just like me (except smaller) and gives out and wants to leave and i give in. ugh! i have many strikes against me when it comes to making a friend. i have a.d.h.d., i cant endure long to do much, i have kids ,and some people dont want to have friends with kids, i have strong morals, and im fat! so people glance through me! i feel unhuman these days. if it werent for my kids i would have no purpose! i have no drive! i have no me! it sounds so simple but i sit here in tears writting to strangers for advise! i use to go to church. i cant anymore. the nursery cant handle my son, he isnt bad he just needs alot and they have too many kids and he cant sit through a service with me. so i cant meet people there. i dont even like leaving my house. i feel so ugly! i was ms. west coast fla 1985, and i was popular and had alot of fun and now this is what has become of my life! i loved the lime light. because people talked to me and wanted to know me and now people look right through me. if it werent for my faith and my kids/spouse i dont know what would become of me. my parents are dear but nag me constantly about what is wrong with me and how did i get so fat and when am i gonna lose it and i must be a bad mom for my kids to be a.d.h.d. like me. i know it isnt so, but that hurts. so i dont talk to them alot. i was told a couple yrs ago that my thyroid is real bad. so it is alot of my weight problem. but, we have such a tight budget im always paying last months bills this month and hoping for money for groceries and the gov will only help me if i get pregant again!!! and honestly if i didnt have such a horrable time being pregnant… (i get hypernemsis..cant spell that… and was told another child would kill me.) i would get pregant again if it werent for this. i love kids and then they would give me medical and i could get fixed. also i have a tooth killing me and can do nothing about it. i push hard on it all the time hoping to just push it out. ugh!!! i didnt mean to go itno all of that. i really am a possitive person and i love to talk and laugh and do stuff. but my life is upside down and now im at a loss. i swore i wouldnt type alot it gets hard to read these long ones and i dont blame you if you skip over me. what is breaking my heart the most is this: when john (husband) and i use to go out, he would tell me ” im so proud to have you on my arm!” and i use to say, what if i were fat? and he said jokingly that he wouldnt be with me. well, joking or not it sticks in my mind. and i want him to be proud to have me on his arm. ive gone from a size 4 to a size 26 in just a couple yrs. i had a son stolen yrs ago and i would drink tequila to numb the pain of that nightmare. and i think thats what destroyed my thyroid. what is weard is the more stressed i am the bigger my stomache sticks out. so odd. people look so funny at me especually if i order a desert in a restaurant… like im not worthy to have one. do they think i choose to be fat? its not a choice anyone would make!!!!! and i do go to bally every other day and im still gaining. i was asked on the leeza show in 1999 or it might have been 2000. and she had me meet suzanne sommers who quickly gave up on me when her all protien diet didnt work for me cause it made my thyroid worse! ugh!!! well, one last thought… i think about when i was little and had so much energy and how as a teen i had so much drive and i was always on the go and my dads dad would always say to me… youre a going! cause i was always going and doing. and i love to help other people. and now, it is like… who am i and what universe did i fall into? anyone else feel this way? i cant hold a job. i tried kmart… i cannot stand for long periods of time. and some other jobs bored me to death. ive been to so many schools i cant believe it and still i fit in no where. i see my daughter feeling the same way. she is 16 this yr and home schools. they were doing 5$ blow jobs in her h.s. bathrooms and one guy didnt want to take no for an answer and she is to scared to be there. it is her word against his and no proof that this is going on cause the other girls denied it and she lost her best friend through it all. she is a real good girl! i am so blessed!!! never been a moments trouble! and it is nice having her around. but i cannot confide in a 16yr old who is my daughter. she needs to believe moms got it together in some areas. im her comfort and security. and i could never talk to her about some things. you know. well, we are out side of charlotte if anyone else is out there looking for a wacky friend with kids. or would just like to email. i promise you i am usually not this down. night seems to be harder. and im bored alot. i just cant run out and do what i did as a teen and if i could who would i do it with? well, ive bored you people long enough. have a good week. love, shannon

i am shannon and im 34yr old. my email is [email protected] i need any info that could be helpful!!! i will most like ly lose where i posted this. ugh! thats how scattered i am!!!!!!! i will try not to lose it. i am a.d.h.d. and cannot afford meds. medicade pays for my kids… my daughter is add and my son is autistic with severe a.d.h.d. ugh! they are real good kids though. i am blessed. we just all have this affliction! i forget everything and lose everything and forget peoples faces and they will walk up to talk to me and im like do i know you? i have no friends now. we moved to where i know no one and it is so hard to find a friend. i have strong morals so i cant just hang out with anyone i meet. im picky about who my kids are around. my husband is a truck driver and as wonderful as he is, he isnt here. im depressed and lonely for a friend and i have this a.d.h.d. thing and i get tired so easy these days. i think about how when i was a kid i did everything there was to do in a day and did it all in 1/2 a day. now i drag! i joined a gym thinking it might help for several reasons… find a friend for one… but everyone there seems to already have their groove with their lives and friends. but ive also gained 150pd. thing is i tire so easy. my daughter goes with me but she is just like me (except smaller) and gives out and wants to leave and i give in. ugh! i have many strikes against me when it comes to making a friend. i have a.d.h.d., i cant endure long to do much, i have kids ,and some people dont want to have friends with kids, i have strong morals, and im fat! so people glance through me! i feel unhuman these days. if it werent for my kids i would have no purpose! i have no drive! i have no me! it sounds so simple but i sit here in tears writting to strangers for advise! i use to go to church. i cant anymore. the nursery cant handle my son, he isnt bad he just needs alot and they have too many kids and he cant sit through a service with me. so i cant meet people there. i dont even like leaving my house. i feel so ugly! i was ms. west coast fla 1985, and i was popular and had alot of fun and now this is what has become of my life! i loved the lime light. because people talked to me and wanted to know me and now people look right through me. if it werent for my faith and my kids/spouse i dont know what would become of me. my parents are dear but nag me constantly about what is wrong with me and how did i get so fat and when am i gonna lose it and i must be a bad mom for my kids to be a.d.h.d. like me. i know it isnt so, but that hurts. so i dont talk to them alot. i was told a couple yrs ago that my thyroid is real bad. so it is alot of my weight problem. but, we have such a tight budget im always paying last months bills this month and hoping for money for groceries and the gov will only help me if i get pregant again!!! and honestly if i didnt have such a horrable time being pregnant… (i get hypernemsis..cant spell that… and was told another child would kill me.) i would get pregant again if it werent for this. i love kids and then they would give me medical and i could get fixed. also i have a tooth killing me and can do nothing about it. i push hard on it all the time hoping to just push it out. ugh!!! i didnt mean to go itno all of that. i really am a possitive person and i love to talk and laugh and do stuff. but my life is upside down and now im at a loss. i swore i wouldnt type alot it gets hard to read these long ones and i dont blame you if you skip over me. what is breaking my heart the most is this: when john (husband) and i use to go out, he would tell me ” im so proud to have you on my arm!” and i use to say, what if i were fat? and he said jokingly that he wouldnt be with me. well, joking or not it sticks in my mind. and i want him to be proud to have me on his arm. ive gone from a size 4 to a size 26 in just a couple yrs. i had a son stolen yrs ago and i would drink tequila to numb the pain of that nightmare. and i think thats what destroyed my thyroid. what is weard is the more stressed i am the bigger my stomache sticks out. so odd. people look so funny at me especually if i order a desert in a restaurant… like im not worthy to have one. do they think i choose to be fat? its not a choice anyone would make!!!!! and i do go to bally every other day and im still gaining. i was asked on the leeza show in 1999 or it might have been 2000. and she had me meet suzanne sommers who quickly gave up on me when her all protien diet didnt work for me cause it made my thyroid worse! ugh!!! well, one last thought… i think about when i was little and had so much energy and how as a teen i had so much drive and i was always on the go and my dads dad would always say to me… youre a going! cause i was always going and doing. and i love to help other people. and now, it is like… who am i and what universe did i fall into? anyone else feel this way? i cant hold a job. i tried kmart… i cannot stand for long periods of time. and some other jobs bored me to death. ive been to so many schools i cant believe it and still i fit in no where. i see my daughter feeling the same way. she is 16 this yr and home schools. they were doing 5$ blow jobs in her h.s. bathrooms and one guy didnt want to take no for an answer and she is to scared to be there. it is her word against his and no proof that this is going on cause the other girls denied it and she lost her best friend through it all. she is a real good girl! i am so blessed!!! never been a moments trouble! and it is nice having her around. but i cannot confide in a 16yr old who is my daughter. she needs to believe moms got it together in some areas. im her comfort and security. and i could never talk to her about some things. you know. well, we are out side of charlotte if anyone else is out there looking for a wacky friend with kids. or would just like to email. i promise you i am usually not this down. night seems to be harder. and im bored alot. i just cant run out and do what i did as a teen and if i could who would i do it with? well, ive bored you people long enough. have a good week. love, shannon

pattim wrote:

> It is common and you may find that it has something to do
> with your hormones. The older I get the harder it is somedays
> to stay focused and for myself I have discovered by fluctuation
> in hormones has a lot to do with this. I also need down time
> to just relax. It helps recharge my batteries.

Hi Pat - I am 46 y/o and have always been ADHD too - and to make matters worse I have 2 children (now adults) and my husband is ADHD as well. What a household! I think that while motivation seems to be the surface issue, the underlying issue is really not lack of motivation - but being overwhelmed. When I get overwhelmed - which is quite frequent, I just can’t seem to accomplish anything. When I’m having a good focused day and I’m not overwhelmed I feel motivated and in control - but on those days where I am not quite as focused as I need to be - I just seem to shut down. I think it is really worth the time and effort to analyze what’s going on with you - perhaps a psychologist could assist with some coaching or cognitive therapy. I find this to be very helpful. I also want to tell you that while being an adult with ADHD is very challenging, I find it a real joy to have so much more spunk and creativity. Most importantly, focus and your strengths - and I think you will find your motivation return.
Best of luck -

I have ADHD myself. I am not on medication but have to meds for anxiety and depression. I was put on Effexor to help me to better concentrate on the things I need to do. In my town however, there are a number of people who don’t feel women can suffer with hyperactivity and will just label it impulsivity and say it isn’t the same. Or they will say that its anxiety. They haven’t tried to sit still and study a textbook with my condition. I went to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and could not study a textbook without jumping up every 10 minutes because something grabbed my attention. I was also tired by the time I got through with the day. My classes were a nightmare to sit through because I couldn’t get comfortable in my seat. I kept fidgeting. My restlessness was even worse in my math classes because that is where my disabilities existed.

Hi there, I am a Laura also. I am 40 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD (1995) and LD (1990). I can totally relate to your decrease in energy and motivation. I too was a “pistol pete” when I was younger. I could clean the entire house, wash a car, party until 2:00 am and get up and start all over. Now I find that I get very sleepy late afternoons. I have been a child and adolescent therapist for 13 years and I have left my job and returned to college to be a Special Education teacher. One of my assignments was to visit this website. I am glad I did!

[%sig%]

Hi

Just wanted to respond to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I was in two accidents a week apart about 12 years ago and sustained 4 whiplash injuries. I have been in constant pain like a lot of people and have had symptoms of both ADD and Fibromyalgia along with minor depression and fatigue. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for the pain, but when I looked it up on the internet, I found that it was sometimes prescribed for ADD. It works on 3 neurotransmitters that are indicated in ADD and depression. They are dopamine, serotonin, and norephenephrine. This has substantially helped all my symptoms. My only side effect has been a minor weight gain which I understand is also a side effect of a lot of antidepressants. I am exercising and attending Weight Watchers for control of this. The other significant supplement that I found that helped me with the motivation and energy problem is in liquid form that I take once a day. It has substantially increased my energy level so that I can actually do things after work instead of flopping. I am a special ed teacher of preschool children and I need my energy. If you want to know the name of this liquid supplement , please email me. I have been on it for 2 months and would not leave home without it. Good Luck.

Hi

Just wanted to respond to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I was in two accidents a week apart about 12 years ago and sustained 4 whiplash injuries. I have been in constant pain like a lot of people and have had symptoms of both ADD and Fibromyalgia along with minor depression and fatigue. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for the pain, but when I looked it up on the internet, I found that it was sometimes prescribed for ADD. It works on 3 neurotransmitters that are indicated in ADD and depression. They are dopamine, serotonin, and norephenephrine. This has substantially helped all my symptoms. My only side effect has been a minor weight gain which I understand is also a side effect of a lot of antidepressants. I am exercising and attending Weight Watchers for control of this. The other significant supplement that I found that helped me with the motivation and energy problem is in liquid form that I take once a day. It has substantially increased my energy level so that I can actually do things after work instead of flopping. I am a special ed teacher of preschool children and I need my energy. If you want to know the name of this liquid supplement , please email me. I have been on it for 2 months and would not leave home without it. Good Luck.

Hi

Just wanted to respond to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I was in two accidents a week apart about 12 years ago and sustained 4 whiplash injuries. I have been in constant pain like a lot of people and have had symptoms of both ADD and Fibromyalgia along with minor depression and fatigue. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for the pain, but when I looked it up on the internet, I found that it was sometimes prescribed for ADD. It works on 3 neurotransmitters that are indicated in ADD and depression. They are dopamine, serotonin, and norephenephrine. This has substantially helped all my symptoms. My only side effect has been a minor weight gain which I understand is also a side effect of a lot of antidepressants. I am exercising and attending Weight Watchers for control of this. The other significant supplement that I found that helped me with the motivation and energy problem is in liquid form that I take once a day. It has substantially increased my energy level so that I can actually do things after work instead of flopping. I am a special ed teacher of preschool children and I need my energy. If you want to know the name of this liquid supplement , please email me. I have been on it for 2 months and would not leave home without it. Good Luck.Traci wrote:

> Arlene,
>
> I am so sorry about your recent and not so distant future
> loses. Hang in there lady, everything is going to work out.
>
> Just wondering, has your doctor ever mentioned anything about
> Fibromyalgia???
> I have Fibromyalgia, and recently have developed balance
> problems (I fell on the way home from our apt. complex pool one
> day recently for no apparent reason). Fibromyalgia is sort of
> a mystery disorder/disease that often has extremely similar
> symptoms to ADD. In addition, there have been some recent
> studies that have suggested that 80% of people with
> Fibromyalgia, also have ADD. That’s a pretty darn high
> correlation.
>
> Common physical symptoms of Fibromyalgia include pain in what
> docs call “trigger points” in the body. I believe they are 18
> of them, and all have corresponding points on each side of the
> body. Hips, upper shoulders, lower back (really, upper
> buttocks, on either side), behind the knees, and I have an odd
> one….my ribs often feel like someone has punched me in them,
> for no apparent reason. Other common physical symptoms include
> fatigue (which can range to the extreme), constipation,
> intolerance to cold, muscle spasms, myofacial pain,
> coordination issues (I have problems with hand coordination on
> bad days, recently with balance, and sometimes, slurred
> speech). “Mental” symptoms can include memory problems, “foggy”
> thinking (often referred to as “Fibro-Fog”), depression, and
> difficulty with concentrating. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia tend
> to be worse in the morning. As a matter of fact, I always say
> that on many mornings, I feel like I’ve been hit by a “mack
> truck”: when I wake up. Usually though, after I get moving
> around I feel much better. There is no cure for Fibromyalgia,
> as a matter of fact, there is still much controversy over
> exactly what kind of disorder it is. Some people think that
> the origin has to do with muscle tissue, some think it is
> neurological, and some think that it relates to childhood
> infections. Currently, I believe it is classified as a
> neurological disorder, but this recently, it was considered a
> muscle-skeletal problem. In any case, Fibromyalgia is a pain
> in the keester. I feel especially so because I am only 32 and
> on some days it feels like 100. There is no cure for
> Fibromyalgia, but there are many strategies for managing the
> symptoms. Some of those include diet, massage therapy,
> exercise, use of medications such as pain relievers and
> antidepressants, as well as the use of stimulants (they have
> been shown to reduce pain). If this sounds like it may apply
> to you, perhaps talk to your doctor about it.
>
> In any case, I hope that you are feeling a little better this
> day, and remember to just take one day at a time. Also, DON’T
> beat yourself up!!!! The past is the past, and you are here to
> live in the now. Have faith that all is as it should be, and
> work from there. You can do it!!! Take it easy all. Peace.
>
> Traci

[%sig%]

[quote=”Arlene”]I feel that I am losing motivation. It’s because I no longer work and find too much meaningless. I’m not on medication for ADHD and never was, although ritilin was tried briefly, but I never reached a therapeutic dosage due to my blood pressure being too high.

Now there’s question about my diagnosis. It’s not clear if I have ADHD or depression. I don’t feel that tired, but I sleep too much.[/quote][color=black][/color][b]

:? :? :?

Arlene
I am new. In fact I just happenstanced across all this and read your ‘quote’. I registered immediately because you sound almost as if I had written your quote. I was 59 last month. It could be said that I have spent 1 1/2 to 2 years in bed. No motivation, frankly NO ANYTHING.

I am going thru things that have helped first—then feelings —hope this works for you
There are few anti-depression meds that I have not tried and even fewer Dr.s I have not seen. (It is increasing frightening the people who are GIVEN Medical Degrees!!!) Not going into a long story—in the last year to 6 months I have found help because of a wonderful Dr. I am taken EFFEXOR XR cap 150mg for depression. It has helped more than any thing I have ever tried. It does not make me sleepy, no weight gain—only promblem has been dry mouth—not terrible. As far as ADHD I have tried Concerta which made me more depressed. No energy increase with it for me. Also tried Adderall—I could have taken the entire bottle I do believe and not have felt stimulated. Now I am taking Strattera which I do believe helps. If my eyes have reacted as some say I haven’t noticed but I am over a year past due on new glasses. Also CorAl Calcium has helped with pain___I’m told has to be the original Coral Calcium. A BIG HELP for pain has been Thearaputic Massages. I also had knee replacement surgery March 17th which is the best thing I have ever done.

Now that, that is all said
No motivation, nothing fun or meaningful are part of your life anymore, you are not where you thought or wanted to be at this point in your life
( or maybe like me—never really thought about where you wanted to be at ‘say 60’ just know that you are not there). Getting up is a real effort____in fact life itself is a real effort, etc., etc. This sounds very familiar doesn’t it. Improvement requires so much work and besides each time you think you are getting there —it falls apart—and not necessarily your fault—until you are just too tired and to depressed to get up and try again.

I have been there and may be again next week–but this time I do see that when I fall back it isn’t for as long and/or as hard as it was. Please try if possible the meds, and other things I mentioned.
Also I have learned that change of life makes ADHD worst.
So as hard as we have worked to function before has to be doubled and most of us, I feel, (You and I for sure) simply do not have the energy or are so depressed we can’t push or even want to push that hard.

I– like you—see my life as a series of failures. My achievement has been my son–which is the most important role in life anyway–-but he is grown, will be a senior in college and I have no life.

How this makes you feel I don’t know—but realizing someone my age felt/feels the way I do helped me. I am sorry you are in pain mentally and physically but I bet there are a lot more of us late 50’s early 60’s feeling the same. Maybe we can help each other thru this and be stronger as a result. I for one have lost the friends I had. They think that I am a worthless complainer who loves to go to the DR and my angy, bitterness, and depression has not helped.

I am here if you need to talk/write.
Hope you are sleeping—rest always helps. That is 1 part that is not improving for me !!![/b]

[quote=”Maureen”]Hi

Just wanted to respond to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I was in two accidents a week apart about 12 years ago and sustained 4 whiplash injuries. I have been in constant pain like a lot of people and have had symptoms of both ADD and Fibromyalgia along with minor depression and fatigue. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for the pain, but when I looked it up on the internet, I found thaprescribed for ADD. It works on 3 neurotransmitters that are indicated in ADD and depression. They are dopamine, serotonin, and norephenephrine. This has substantially helped all my symptoms.

I am a special ed teacher of preschool children and I need my energy. If you want to know the name of this liquid supplement , please email me. I have been on it for 2 months and would not leave home without it. Good Luck.[/quote]

Maureen
I would love to know the name of the liquid which helps with energy that you are taking. I am also on EFFEXOR XR. Mine is 150 mg once aday. Is yours the same?
I could not locate your e-mail because you are listed as guest and not member. (I am new to this site as of tonight)
My e-mail is [email protected]. I don’t open e-mails from people I don’t know—so maybe you could somehow let me know thru this site when to expect it.
Thanks jenny

[quote=”Maureen”]Hi

Just wanted to respond to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I was in two accidents a week apart about 12 years ago and sustained 4 whiplash injuries. I have been in constant pain like a lot of people and have had symptoms of both ADD and Fibromyalgia along with minor depression and fatigue. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for the pain, but when I looked it up on the internet, I found that it was sometimes prescribed for ADD. It works on 3 neurotransmitters that are indicated in ADD and depression. They are dopamine, serotonin, and norephenephrine. This has substantially helped all my symptoms. My only side effect has been a minor weight gain which I understand is also a side effect of a lot of antidepressants. I am exercising and attending Weight Watchers for control of this. The other significant supplement that I found that helped me with the motivation and energy problem is in liquid form that I take once a day. It has substantially increased my energy level so that I can actually do things after work instead of flopping. I am a special ed teacher of preschool children and I need my energy. If you want to know the name of this liquid supplement , please email me. I have been on it for 2 months and would not leave home without it. Good Luck.[/quote] :?:

HI,
Curious to know the liquid supplement.
Thx,
Cobi

what are adult symptoms of adhd? i have a very close family - great parents - 2 perfect sisters - and of course i am the crazy one. my husband, ex-husband, parents, sisters, family, friends, coworkers - they all think i have adhd. all three of my children have it and i am just about to jump off the proverbial cliff. any advice? since i was a little girl i have had lots of problems. this is a small recap of my behavior:

all through elementary - i was perfect and made straight a’s, but i noticed in a lot of the family photos i was always sad/pouting/or crying when i was very young and then

fighting in school/taking zeros on assignments rather than speak in front of the class/rebellious/tomboy/hyper/never finishes anything because i start doing something else that catches my eye/holds conversations but doesn’t listen to a word the other person says/easily irritated/impatient, very, very impatient/addictions/anorexic & bulimic/depressed/ALWAYS unfaithful after i get bored/lots of risk taking/say & do things that i don’t want to/very sensitive if anyone is mean to me or anyone in my family, etc.

the list goes on and on and on and on…

I WOULD LIKE TO REPLY TO LAURA AND FIELDS MESSAGE. I HAVE HAD THIS SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, IN NURSERY SCHOOL. I HAD SYMPTOMS THEN. I WAS NEVER ON ANY MEDS. I AM 36 NOW AND MOTIVATION IS A DEFINATE PROBLEM. IF ANYTHING IS HARD TO DO, I WONT DO IT. IT IS TOO HARD. SO WHY DO IT. I AM VERY ORGANIZED, THOUGH. I TALK EXCESSIVELY, I AM ARUGUMENTITIVE, I DONT GET ALONG WELL WITH OTHER, BUT AM OUTGOING AND FRIENDLY. YES, TIRED IN THE AFTERNOON, 2 OR SO. I AM UP AT 5AM, DON’T SLEEP WELL AT ALL, I AM EXTREMELY IMPULSIVE, MARRIED 4 TIMES. AND VERY INSECURE.

I NEED HELP. WHAT YOU BOTH SAID, I FEEL THE SAME WAY.

THANKS FOR LISTENING.

I NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP. A DOCTOR, OR A THERAPIST.

LAUREN

[b][color=blue][/color]This is SSOOO me. I have been like this since elem. school & had no idea. It’s a relieved blessing to know I’m not alone. All my energy is in the a.m. I usually pass out in early afternoon. Then I stay up till all hrs. I take Strattera for the ADHD & Temazepam to get to sleep. Anxiety/panic attacks can b crippling. My 17 yr old son was tested in elem. school & has been on Ritalin for some time. Makes a world of difference in him. Wish I had his energy!! Now understand why I had such a difficult time keeping a job, not to mention graduating h.s. God bless, Susyq[/img][/b]

I have had ADHD my entire life too. School was the worst! I have never been on medication, and my outlet for the extra energy was gymnastics and the training for control was classical ballet. It worked, but I have always struggled with certain work situations. I cannot work in an office where I am expected to be quiet and shuffle papers…SALES is a much better area for me. I can’t stand to be in a place where everyone is quiet…I just don’t do well keeping my thoughts to myself…Libraries are OUT!

I managed to complete a college degree and some post-graduate work before having children and becoming a SAHM. You can guess….that wasn’t a good fit for me either!

I have finally settled into a career that allows me to TALK, JUMP AROUND, EXPRESS my opinion and HELP others…I became a fitness instructor!

I laugh when people say how organized I am. It has been the biggest struggle, but the one with the most rewards in my overall life. I live out of a Daytimer…we call it my brain. If it doesn’t get written down, it will NOT happen!

I have read all of your postings and I can feel for everyone. But, there is so much you CAN do to help yourself. There is so much more assistance out there now than ever before and this site is a perfect example. Do NOT beat yourself up. I honestly believe that ADHD can be a gift! REALLY, with the energy we possess, and the ability to juggle a multitude of tasks (with a little help in the organization…) we can do amazing things.

The problem comes when our ADHD is mingled with other “issues” (for lack of a better word). You are your own best diagnostician. Write down ALL of the “symptoms” you have.
THEN, write down the things you can do really well…give yourself the credit you deserve…for myself, this exercise showed me how much I have to offer…and where I can exercise some control.

I still have to work very hard on the impulsivity, and to be quiet when adults should be quiet, and to keep my thoughts INSIDE my head. But when I am in my element, I am happy and I am good at what I do!

About the afternoon tiredness.,…yep, I call it “the wall”! I hit it around 4:00 and I can barely get my act together to figure out what to make for dinner.

BTW, I am 39 yrs old…not a spring chicken either! :-)