Newly diagnosed with ADHD at age 46! (Long post, easy read)

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(Long post, easy read)

I've been a member of WrongPlanet for a long time, but disappeared for a few years. I was undiagnosed, but thought I was an Aspie. I missed you guys/gals!

My life was standing still---yet spinning like crazy. I had plenty of time to do things, but no time to accomplish anything... Can anyone relate?

After a 7-year long hiatus, I decided to return to College. But I had one MAJOR concern: my bad memory. I can't remember anything. I keep a daily planner and can forget an appointment scheduled for today that I looked at yesterday and reminded myself to keep. I forget names, familiar places, regular schedules, medication, EVERYTHING. This is just the way I have been, for as long as I can remember. My mind is always racing; I have a million thoughts at once and all take equal precedence. I find it difficult to sort and prioritize. Every thought, every flash of thought has to be researched immediately before it's forgotten.

My intentions were to become a Registered Nurse...but I had this deep rooted fear of everything I'd forget! Patient's names, prescriptions, room numbers; My fears and concerns were bottomless. I knew if I could overcome this memory issue, I'd be an amazing, compassionate, friendly, loving and kind RN. I expressed this concern to my therapist, who decided to refer me for Psychological Testing (I live in the US).

The testing was issued over a series of many weeks; each exam taking about an hour. My Psychologist called me in after she'd analyzed the results. Her Diagnoses was that I'd been suffering with ADHD and two (2) Learning Disabilities!

WHAT?!?!?!?! My family never suspected it. I had never been diagnosed with it as a child, and now all I can do is wonder what my life would have been like had we only KNOWN and treated me. I knew nothing about ADHD. I'd always thought it was a behavioral issue, but it's a Neurological issue!

I was prescribed Adderal (at my request and insistence), and within an hour of my first dose, my life has changed forever!

The racing thoughts (that I thought were anxiety, and was treated for) were GONE! The impulsivity, addictive behaviors, absentmindedness, memory loss, inability to focus and UNDERSTAND, lack of attention, paranoia......ALL GONE!

My friends, this post isn't meant to encourage or push ANY medication on anyone for any reason. The purpose of this post is to share how amazing, how awesome, how incredible, how exhilarating....the correct diagnosis and the proper treatment can be critically LIFE CHANGING!! !

I was just diagnosed in August 2019 at the age of 46. We're still working on determining the most effective dosage for me, as in my case I NEED medication therapy to prosper. I did return to College in August 2019, and after beginning medication there are no words to describe the level of Academic success I am attaining! I can focus, remember, concentrate, UNDERSTAND! I still have to study 3 times longer than my peers, but I'm happy to do it, and even grade better than my benchmates ---who are 25 years my junior, lol.

And remember my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse? I've carried this dream for over 25 years! This semester I was finally able to take my first Biology Class, and I've fallen in love with Biology! My dream is evolving and I'm interested in a career in Biology!! !! Now, at my age I'm not even considering a Doctorate Degree...that would take too much time. But the day I walk across that stage and accept my BA Degree in Biology will be one of the BEST days of my life!

Although I intend to take all the courses in the correct order, and at least 4 classes at a time, I am allowing myself extra time for----mistakes. I needed two years of pre-requisites followed by two years of college to earn an AA in Nursing. I'm currently one year in. I calculate 5 years to earn a BA in Biology, but I'm allowing myself 8 years. I know it sometimes takes me longer to learn, and hopefully this medication will continue to make my path easier.

But I'd like to encourage you. Each one of you is special and amazing!! !!

Don't give up on yourself. Be your best advocate, your #1 Cheerleader! Try to befriend your benchmates and communicate with them the easiest way you can (phone, text, email, etc.). You'd be surprised at how friendly and helpful strangers can be. Keep seeking answers about yourself, your diagnoses, treatment options. Keep trying different options, resources, learning adaptability tools, peer support.

YOU GOT THIS!! !!

_________________
Katniss :heart:

I'm seeking friends to play games with on YIM, and maybe chat if we're comfortable. If not, that's ok too!
No pressure. Just games.

Congratulations! I know how you feel. I was just diagnosed with Autism in 2018, and ADHD combined type (primarily inattentive), on 2 March of this year. I'm older than you, too! It was a shock to me but suddenly made sense.

I'm glad you're doing so much better on your meds.

I have a thread about my testing somewhere in the Conditions forum. It was about 20 hours and exhaustive, but well worth it. I do feel quite a bit better on my meds just as you do.

Welcome back to Wrong Planet!

Hi and a very warm welcome to you ! That’s wonderful news that the medication has made such a difference to your life. I share your love for biology and nursing. Good to have you with us.

I'm so thrilled that you have a positive story to relate. Thank you!