Hi Kim:

So glad you found us and that your diagnosis has brought a sense of relief and clarity. Definitely keep in close contact with your doctor so that, if the Vyvanse doesn't start to kick in, you can get on a new medication quickly and painlessly. In the meantime, I thought you might find this classic ADDitude article helpful in the weeks and months ahead...

You've Got Adult ADD… Now What? http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/815.html

Best of luck! - Anni

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Hi Kim,

I was just diagnosed in April so I know what a relief it can be to have an answer to things about yourself that just didn't make sense. I was started on Vyvanse also and I love it. I was on 70 mg. the first week and the next week at 140 mg. I've noticed a tremendous difference. I am able to work so much more efficiently, to organize and prioritize better and my thoughts are more cohesive. I am able to "get" things quicker and I feel a lot smarter and more confident. My writing has improved and I now understand when someone explains something to me that has multiple steps. Before, I would need to write each step down or I would forget it.

Without the medication, my mental processing is slower and and it's harder to retrieve information stored in my memory. I've told others that I feel like Cinderella when the medication wears off. It's not as easy to express myself and make myself understood.

I have better reading comprehension and I am able to do things that I used to avoid because they involved too much mental effort. And writing is so much more effortless.

If you don't notice any improvement on increased dosages of Vyvanse, then you might need to try a different medication. Some doctors can also start you out at very low doses so it may take longer to reach the optimal dose. Let your doctor know if you haven't noticed any changes by the end of the first week.

Good luck and I hope you are able to see a difference soon.

Elaine

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Welcome to the site of Living well with ADD. I know pretty much how you feel since I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my 40's and always knew I was not stupid, lazy or crazy. I actually have tested extremely high on IQ ; and really am more of an impulsive, inattentive type. You will find if the medication you are on if it doesn't work for you can be changed to something that is more suiting. In many ways you may think you will experience a sudden change in your attentiveness and what ever else your symptoms are however it is really more like a flowering opening and you realize that you are more focused now and able to finish things, pay attention when it really seems boring . The cinderall syndrome is real and when not taking the medication you will see all of your symptoms just as if you never started treatment. Don't get discouraged medication is really just part of the treatment. There really is so many books and of course this chat room who will be able to relate to you and give practicle adviice . My biggest challenge are things like getting organized and paying bills on time

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I too in the past have felt like I am stuck in cement. I knew I could do all sorts of things, but just didn't have the motivation, it seemed, to get started. It was if there was a high invisible wall with a rope ladder standing in my way. I could see the goal right in front of me, but I had to climb the ladder to get over the wall. It just seemed like too much work, I perceived it as too difficult to do. Now I take Adderall XR, and it's great. I tried Vyvanse, but didn't work well for me. My current medication lasts for only about 6-7 hours, but in that time period, I get a lot accomplished and I don't have those feelings of underachieving, feeling low and inept. Keep working with your doctor, in time and when you find the right medication for you, your are going to feel great about yourself!!!

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Hi,

I am new to this group and am glad to have found it.

I basically self-diagnosed myself in my early fifties and my psychiatrist concurred. I take Provigil and Wellbutrin, which work very well. I also have idiopathic hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) and without the Provigil I would not be able to stay awake all day.

These medications have worked miracles but the cure for me has to come from within. Maybe cure is not the right word: ADDitude adjustment may be better. I am still messy, I am still not fond of putting things away, and I am still easily distracted. And, I indeed procrastinate. For example, two weeks ago I bookmarked Slate magazine's special issue on procrastination and have yet to read it! But, they do help me focus and stay on task doing the things I don't like to do but have to, and this combination is better than Ritalin, Adderall, and Straterra for me. I had not heard of Vyanase before reading the original post here.

And now, I must go back to cleaning ...

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I'm 42 and recently found out I have adhd and started meds too. I started with concerta and that worked really well but it kept me awake to late, then tried addrall same thing, then strattera no effects, but now I am on ritalin and take it 2 times a day and it works like a charm! Don't give up on the meds when you get the right one you will be amazed! It's so nice to be able to start something boring and actually finish it without leaving it 20 times and getting mad that it's taking too long to finish!!

I am so glad that I found this website and to know that we are not alone in this finding out you have adhd when you're over 40 is a Godsend!!

Take care! JoAnne

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Hi E'one,

This is wonderful news to me!! I did not realized that there is medication available for adults!! With my son's diagnosis,(ADHD) his Doktor asked me and my husband questions and told me in the end that I was the one challenged with ADD. I was very relieved about this news because I also knew I was not 'lazy, dumb and all the other things people tried to lable me' as Kim said. I do not know if I want to start to take any medication at this point in my life, but my question I want to put out to you readers is this " Are there any connection with being overweight and ADD?" I know about and I have seen the "impulsiveness" in my son, although he has an amazing body with sixpack and all, (because he never sit still,) his friend with ADD on the otherhand - is biggish and has a tendancy to over eat. He says never feels full. greetings Nesta

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Thanks to everyone who has responded and provided such great support. It truly helps to know I am not alone! I am so grateful for this wonderful site.

Nesta - I am do not know if weight and ADHD are related, but I am sure you can find out on this site. It is a wealth of support and information.

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Hi - I am Rose and I just got diagnosed with ADD-Inattentive type. I am 49 years old. For the first time in my life; I feel like there is a hope for me to be able to function better. I also have depression. I am on Zoloft and Adderall generic. I take 10 mg in the morning around 7:00am. I work in an office and do detailed and very concentrative type work. I am doing so much better. Sometimes I take another 10 mg at 10:00am. My doctor told me to take 40 mg before noon. That is difficult and I am bit afraid to try.

The funny thing is: I now recognize ADD in others. I am sure they appreciate that. L

I have a hard time with math, making sense of what I read, and talking in public. I have low self-esteem. I have started to do more volunteer work at my church and that really helps.

Good luck to all of you!! Our future is looking BRIGHT (even with ADD).

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Kim, I was diagnosed right after my 40th birthday and I understand exactly how you feel. To me it was like someone turned on a light bulb - "oh that explains things". One of the best books I've read, Delivered From Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, John J. Ratey, has a section of paitent stories. One of the stories is of a woman who sounds just like me. I actually took the book to my parents and said "here read this". :-)

Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you aren't alone!!!! Quote:

Kim said: I feel so relieved to finally understand that there is a reason I have had so many difficulties in life. I am so tired of being told I am lazy, a procrastinator, and being looked down on because I can't seem to get out of my own way. /QUOTE]

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Hi everyone, This is the first time for me to join a forum, I love this magazine and have always meant to take care of myself but get it for my daughter, I was formally diagnosed years ago, But, never could stick with anything long enough to see if it really helps. I feel encouraged however listening to all of you.. Despite all that I have read, I really do feel lazy and stupid. Although I know that is not true, I feel like I just want to escape this barrier that surrounds who I am. I always teased my friends " you don't know what its like to be trapped inside this person who is not me" I will however continue to ad to and read this forum and hope it helps, Thank you, Jennifer

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As far as I know the stimulant tend to make most of our appetites very scarce until it wears off then most of us look to eat excessively. Sugar, caffeine are stimulants so the ADD person may be self medicating using them to stimulate them and help them move. I when younger was very hyperactive for a girl and found sports my outlet, and never really put on weight until after I had my daughter and most of the high energy I had was suspended. Frankly since all my surgery in Dec 2007 it rather hard to get moving . I also find I crave sugar into the night ; but am mangaging to get outside and walk the track and do some tapes. I wish I could say it let me drop alot of weight ; but it hasn't. I know aerobic exercise is wonderful for our minds even if we are not ADD so I'm trying to do it at least 4 times a week . My plan is to lose 50 lbs and get some of my energy back I'll let you know how it works. Also the person you are referring too may need their thyroid checked it could be sluggest or just really has nothing better too at just eats and eats. Their is a diagnosis but I can't recall it right now where they jsut eat hungry or not.

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I am 48 and was diagnosed quite a few years ago. My 17 year old son was diagnosed and started meds at 7. In regards to Math - I had some slight testing done and was told by my couselor - very nicely, we had a good relationship - to not help my kids in math after the fourth grade! He said I most likely have a learning disability in math. Whoever mentioned the late night sweet attacks - that is definitely me & I had not heard that before. I have to toss some things in my pantry. I still have a hard time with meds seeming to help. I have tried a few. I am currently taking adderal 20 mg three times a day. My son uses adderral 30 mg XL. I still have difficulty staying on one project and then of course the computer can be a curse to me! Sort of like the x-box or playstation for my son. It is so good to hear others having similar difficulties - knowing I am not alone. Anyone have advise - or maybe there is a thread on it - on marriage and ADD?? Have a great day. deyette

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Hi there, I am new to this group. I posted a few months back and meant to return but life got in the way...said like a true ADDer! :-)

In reading Susan's post, I too self diagnosed about 4 yrs ago (age 48) and then confirmed through testing. My MD suggested Concerta and I refused until last year when I returned to school to complete my Masters and was not able to keep up. I now take 18mg daily (some days 36mg) my MD states she is surprised it has any affect at that low dosage but I refuse to increase. I even HATE the thought of taking meds, much prefer natural remedies (food for the brain, Omega 3, etc)

I am still messy (embarrassing), disorganized (always late) but not as easily distracted and more able to focus (sometimes too much focus).

I have not heard of Vyanse however I also don't want to start med hoping. I have a real fear of meds (addiction)

Have a powerful day everyone! :-)

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Hi. I was not diagnosed until I was 60 years old. I always knew I was not like other people.I lived in my own world because I never belonged anywhere. IT was not until I lefted a very control husband that it real started to show on me. All my life was a mess. I was scared to dealth I was not making the move. Now I have began to see the real me and like that person.. It took going to a ADD doctor and meds to help me. I was out control with my angry in my classroom. Now I love my job again The best of all I like me and do things my way and feel good about it. You have to have thick skin at times again your family and co-workers but you will make it with believing in your self. Sorry, if words are missed spelled, one of my ADD issues is my 5 learning disabilities but I try hard to work on it everyday

Good luck and Keep your chin up.

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I've been ready this e-mail magazine for about 1 year now. The more I read the more I'm starting to wonder if I Have ADD. All three of my children have benn DX: ADD. I was wondering how as an adult I would go about finding out if I have ADD or not? Do I go to my Primary Care Physician or do I need to see a Neurologist?

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Basilejc,

If you suspect you may have ADD as well, I would ask your primary physician and the doctor who diagnosed your children if they can recommend someone who is able to diagnose ADHD in adults. It isn't so much the type of doctor as it is the doctor's knowledge and experience with ADHD.

I would also suggest reading the book, "Driven to Distraction" by Drs. John Ratey and Ned Hallowell. There are several good descriptions of adults with ADD/ADHD. It may be that you can relate to some of those stories and you will gain a better understanding of how ADHD can manifest in adults.

Elaine

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