ADHD/Adult ADHD

[T-Bone]

Well....

I started school in August for Computer Networking. I graduated high school in 1992, so going back 17 years later was a little initmidating to say the least. By the middle of my first quarter, I was already struggling with reading the networking stuff and retaining ANY of the stuff I read, even after rereading the chapters 2-3 times. Lucky for me, the tests were open book. I can read the question, know I read something about it and know where to look for the answer, but not remember what I read. I ended up passing the first class with a 90.9% average, but that was indeed thanks to the Open Book part.

About two weeks ago I was trying to read some stuff with the networking class and ended up in a swearing tantrum and shuttin down all windows and walking away from the computer. My younger brother was over to the house and he asked that the hell that was all about. I explained to him all the trouble I had when it came to concentrating and reading this stuff, let alone RETAINING anything I just read. He asked me if I had ever been tested for ADHD. I said that NO I had not because it's not like I'm bouncing off walls or anything. My brother attends the same community college I do and he explained that 2 years ago he was in the same boat. He is going for his RN and EMT degrees and said that he was having a hell of a time concentrating as well and he had asked a doctor about it when he was in for a checkup. The doctor asked him a bunch of questions regarding behavior in certain situations and the past, and go figure... They were all indeed signs of ADHD. He was sent to a behavior specialist and ran some tests as well as did some paperwork. Some paperwork was also sent to his wife, my mom and a good friend of his. When they were all answered, they sent them back to the doctor and sure enough, he had it. He was put on adderall and he said within a few weeks he was starting to retain what he had read and able to focus better.

He also reminded me that our youngest brother was diagnosed when he was 12 with ADHD. He was caught young because he was very boisterous and belligerant. He was placed on Concerta. Within 3 months, he was doing better in school and even accellerating in classes. He was in college calc by 10th grade. I guess it really worked well for him

I decided to look into it myself last week and the doctor asked me about my attention span, daydreaming, impatient driving, impulsive spending and other stuff I had never associated with ADHD. Looking back through my childhood, I realize now that I've had this all along. I've MAYBE read 4 complete books in my life due to the fact that I can't remember what I've read after 3-4 pages. I end up daydreaming as my eyes follow the words. I have one of the worst driving records you could imagine regarding speeding (over 40 tickets and lost my license 8 times). I can read a magazine without problem because the articles are only 2-3 pages long, but I can't read a book. I always was good in the "DO" classes such as art, home ec, shop, welding, etc... But I struggled in any class that involved reading such as reading, math, history, etc... I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, but still play like i've only picked it up 3 months ago because whenever I tried to learn anything, I ended up losing interest, daydreaming and NOT staying on task. whenever i'm idle and trying to do something, my leg will start bouncing like crazy and I don't even realize i'm doing it. It was kind of funny how all those little things made sense to me when looking back at them now with the ADHD idea. The doctor said I had all the signs of ADHD and I have to see a behavior specialist sometime soon.


Anyone here been diagnosed with ADHD? What kind of meds did they put you on? What worked and didn't work for you and how did you improve in life/academics?

[Ehwmatt]

Damn dude, sounds pretty brutal. Any problems I have focusing are solely on account of my allowing it to happen. Whenever I really have a lot of shit I need to read or what not, I HAVE to close the laptop, preferably even put it back in the case. I wonder if computer use can cause people to "develop" mild ADHD? Obviously not your case, but still, I wonder... cause otherwise I'm a MACHINE when it comes to concentrating on something.

Good luck...

[Jana]

Well....

I started school in August for Computer Networking. I graduated high school in 1992, so going back 17 years later was a little initmidating to say the least. By the middle of my first quarter, I was already struggling with reading the networking stuff and retaining ANY of the stuff I read, even after rereading the chapters 2-3 times. Lucky for me, the tests were open book. I can read the question, know I read something about it and know where to look for the answer, but not remember what I read. I ended up passing the first class with a 90.9% average, but that was indeed thanks to the Open Book part.

About two weeks ago I was trying to read some stuff with the networking class and ended up in a swearing tantrum and shuttin down all windows and walking away from the computer. My younger brother was over to the house and he asked that the hell that was all about. I explained to him all the trouble I had when it came to concentrating and reading this stuff, let alone RETAINING anything I just read. He asked me if I had ever been tested for ADHD. I said that NO I had not because it's not like I'm bouncing off walls or anything. My brother attends the same community college I do and he explained that 2 years ago he was in the same boat. He is going for his RN and EMT degrees and said that he was having a hell of a time concentrating as well and he had asked a doctor about it when he was in for a checkup. The doctor asked him a bunch of questions regarding behavior in certain situations and the past, and go figure... They were all indeed signs of ADHD. He was sent to a behavior specialist and ran some tests as well as did some paperwork. Some paperwork was also sent to his wife, my mom and a good friend of his. When they were all answered, they sent them back to the doctor and sure enough, he had it. He was put on adderall and he said within a few weeks he was starting to retain what he had read and able to focus better.

He also reminded me that our youngest brother was diagnosed when he was 12 with ADHD. He was caught young because he was very boisterous and belligerant. He was placed on Concerta. Within 3 months, he was doing better in school and even accellerating in classes. He was in college calc by 10th grade. I guess it really worked well for him

I decided to look into it myself last week and the doctor asked me about my attention span, daydreaming, impatient driving, impulsive spending and other stuff I had never associated with ADHD. Looking back through my childhood, I realize now that I've had this all along. I've MAYBE read 4 complete books in my life due to the fact that I can't remember what I've read after 3-4 pages. I end up daydreaming as my eyes follow the words. I have one of the worst driving records you could imagine regarding speeding (over 40 tickets and lost my license 8 times). I can read a magazine without problem because the articles are only 2-3 pages long, but I can't read a book. I always was good in the "DO" classes such as art, home ec, shop, welding, etc... But I struggled in any class that involved reading such as reading, math, history, etc... I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, but still play like i've only picked it up 3 months ago because whenever I tried to learn anything, I ended up losing interest, daydreaming and NOT staying on task. whenever i'm idle and trying to do something, my leg will start bouncing like crazy and I don't even realize i'm doing it. It was kind of funny how all those little things made sense to me when looking back at them now with the ADHD idea. The doctor said I had all the signs of ADHD and I have to see a behavior specialist sometime soon.


Anyone here been diagnosed with ADHD? What kind of meds did they put you on? What worked and didn't work for you and how did you improve in life/academics?

I was told as an adult I had probably ADD, not ADHD, though I can read through a book fine and hold my attention, but highly disorganized and forgetful and many other signs. They gave me something, and my mind was so focused and amazing and organized beyond belief. I stayed with one task and completed it, but the medicine caused me to have arm pain and by the second day the arm pain was so tight like a vise that I was frightened of a seizure or stroke so quit. They tried me on two more, but didn't like taking them. I couldn't sleep.

My nephew had ADHD extremely bad in elementary and middle school, a struggle for homework and comprehending always, so frustrating for him. ADD medicine was awful on him, made him lethargic. Doctor recommened Welbutrin, an antidepressant that has some type of neurotransmitter stimulant properties to it, I think, and it was a miracle. He could comprehend and stay focused and not get so frustrated. He stayed on it for only a certain length of time, a year or so, and they brought him off of it and he never had as many difficulties after that studying.

P.S. Re myself. Since I couldn't tolerate ADD medicine like Ritalin or Concerts, he put me on Celexa, an antidepressant thought to help with ADD. It was a miracle. I was so focused without massive side effects. I problem solved so much better and did not get distracted. Most productive and organized I've ever been in my life, but I went off after a year b/c there's side effects with any medicine and I just don't like being on meds. Maybe I should have stayed on.

[Tracie555]

This may sound weird, but have you ever been diagnosed with any type of food allergies? There have been many studies done regarding the allergic reaction to food and how the body reacts. I was told by a doctor before that specifically when gluten and casein are not tolerated by the body they can cross over into the brain and act like morephine in the brain. Therefore it numbs the brain and can cause a delayed reaction, inability to focus, make a clear decision and even make a complete speech pattern (as in autism). Ok, sorry to go all weird. I just thought that I would throw that one out there. My daughter has food allergies, and acted just like that often until we were able to understand what was setting her off.

I hope that you are feeling better soon, and that your life gets easier. I have also heard good things about Welbutrinl.

Take care

[T-Bone]

No... I do just about anything else just fine, especially if it's physical. I can stay on task whether i'm building a computer, an engine for a car, and other various wood projects or art type stuff. I multitask easily as well. I just cannot focus when I read anything more than 3-4 pages long such as a novel or textbook.

Even when I'm writing something down, I can get to the middle of a 10 letter word and already forget what the hell I was writing sometimes. Not sure if my brain got too far ahead of my hand or what. The odd thing is that I can TYPE just fine and stay on track much better than if I try to write. One of the things I did try to help me remember was to write down everything I was reading as well as read it aloud to myself. It just wasn't that big of a help due to the fact that I would start in cursive and halfway through the word start printing letters and then lose track of where I was. Like I said, I can read through a magazine because they're short articles and then on to the next subject. My younger brother had mentioned to me that it seemed to him like his brain was a TV and someone was changing channels sometimes and that's EXACTLY the same analogy I had used to explain this to someone before my brother had even talked to me about it.

I'm taking this very seriously because I refuse to let myself fail at a chance at a career instead of a job because I was too proud or scared to ask about this ADHD thing. I'm doing as much research as I can through friends, family and online. I've never looked into this before and always associated it with the little fucktard bouncing off the walls and running in circles in the classroom which is why I never really thought about it for my problem until my brother talked to me. It's actually a relief to learn about some of this and the fact that I can do something about it.

[Jana]

No... I do just about anything else just fine, especially if it's physical. I can stay on task whether i'm building a computer, an engine for a car, and other various wood projects or art type stuff. I multitask easily as well. I just cannot focus when I read anything more than 3-4 pages long such as a novel or textbook.

Even when I'm writing something down, I can get to the middle of a 10 letter word and already forget what the hell I was writing sometimes. Not sure if my brain got too far ahead of my hand or what. The odd thing is that I can TYPE just fine and stay on track much better than if I try to write. One of the things I did try to help me remember was to write down everything I was reading as well as read it aloud to myself. It just wasn't that big of a help due to the fact that I would start in cursive and halfway through the word start printing letters and then lose track of where I was. Like I said, I can read through a magazine because they're short articles and then on to the next subject. My younger brother had mentioned to me that it seemed to him like his brain was a TV and someone was changing channels sometimes and that's EXACTLY the same analogy I had used to explain this to someone before my brother had even talked to me about it.

I'm taking this very seriously because I refuse to let myself fail at a chance at a career instead of a job because I was too proud or scared to ask about this ADHD thing. I'm doing as much research as I can through friends, family and online. I've never looked into this before and always associated it with the little fucktard bouncing off the walls and running in circles in the classroom which is why I never really thought about it for my problem until my brother talked to me. It's actually a relief to learn about some of this and the fact that I can do something about it.

Well, I saw a show about the wide-spread use of Adderall and the like being used by college kids, especially non-ADHD kids, to increase their allertness, able to pull all-nighters, and the completel focus it gives them. None of them said they were ashamed b/c they said a lot of kids do it.

[T-Bone]

Well it's a good thing i'm not a "kid" who does stupid shit just because others are doing it. I never have been and never will be.

[DrFU]

I'm taking this very seriously because I refuse to let myself fail at a chance at a career instead of a job because I was too proud or scared to ask about this ADHD thing. I'm doing as much research as I can through friends, family and online. I've never looked into this before and always associated it with the little fucktard bouncing off the walls and running in circles in the classroom which is why I never really thought about it for my problem until my brother talked to me. It's actually a relief to learn about some of this and the fact that I can do something about it.

We all come how we come, T-Bone. I'm nearsighted and have to wear glasses when I drive or I can't read the road signs. I wish I could be some other way, but wishing it doesn't make it so. I have a good friend who wears an insulin pump because his body just doesn't make enough; it never did, it's just how he came into the world. I don't think anyone would suggest I skip the glasses or him the insulin because those physical deficiencies can be definitively tested; one is either nearsighted or not or diabetic or not. Things like adult ADD or ADHD, however, have gotten a much harsher societal rap because there is not a foolproof diagnostic test that can be administered; the diagnosis is pieced together based on symptoms and responses to treatment. Somehow getting treatment for these conditions has gotten constructed as a weakness, which is completely ridiculous. You didn't choose to have this, and you can't choose not to have it.

You've got the family history, you've paid for the medical advice, why not take it? This isn't like joining the army; you can try the recommended meds, give them a fair trial to see how they affect you, and then make a decision about whether they are improving your quality of life or not.

[JasonD]

Tracie555 said exactly what I was thinking when I was reading your story, T. Sounds a little to me like a food allergy. Another thing you might consider (don’t laugh) but when was the last time you had an eye exam? Maybe you just need glasses or a stronger prescription if you already wear them. Eye strain can wreck havoc on a person’s reading comprehension.

I don’t know much about ADHD myself except to say I can relate to some of its symptoms. I can relate entirely to what you wrote about being unable to concentrate when reading a book. When I come on here I can concentrate just fine b/c the things that people write are short in comparison to reading an entire book. I have no problem understanding “big words” while I am reading them, it’s just difficult for me to retain what I’ve read afterward.

If you do have ADHD, then the good news is that Computer Networking would seem to me like a very good career choice b/c everything you deal with will be broken down into segments, thus helping to maintain your attention span. Unless I’m confusing Computer Networking with Computer Programming, doesn’t networking deal with a lot of IF>THEN>ELSE flowcharting & modules?

Either way, take lots of notes. Jot stuff down on index cards if it’ll help. Write down anything you think may be important on a test. Highlight key information in your textbooks. Whatever you do, remember: ADHD is only as crippling as you let it be. Lots of people function just fine with ADHD or dyslexia or similar “hurdles” in their life.

Good luck, bro. Keep us posted on how you’re doing.

[Pelata]

I started school in August for Computer Networking. I graduated high school in 1992, so going back 17 years later was a little initmidating to say the least. By the middle of my first quarter, I was already struggling with reading the networking stuff and retaining ANY of the stuff I read, even after rereading the chapters 2-3 times. Lucky for me, the tests were open book. I can read the question, know I read something about it and know where to look for the answer, but not remember what I read. I ended up passing the first class with a 90.9% average, but that was indeed thanks to the Open Book part.

You just described my life, right down to your field of study. Were it not for the open book part, I'd be screwed. I have a very hard time concentrating and retaining what I've read even after I just read it. I have an occasional therapist and she mentioned I may indeed have adult ADHD if that's the case. I can read a paragraph, out loud, and my mind is somewhere else the entire time...I read the words and by the end of the paragraph can remember none of it.

[G.I.Jim]

I started reading this, but I saw this bird outside my window. I walked over to see it, but then I saw that my music room. While cleaning the room, I noticed that a couple of my cd's were out of their cases so I had to put them back. When I did, I remembered that there was a song on one of them that I really LOVED so I had to hear it! I came over here to put it in the computer tray, then saw this post again. Sorry... what were you saying?

Sorry man, not trying to make fun of you. I just HAD to be a smart-ass! I honestly think I have a mild case of it myself. I think I DEFINITELY had it in school, and I struggled with it constantly! I would space out in a heartbeat thinking about other things, and the next thing I know... I have no CLUE what the teacher is talking about!

[YoungJRNY]

Well....

I started school in August for Computer Networking. I graduated high school in 1992, so going back 17 years later was a little initmidating to say the least. By the middle of my first quarter, I was already struggling with reading the networking stuff and retaining ANY of the stuff I read, even after rereading the chapters 2-3 times. Lucky for me, the tests were open book. I can read the question, know I read something about it and know where to look for the answer, but not remember what I read. I ended up passing the first class with a 90.9% average, but that was indeed thanks to the Open Book part.

About two weeks ago I was trying to read some stuff with the networking class and ended up in a swearing tantrum and shuttin down all windows and walking away from the computer. My younger brother was over to the house and he asked that the hell that was all about. I explained to him all the trouble I had when it came to concentrating and reading this stuff, let alone RETAINING anything I just read. He asked me if I had ever been tested for ADHD. I said that NO I had not because it's not like I'm bouncing off walls or anything. My brother attends the same community college I do and he explained that 2 years ago he was in the same boat. He is going for his RN and EMT degrees and said that he was having a hell of a time concentrating as well and he had asked a doctor about it when he was in for a checkup. The doctor asked him a bunch of questions regarding behavior in certain situations and the past, and go figure... They were all indeed signs of ADHD. He was sent to a behavior specialist and ran some tests as well as did some paperwork. Some paperwork was also sent to his wife, my mom and a good friend of his. When they were all answered, they sent them back to the doctor and sure enough, he had it. He was put on adderall and he said within a few weeks he was starting to retain what he had read and able to focus better.

He also reminded me that our youngest brother was diagnosed when he was 12 with ADHD. He was caught young because he was very boisterous and belligerant. He was placed on Concerta. Within 3 months, he was doing better in school and even accellerating in classes. He was in college calc by 10th grade. I guess it really worked well for him

I decided to look into it myself last week and the doctor asked me about my attention span, daydreaming, impatient driving, impulsive spending and other stuff I had never associated with ADHD. Looking back through my childhood, I realize now that I've had this all along. I've MAYBE read 4 complete books in my life due to the fact that I can't remember what I've read after 3-4 pages. I end up daydreaming as my eyes follow the words. I have one of the worst driving records you could imagine regarding speeding (over 40 tickets and lost my license 8 times). I can read a magazine without problem because the articles are only 2-3 pages long, but I can't read a book. I always was good in the "DO" classes such as art, home ec, shop, welding, etc... But I struggled in any class that involved reading such as reading, math, history, etc... I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, but still play like i've only picked it up 3 months ago because whenever I tried to learn anything, I ended up losing interest, daydreaming and NOT staying on task. whenever i'm idle and trying to do something, my leg will start bouncing like crazy and I don't even realize i'm doing it. It was kind of funny how all those little things made sense to me when looking back at them now with the ADHD idea. The doctor said I had all the signs of ADHD and I have to see a behavior specialist sometime soon.


Anyone here been diagnosed with ADHD? What kind of meds did they put you on? What worked and didn't work for you and how did you improve in life/academics?

I find myself numerous times reading either a book or a short story and completely forget about what I just read a couple paragraphs ago. Sometimes I find myself starring and dosing as well, but I am concentrated to the point of trying to not dose off. Sometimes I have to read a paragraph about 3-4 times before I can understand what's going on. Matter of fact, I was testing myself last night reading my book before I went to bed. As soon as I stopped reading, I closed the book, and about 5 minutes later I completely forgot where I left off and had to open it again to see what I last read. I always believed I have a mild case of ADHD. Sometimes I feel anxiety because of it, and like you said about driving, I get somewhat impatient and tend to want to put my foot on the gas, but this is all in my conscience and I try to work on these things. But I def know if I get tested, I'd have a form of ADHD one way or another.

[epresley]

My wife has adult ADD and now is on medicine. It has made a HUGE difference in her life, as she's a teacher. She is happier, more productive, and is able to attend to tasks until finished. No side effects at all--

[Deb]

I started reading this, but I saw this bird outside my window. I walked over to see it, but then I saw that my music room. While cleaning the room, I noticed that a couple of my cd's were out of their cases so I had to put them back. When I did, I remembered that there was a song on one of them that I really LOVED so I had to hear it! I came over here to put it in the computer tray, then saw this post again. Sorry... what were you saying?

Ya goofball, that's not ADHD, you're just turning into a woman is all. That's called "multi-tasking" my dear.

[bluejeangirl76]

I decided to look into it myself last week and the doctor asked me about my attention span, daydreaming, impatient driving, impulsive spending and other stuff I had never associated with ADHD.

Um. Uh oh.

I have all of those. I can keep attention to things I'm really interested in, but anything else, forget it. I won't remember it an hour from now, a day from now, etc. If I'm not interested, I can pay attention but it's likely I will not retain all of it. If I'm focused on something and you happen past and tell me my face is on fire, I'm probably going to nod and go "Mmm hmm."

The only indicator mentioned here that I don't have is the reading. I l.o.v.e. to read. Once I get into a book I am INTO it. In 1999, I read over 30 Stephen King books in about a 6 month span.

It feels like the memory/retention/attention span thing has gotten a little worse as I've gotten older, too.

[stevew2]

Well....

I started school in August for Computer Networking. I graduated high school in 1992, so going back 17 years later was a little initmidating to say the least. By the middle of my first quarter, I was already struggling with reading the networking stuff and retaining ANY of the stuff I read, even after rereading the chapters 2-3 times. Lucky for me, the tests were open book. I can read the question, know I read something about it and know where to look for the answer, but not remember what I read. I ended up passing the first class with a 90.9% average, but that was indeed thanks to the Open Book part.

About two weeks ago I was trying to read some stuff with the networking class and ended up in a swearing tantrum and shuttin down all windows and walking away from the computer. My younger brother was over to the house and he asked that the hell that was all about. I explained to him all the trouble I had when it came to concentrating and reading this stuff, let alone RETAINING anything I just read. He asked me if I had ever been tested for ADHD. I said that NO I had not because it's not like I'm bouncing off walls or anything. My brother attends the same community college I do and he explained that 2 years ago he was in the same boat. He is going for his RN and EMT degrees and said that he was having a hell of a time concentrating as well and he had asked a doctor about it when he was in for a checkup. The doctor asked him a bunch of questions regarding behavior in certain situations and the past, and go figure... They were all indeed signs of ADHD. He was sent to a behavior specialist and ran some tests as well as did some paperwork. Some paperwork was also sent to his wife, my mom and a good friend of his. When they were all answered, they sent them back to the doctor and sure enough, he had it. He was put on adderall and he said within a few weeks he was starting to retain what he had read and able to focus better.

He also reminded me that our youngest brother was diagnosed when he was 12 with ADHD. He was caught young because he was very boisterous and belligerant. He was placed on Concerta. Within 3 months, he was doing better in school and even accellerating in classes. He was in college calc by 10th grade. I guess it really worked well for him

I decided to look into it myself last week and the doctor asked me about my attention span, daydreaming, impatient driving, impulsive spending and other stuff I had never associated with ADHD. Looking back through my childhood, I realize now that I've had this all along. I've MAYBE read 4 complete books in my life due to the fact that I can't remember what I've read after 3-4 pages. I end up daydreaming as my eyes follow the words. I have one of the worst driving records you could imagine regarding speeding (over 40 tickets and lost my license 8 times). I can read a magazine without problem because the articles are only 2-3 pages long, but I can't read a book. I always was good in the "DO" classes such as art, home ec, shop, welding, etc... But I struggled in any class that involved reading such as reading, math, history, etc... I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, but still play like i've only picked it up 3 months ago because whenever I tried to learn anything, I ended up losing interest, daydreaming and NOT staying on task. whenever i'm idle and trying to do something, my leg will start bouncing like crazy and I don't even realize i'm doing it. It was kind of funny how all those little things made sense to me when looking back at them now with the ADHD idea. The doctor said I had all the signs of ADHD and I have to see a behavior specialist sometime soon.


Anyone here been diagnosed with ADHD? What kind of meds did they put you on? What worked and didn't work for you and how did you improve in life/academics?

my daughter has ADD pretty bad, I have a mild case of it.She was always forgetting shit, homework, the directions to do her homework, when she did it she would forget to bring it to school .She is very smart,and spells better than I.She has been on Adderal and it has really helped her,although the other shit she fooled around with this year hampered some of the benefits. I tried one and I ran around the house all day trying to fuckin fix everything,couldnt sit down for a minute,so it wasnt for me,but it helped my daughter. She has always been a "Doer " also. having AHD or ADD doesnt mean you re stupid or retarded. Listening to Frigas solo Cds is a good indicator though

[Rockindeano]

I should post my issues/symptoms on here and have you lot go over them. Be interested to see what you come up with.

[stevew2]

I should post my issues/symptoms on here and have you lot go over them. Be interested to see what you come up with.

i think you might listen to Bruce to much,that ll make you forget shit

[Behshad]

I should post my issues/symptoms on here and have you lot go over them. Be interested to see what you come up with.

i think you might listen to Bruce to much,that ll make you forget shit

YOU wait for your turn, buddy. Dean's up first. We'll study you afterwards , k ?

[Playitloudforme]

Both my ex and my eldest have ADHD. My ex could not remember anything for longer than a minuite, his mind would focus on something else entirely. Kinda like watching 15 channels of TV and bouncing interest back and forth. He could never arrive on time to save his life, and we would have a common joke, "15 minutes" to Enio meant 2 hours.

My son had it worse. Far worse. It destroyed his adolescence, as none of his classmates could understand why Alex was so damn hyper. That in turn affected his current adulthood interactions -- he never really learned. Alex will also blurt out things without 'thinking' them through -- the impulsivity kicks in.

As a mom and wife of ADHDs, I had to learn to communicate with them without going gray before my time. (lotta good that did). I didn't understand initially why Alex couldn't just sit down and do his homework or why my ex couldn't sit through a 1/2 hour television show. I could read for hours, got straight As... so why was my kid different. I ended up working for a psychologist who specialized in kids with learning disabilities and ADHD (cause HE was ADHD, as were his kids). Learned an incredible amount.

It's not something that you grow out of. Ever. You might learn to adapt, but you will always be affected by it. The hyper part seems to be the one thing that can calm down, but the lack of attention holding.... forever.

ADHDs learn better by TACTILE/Visual -- like video games. Audio only... buh bye. Reading only... buh bye. Hands on... they do better, hands on while watching... even better.

I learned that Alex would consistently fail if I told him "Clean up your room, take out the trash, then set the table for dinner". He'd hear the last one only. I had to give short concise directions -- then he always succeeded. Anything multiple tiered, and he'd pick one of them, that is until something else grabbed his attention.

Both my ex and my son are in physical jobs, meaning they use their bodies (Dance instructors). Better than if they had to work numbers (head) or do 'office' work.

We tried the "ritalin" route with Alex early on. Epic fail. It only made him sleepy, and during class that didn't work at all. We had to have him go to the nurse each day to take his meds, which of course, FAILED, Cause he could never remember to go. That was over 15 years ago, so maybe it's better now. Alex hasn't bothered with meds as an adult -- unless someone were to give them to him, he'd never remember to take them.

Bottom line, you aren't alone if you have ADHD, and it really does require some retraining on how to handle certain things if you are severely affected like my son. He still struggles, and even other family members have a hard time dealing with him because it's so severe. I got nuthin' but love for him. (and I blame his DAD!.and that always works for me..lol.. it is genetic btw....)

Best of luck.

[stevew2]

I should post my issues/symptoms on here and have you lot go over them. Be interested to see what you come up with.

i think you might listen to Bruce to much,that ll make you forget shit

YOU wait for your turn, buddy. Dean's up first. We'll study you afterwards , k ?

Study on this

[Jana]

Deen C. has ADHD.

[Voyager]

I have ADHD, and it makes it hard to pay attention at times.

Errr... what was this thread about again?

[Behshad]

I should post my issues/symptoms on here and have you lot go over them. Be interested to see what you come up with.

i think you might listen to Bruce to much,that ll make you forget shit

YOU wait for your turn, buddy. Dean's up first. We'll study you afterwards , k ?

Study on this

looks like a dick, but a 1:24 scale replica , attached to a real dick

[bluejeangirl76]

Both my ex and my eldest have ADHD. My ex could not remember anything for longer than a minuite, his mind would focus on something else entirely. Kinda like watching 15 channels of TV and bouncing interest back and forth. He could never arrive on time to save his life, and we would have a common joke, "15 minutes" to Enio meant 2 hours.

My former has it too, at least that's what I believe. He worried about it a lot and I told him several times to get checked. But he is a lot like me in the respect that he could never pay attention to things unless they were an interest and in those cases the focus totally took over. Unfortunately, in his case, it took over way too much, and that's one of the reasons we are no longer. I'm pretty sure that the last two years of our relationship, he didn't hear a single word I said. This kind of thing ruins people. It's not even funny. I would remind him of something we'd discussed a few days prior and he would actually look at me like I was completely insane and firmly insist that the conversation never happened. I don't mean "When did you say that? I don't remember that..." - I mean actually becoming angry, calling me names and insisting I was off my rocker and flat out making stuff up just because he didn't remember it because he wasn't paying attention when the conversation happened. I don't know if he ever got tested but it's not my problem anymore. He's making someone else miserable now.

Ummm.... OR!! ... Maybe he's just a huge self-centered arrogant prick who doesn't care about anyone but himself. Hmmm.
Yep. I think that's probably it.

[StevePerryHair]

Both my ex and my eldest have ADHD. My ex could not remember anything for longer than a minuite, his mind would focus on something else entirely. Kinda like watching 15 channels of TV and bouncing interest back and forth. He could never arrive on time to save his life, and we would have a common joke, "15 minutes" to Enio meant 2 hours.

My former has it too, at least that's what I believe. He worried about it a lot and I told him several times to get checked. But he is a lot like me in the respect that he could never pay attention to things unless they were an interest and in those cases the focus totally took over. Unfortunately, in his case, it took over way too much, and that's one of the reasons we are no longer. I'm pretty sure that the last two years of our relationship, he didn't hear a single word I said. This kind of thing ruins people. It's not even funny. I would remind him of something we'd discussed a few days prior and he would actually look at me like I was completely insane and firmly insist that the conversation never happened. I don't mean "When did you say that? I don't remember that..." - I mean actually becoming angry, calling me names and insisting I was off my rocker and flat out making stuff up just because he didn't remember it because he wasn't paying attention when the conversation happened. I don't know if he ever got tested but it's not my problem anymore. He's making someone else miserable now.

Ummm.... OR!! ... Maybe he's just a huge self-centered arrogant prick who doesn't care about anyone but himself. Hmmm.
Yep. I think that's probably it.

Though it may have been an extreme in your situation, I believe that "selective hearing" thing happens in every marriage over time! It's a guy thing

[bluejeangirl76]

Though it may have been an extreme in your situation, I believe that "selective hearing" thing happens in every marriage over time! It's a guy thing

He did that too, but the fights that would happen over this were unbelievable. He actually believed that *I* was the one with mind problem and would scream at me and call me names. Ok, I don't have the best memory either, but when I have a conversation with someone, they are staring AT me as I'm talking and then they REPLY to what I'm saying, and then 3 days later insist I'm making the whole thing up - yeah... that's a little fk'd up.

[Playitloudforme]

Both my ex and my eldest have ADHD. My ex could not remember anything for longer than a minuite, his mind would focus on something else entirely. Kinda like watching 15 channels of TV and bouncing interest back and forth. He could never arrive on time to save his life, and we would have a common joke, "15 minutes" to Enio meant 2 hours.

My former has it too, at least that's what I believe. He worried about it a lot and I told him several times to get checked. But he is a lot like me in the respect that he could never pay attention to things unless they were an interest and in those cases the focus totally took over. Unfortunately, in his case, it took over way too much, and that's one of the reasons we are no longer. I'm pretty sure that the last two years of our relationship, he didn't hear a single word I said. This kind of thing ruins people. It's not even funny. I would remind him of something we'd discussed a few days prior and he would actually look at me like I was completely insane and firmly insist that the conversation never happened. I don't mean "When did you say that? I don't remember that..." - I mean actually becoming angry, calling me names and insisting I was off my rocker and flat out making stuff up just because he didn't remember it because he wasn't paying attention when the conversation happened. I don't know if he ever got tested but it's not my problem anymore. He's making someone else miserable now.

Ummm.... OR!! ... Maybe he's just a huge self-centered arrogant prick who doesn't care about anyone but himself. Hmmm.
Yep. I think that's probably it.

In my ex's case, it wasn't the ADHD that killed us. It was his inability to keep his zipper up around other females that did it. But then again, he was always ridiculed too in his youth, so 'conquering females' was something he felt compelled to do to make up for the fact that they dissed him when he was younger. ... sigh... Hopefully I raised my son to know better.

[StevePerryHair]

Though it may have been an extreme in your situation, I believe that "selective hearing" thing happens in every marriage over time! It's a guy thing

He did that too, but the fights that would happen over this were unbelievable. He actually believed that *I* was the one with mind problem and would scream at me and call me names. Ok, I don't have the best memory either, but when I have a conversation with someone, they are starting AT me as I'm talking and then they REPLY to what I'm saying, and then 3 days later insist I'm making the whole thing up - yeah... that's a little fk'd up.

Yeah, that sounds like a whole different thing I've never had arguments over it like that. And I pretty much know it's happening when his eyes are on the newspaper, a book or the tv, even when he's insisting he can listen and do those things at the same time

[T-Bone]

Tracie555 said exactly what I was thinking when I was reading your story, T. Sounds a little to me like a food allergy. Another thing you might consider (don’t laugh) but when was the last time you had an eye exam? Maybe you just need glasses or a stronger prescription if you already wear them. Eye strain can wreck havoc on a person’s reading comprehension.

Well... Considering I had lasik 3 years ago and still see 20/20 to this day, I'd say my vision is fine. I also took my placement tests for college and I read and comprehend at a college level as well.... But those test usually only involve reading a paragraph or two. I have no problems with doing that at all... It's when I start to read more than 3-4 pages that my mind will wander. I'll correct myself and get back on task only to find my mind wandering again. I'll remember reading the page or the page before, but nor really remember what was on it until I go back and look at it and then I'll remember.