Readers Respond: Living With Adult ADHD

Responses: 19

Her request: "I'm looking for the success stories. I want to read about people with ADHD who have turned their lives around and are living a life they never thought they could have."

Please help her (and others) out by sharing the triumphs and accomplishments in your life with ADHD. How has life improved since being diagnosed and involved in treatment? Share Your Success Story

I am Not a Screw Up

I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 55 when I went back to college for a nursing degree and immediately ran into problems with focus and organization. In fact, I was sidetracked in the library and discovered a book about girls with ADD/ADHD. I saw my entire life. My doctor put me on a stimulant that helped right away. Because of my age and health concerns I would go off it at times. The very month I began a very demanding, accelerated nursing program we lost a daughter. I kept on with the program (and working full time) but as the demands increased, I fell apart. I pretty much failed out of that semester. I still did not continue my medication. I was given another chance 6 months later, but when the ADHD got out of control and I began to make critical mistakes I failed once again. I am now finishing a new, self paced program, which works for me. I know, now, I can't finish and then work as an RN without going back on my meds and staying on them. I deserve better than to suffer as I have.

—grannymedic1

How I Got Better with My ADD

It all started when I saw a therapist. At first I was lost and confused, but now I can make friends and keep them...and it comes more naturally. When I meet someone new I listen, I study the person. And I have a good memory and the ability to learn quickly about personalities. So I use that skill now. I call them or chat with them on a regular basis. But I always tell them about the ADHD. And you would be surprised about how much people that care about you can understand. And if they don’t, it’s ok, I move on. It wasn’t meant to be. Rejection doesn’t bring me down anymore. And that is my key for success.

—Guest so

Feeling Less Alone

There is so much written on ADD for children...not adults, but things are changing, thank God. The success stories, I have just read are an inspiration and a testimony to all of us that struggle with it daily. I could pretty much hide mine, being in a creative business, all my life...but then it, for me...expanded into my social life and everyday living. It seemed like every one I came in contact with I was apologizing to for my ADD or leaving something somewhere. Trying so hard to remember, to remember. My opinion of myself goes from success to semi- failure even still. But what I have - has a name - and I'm not alone. That, in itself, is comforting.

—susanilj

Undiagnosed But Aware

I was 30 when the idea of ADD occurred to me. Before that consideration, I was known to have QUIRKS. Boredom is a personal enemy. I cannot stand in a line or sit for any amount of time without growing antsy or irritable. I can't wait for the toaster or microwave without aborting the process early. I'm constantly forgetting appointments or obligations, to remember after the fact and then have to deal with the fall out of guilt and anxiety. We changed the lock on the house to a thumbprint reader. Now I only chase my cars keys down daily. I spend hours cleaning the house to accomplish little in the end. I have trouble paying attention to anything that doesn't pique my curiosity or interest. The bright side- I'm very creative. A constant stream of thought (though sometimes maddening) means quick and creative problem solving. I'm 35, a mom, and a Visual Artist. I get through with a supportive husband and creative solutions. I'm determined to be successful on my own with what God gave me.

—Guest Diane

ADD: Embrace It

I am a twenty year old university student who was diagnosed with ADD last year. I basically diagnosed myself and have constantly been educating myself on the matter. I have begun to embrace it and see all the beautiful things about it instead of the negatives. I still have issues with time-management but I am moving forward and it is an immense help to meet your difficulties with understanding and then compassion. I really have learned to love myself as I am. Embrace your ADD and it will embrace you. You can succeed in life.

—Guest Angel

ADHD Great Story

I lost my husband, business partner, freedom and my company all within a 5 month time period. I found that the pain medication that I was prescribed had become a problem and so I went to a hospital in Florida for help. While treating me they did tests and brain scans and informed me that I was ADHD. Wow, it was hard to take but certainly explained my hyperactivity and struggles with alcohol in my early years and my then Opioid dependence. I learned to stop self medicating and started Vyvanse. I can only explain it like someone peeled window tint off of my eyes (really) I could see clearly and respond very quickly. I found that I could do the impossible that I had always believed I could, but failed because I would only complete 60% of everything I did. Following through was not my bag. Vyvanse saved my life, thank you!

—Guest Crystal

Been Told It's All in My Head

I've always been told that I couldn't have ADD because I'm so good in school and work. My wife says that I simply don't care as much about our family and the house as I do my work - that if I cared more, then I'd remember all the details. That I just need to try. If I had ADD, then I wouldn't have an MBA. And to me I've been "trying harder" for a long time now. I can remember the details of a $200 million budget down to an impossible degree without taking a single note. Yet...I don't remember where I agreed to go for vacation without being reminded. I remember the values of my baseball card collection, but I can't remember to tell my son to clean his room, even when I'm standing in the middle of the mess. I live in a constant low fog most of the time. I don't remember specific conversations. I remember the impression and some key words that I can fake as though I remember. And Wednesday morning, I'm going to see someone about it and find out how to get out of this fog.

—Guest DoctorHim

I Don't Have a Success Story Yet

I think I have ADHD. I’m 36. Just started waiting tables again after 8 years. I find I am going to the wrong tables to serve food to the wrong guests. I'm getting things backwards or just plain wrong pretty frequently. I don’t feel confused at all, just maybe distracted. For example, I know the table numbers perfectly but somehow I end up going to the wrong tables. I keep thinking it’s my very active imagination. So active that I become creative with the logical easy things that seem boring, like going to the right table number is just too boring? Or maybe it’s that my mind is never in the moment so I periodically follow an old thought to the wrong place. I have almost 15 years experience waiting tables but I feel like a newbie again because I act like I'm in the weeds even though I feel totally fine! Imagine not feeling stressed or overwhelmed or confused at all but showing symptoms of all 3 to the point where people around you get upset. I don’t have health insurance. What can I do?

—Guest surferdance

I'm Not Broken, I'm Different

I want to say thanks to all of the wonderful adults with ADD that have taken the time to share their stories. I was also diagnosed as an adult, age 37. I nearly lost my wife due to my denial and fear to own my ADD. I am who I am. I need to , and do, take the extra steps each day to not let my ADD take me down. I would like to say to anyone who is reading this right now, Own your ADD, it is who you are. You are not broken, you’re different. Find peace in the fact that you are not alone, and continue to seek out knowledge. Understanding what ADD is makes a big difference in getting through each day. Good luck to all.

—Guest P. O'Neill

I Think I May Write a Book...

Being one of the common analyticals I have perhaps over-analyzed causes, effects, symptoms, and help. My poor wife...amazing lady who has ADD husband, daughter, and son. SHE has had to come so far and is our rock of organization. Looking back I see that with medication I might have gotten an engineering BS rather than an Engineering Technology BS. Either way, I believe understanding and using your strengths is the way to success. I will stop there lest I finish the book here.

—theanttheant

Still Working on It...

I was recently diagnosed with adult ADD, and found a stimulant medication that helped. I am wondering if there are non-stimulant meds that work just as well, as I do not want to have to take stimulants for the rest of my life. I have been a public school teacher for 17 years, and noticed that I was "falling apart" after my second divorce. Without any support system, it is still difficult to stay focused, prioritize, and get everything done in a certain amount of time. I am intelligent, do well in school, but my personal life, as well as professional life is still a work in progress! I have not given up the fight, or the research for an alternative solution to treatment of my adult ADD. Hang in there!

—Guest airhead1

ADHD: Manage It Don't Fight It

I was diagnosed with ADD as a kid back in the eighties and I thought it was a load of rubbish. I knew I was smart, but my grades didn’t reflect that. They put me on Ritalin which did nothing. I then did a University degree in Science, failed subjects and struggled though this with a pass average. Then I bummed around for couple of years in menial jobs. The concept of Adult ADHD was very new then (early nineties), but a psychiatrist I saw said I had ADD-Residual type (now called adult ADD) and tried me on Dexamphetamine. I distinctly remember watching a TV show after taking the first pill and it was incredible. I was able to follow the show all the way through for a whole hour. Starting Dexamphetamine was a revolution for me. Like when I tried friend’s glasses on, not knowing I was shortsighted and everything came into focus and I could see things I could never see before. It was like this with my awareness. I was aware of emotions and thoughts distinctly instead of a wash.

—aquafelix

ADHD Success Story

I was just recently diagnosed with adult ADHD at 30. I had a feeling that I had it but I was reluctant about medication. What changed my mind was being accepted into graduate school. I remembered how hard I worked to maintain focus during undergraduate and I questioned if I could do well in graduate school, work, and be a good parent at the same time. I am managing everything successfully and I'm glad I made the decision to take medication. It's made a huge difference in my quality of life. This is not to advocate that medication is right for everyone but I see the difference it has made for me. For me, I there was a gap between my ambitions and my performance, and it meant so much for me to close that gap.

—Guest Anonymous