We didn't use Play attention specifically because it wasn't available when
my son did neurofeedback. But we saw great results in his ability to focus
better and control his own emotions and a bit in the impulsivity area. I
felt like it gave him a small edge and because of it he has been able to
keep meds to a minimum.not get rid of them, but not increase doses either.
Our therapist now has the play attention system so he does use it sometimes.
But.what he hates about it.is the big helmet. The system he used was just
this small nodes that stuck behind his ears. HE HATES the big helmet and
just doesn't want to do it anymore, but at this point, he doesn't really
need to.



We combined it with play therapy though, so it's hard to say how much of the
improvements we saw were just neurofeedback and how much was a combination.
My only concern with spending $1800 for a home system is that you really
need a trained professional to help with it and for us.it was the
combination of the therapy and neurofeedback that really helped. His
therapist could interpret the results each week and see how to tailor his
therapy for the next week and not just the neurofeedback, but the play
therapy and behavior modification too. WE looked into buying the play
attention, but felt that without having someone trained administering it, we
may not get the same results and it may not be worth the $1800.



Michele



From: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of nicunurse24
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:35 AM
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] play attention



I need some feedback...We are considering purchasing the play attention
system for our home. My son has ADHD and has had side effects with
several stimulant meds (hearing voices, nightmares) He is now on
Straterra, and that is not helping much. I want to know how it has
worked for your children, and I also want to hear from those it may not
have worked for. I am trying to find out if it is worth $1800. Thanks.

Stacye





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I need some feedback...We are considering purchasing the play attention
system for our home. My son has ADHD and has had side effects with
several stimulant meds (hearing voices, nightmares) He is now on
Straterra, and that is not helping much. I want to know how it has
worked for your children, and I also want to hear from those it may not
have worked for. I am trying to find out if it is worth $1800. Thanks.

              Stacye

Thanks, so much!!!! :)

We can try the race car brain, and see how it goes, try to explain it
that way, it's just going to be hard to actually sit him down and
explain it to him, it's more reality, lol.

Thanks for thinking of me!!  :)

Tara

--- In adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, "barbjay"
<barbjay@...> wrote:
>
> Tara:
>
> I got my e-mail ADDitude Magazine today and low and behold, I found
this article and thought of YOU!  Hope it helps.  I love Dr.
Hallowell and HE happens to have lived through ADHD and dyslexia, so
he knows what's what!
>
> Hope this helps, and hugs.
>
> barb
>
> Explaining ADD to Your Child
> How parents and doctors can tell a child he has ADD - and frame the
news positively.
> by Edward Hallowell, M.D.
>
>
> ADD means you have a race-car brain.
>
>  Dr. Edward Hallowell
> Parents often ask me whether young children with ADD should be told
they have the disorder. And, if so, how these kids should be told.
Well, I feel strongly that children should be told. Keeping the
diagnosis a secret accomplishes nothing. In fact, it does a
disservice to all involved by implying that there is something bad or
shameful about ADD.
>
> Any child old enough to go through psychological testing is old
enough to be told the test results (though younger children need less
detail than older kids). Often, the best approach is for both the
child's parents and his doctor to tell the child he has ADD. In any
case, the news should be framed positively.
>
> Here is how I recently broke the news to one of my patients - an
eight-year-old named Jed. (Jed's parents and I had agreed in advance
that I would talk to Jed in their presence. If you're having this
conversation with your child, of course, you'll be describing both
your role and that of your child's doctor.)
>
> "You've come here a couple of times, Jed, and you've answered lots
of questions and played some funny games. Now I'm going to tell you
what we've found out. Would you like to know?" Jed nods. "Well," I
say, "I have great news. You have an awesome mind. You are one cool
dude. Your brain is just spectacular."
>
> Jed has never heard this before. He usually hears just the
opposite.
>
> "You have something called ADD," I continue. "And guess what? I
have it, too. ADD means you have a race-car brain. Do you know what a
turbocharged engine is?" Jed nods. I don't know if he really knows
what it means - I certainly don't. But like me, he's heard the term
and he can guess.
>
> "Well, Jed, you have a turbocharged brain. It can go really, really
fast. The only problem is that sometimes it goes too fast. And it
needs special motor oil so it won't overheat. But with the right
brakes and oil, it wins lots of races."
>
> Intrigued, Jed eyes me. He wants to hear more.
>
> "You know how you sometimes have trouble paying attention in
school?" Jed nods. "That's because your mind is zipping around all
over the place, bursting with new ideas. And that's great! That's why
you'll do amazing things and have fun all your life. But you need
help taking care of your race-car brain, so I'm going to teach you
how to put on the brakes."
>
> If your child has questions, answer them. Just keep the answers
simple, brief, and upbeat. Parents of children with ADD certainly
need to learn all they can about the disorder. The same is true for
teachers who have students with ADD.
>
> But children with ADD do not need to learn more. It's important for
them not to feel defined by ADD. Having attention-deficit disorder is
a bit like being left-handed. It is part of who you are, not who you
are.
>
>  2 Comments:
>   a.. Posted by Sue Dixon - May 22 2007 @ 8:51 AM
>   Telling child about ADD
>   Yes! Please expand on the "not fitting in" topic. I agree that
a "race car brain" explains a lot, but what about the social skills
discussion?
>   b.. Posted by Patti Bohlman - May 7 2007 @ 3:37 PM
>   Telling child about ADD
>   Your explanation is fine for attention. What about the other
aspects of the disorder-like organization, social skills, language
processing deficits. The fact that the kid doesn't feel like they fit
in.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all doing great. Been a long time since I posted, things have
been kind of busy here. Trying to wrap up end of school year stuff, I am
sure you all know how that goes. My DS is doing very good except for his
grades in school which are to say the least anything but great. But we are
working on that. I can tell summer is coming because the plans for vacations
have started and are underway which the kids are very excited about. Maybe
this year we'll get through vacation with minimal arguing :-)

Kelly

Hi Nichole,

I also live in Michigan. I have a DS who is now 14 and has been doing this
for years. The only thing I can tell you that I did (and I am sure others on
the list can give you some helpful advice also) was to change the forms of
rewards and discipline you use. One time I would ground him the next time I
would take away the things most important to him (such as PS2 and so on),
one time he actually lost everything he enjoys because he was so out of
hand, then he I would take away privileges such as going to a friends house
and birthday party for a friend. I found by keeping the discipline the same
it would go in one ear and out the other because he doesn't care unless it
is something he wants.

Hope this helps.

Kelly Weir
Michigan
----- Original Message -----
From: "rayandnicholekelley" <rayandnicholekelley@...>
To: <adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 1:04 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Very Physical behavior


> My son 8yrs old has been having alot of problems lately with his
> behavior being very physical. He has always been this way but it seems
> it has been getting worse. He has an older brother 9, younger brothers
> 6,2, and sister 4. he will just walk by them and push them down or hit
> them. They will have done nothing to him. He says they looked at him or
> were talking to loud. But we cant get him to come to us so we can talk
> to the others , he justs hits or pushes. He is gaining weight so
> sometimes when he gets in his mood I can not hold him like I use to
> until he calms down. He is 69 lbs and doctor is impressed he has gained
> 7lbs in past 4 months. We are working with his psychtrist to get him
> and us into therapy.    Does any other kids act like this? What have
> you tried, we are just tired of the fighting with him and trying to
> keep the peace with the other kids. we have tried charts, they work for
> awhile but then dont anymore.  I am not even sure if therapy would work
> Just to a point that I dont know what to do.  IT seems like the other
> kids are fighting because they see him hitting and pushing and yelling
> so they think that they can.
> Sorry long just frustrated.
> Nichole  mom of 5 in Michigan
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

My son 8yrs old has been having alot of problems lately with his
behavior being very physical. He has always been this way but it seems
it has been getting worse. He has an older brother 9, younger brothers
6,2, and sister 4. he will just walk by them and push them down or hit
them. They will have done nothing to him. He says they looked at him or
were talking to loud. But we cant get him to come to us so we can talk
to the others , he justs hits or pushes. He is gaining weight so
sometimes when he gets in his mood I can not hold him like I use to
until he calms down. He is 69 lbs and doctor is impressed he has gained
7lbs in past 4 months. We are working with his psychtrist to get him
and us into therapy.    Does any other kids act like this? What have
you tried, we are just tired of the fighting with him and trying to
keep the peace with the other kids. we have tried charts, they work for
awhile but then dont anymore.  I am not even sure if therapy would work
Just to a point that I dont know what to do.  IT seems like the other
kids are fighting because they see him hitting and pushing and yelling
so they think that they can.
Sorry long just frustrated.
Nichole  mom of 5 in Michigan

Hi, all,

This sounds like me and also I overschedule myself and am constantly doing
something, but then I wonder--can I still have it and be (I guess) successful? I
do well at my work and always have although I can be a procrastinator and I hold
several positions in organizations that require a lot, and I do well there...but
still...

I'm hyper verbally, overschedule myself, think about multiple things at once,
and am very disorganized at home. I think very quickly and I talk that way and
interrupt too much, too.

My DD and DH say I think just like my son, who has the severe ADHD but is
physically hyper.

People always say, "I don't know how you do all you do" and I always say, "Mass
chaos at home." And it is true but really, I am terrible at sitting in
meetings--so I often talk, so it makes me look like a "leader" when really it is
that I can't be sitting so long with no effort. I work on a computer all day but
that is different--still doing something.

But my disorganization at home and with things like papers and bills and things
to do drives me nuts. I think I am ADD but then I think maybe I am just
disorganized or just hate housework since there is no real payoff in my view--I
HATE the repetition.

Any insight would be good!!!!

Thank you,

Michelle








============================================================
From: Elonda O'Reilly <elonda11@...>
Date: 2008/04/30 Wed AM 11:28:32 EDT
To: <adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: RE: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Hey Elonda


Hey Tara,

I know how you feel. Everything is SO overwhelming, it's like a lot of little
things, keep piling up and
make your life crazy. I could not remember anything, I was disorganized, I would
start things eagerly,
only to lose interest in them quickly and in the middle them. I have so many 1/2
finished projects at work and at home, that it's ridiculous.

I am a big procrastinater and it took a lot of mental energy to get started on
something, let alone finish it. I had a short fuse with my daughter (&husband)
and just didn't want to deal with any sort of conflict or upset (not good when
she has ADD too).

There was no communication in my marriage because I would never talk about stuff
that was going on with me. I found it too exhausting to put my thoughts into
actual words and have a conversation.

Housework didn't get done, cuz I would start it, and get distracted by something
else, then something else, then hours would go by and I'd happen to wander into
the room I started cleaning, only to find it in shambles, in mid-clean. So that
was  how my house was most of the time, things would ALMOST get done, and I WAS
GOING TO start that, or FORGOT about doing this.....

I would forget where I was driving A LOT!!! People would tell me things and it
would be out of my mind seconds after they said it. I was tired of it and I
wanted a better quality life for me and my family.

So I did research, and looked further into the possibility that I had ADD too.
Turns out I do, and it explains SO MUCH about me and my entire life. It really
does help, even just having a diagnosis, a reason for stuff that goes on with
me.

I had been unknowingly self medicating myself with caffiene when I had a big
project to do at work. I knew that the stimulant of the coffee actually had a
focussing affect on my brain and allowed me to start something and see it
through.

Taking Ritalin has vastly improved my overall well being. I talk more because I
can organize my thoughts into speaking more easily. I still forget stuff, but
it's less than before. I've learned to keep a Datebook and that is my life line.
I bring it everywhere and look at it daily - sometimes lots of times per day LOL

I hope I didn't ramble on too much and I hope that I was able to answer some of
your questions.

Feel free to email me privately as well elonda11@...

:) Elonda (NH)




To: adhdparentssupportgroup@...: sweetheart43613@...:
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:52:52 +0000Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Hey Elonda




How was your life falling apart, cause I feel like I am going crazy, i'm tired,
I can't focus, my kids can get on my nerves in o.2 seconds, no patience, and I
used to have alot, all I want to do is not deal with anything anymore, I'm tired
of school and really don't want to go anymore and I just stared in Oct. I don't
really want a job anymore, but then again who does, lol I'm just tired of
dealing with everything, and no I'm not depressed, :) I'm just tirrrrrrrred. It
sounds stupid I know, I guess what was the final straw?Tara--- In
adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, Elonda O'Reilly <elonda11@...> wrote:>>
> Hi, I just wanted to chime in as an adult with ADD. I did decide to medicate,
because my life> was falling apart at the seems and I couldn't hold it all
together. My daughter (9) also has ADD,> and with the both of us unmedicated, it
was just pure insanity LOL > > I'm currently on Ritalin LA, and it is working
fabulously. I'm able to start things that I finish and my whole > mood has
changed for the better. My daughter and I no longer "feed" off of each others
ADD. > > I'd be happy to answer any other questions anyone has :) > > ~Elonda
(NH) > > > > To: adhdparentssupportgroup@...: sweetheart43613@...: Mon, 28 Apr
2008 02:23:17 +0000Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Re: Question about
Adult tests... (warning LONG post lol)> > > > > I feel ya Candice, I have taken
the tests on line and was told I had a strong possibility of having ADHD.My
grades in school were awful in school, I am constantly forcing myself to pay
attention especially if I am not interested in it, and even if I am I struggle
to pay attention. I recently started seeing a therapist and I find when she
starts to say something I already know or have heard a hundred times I tend to
zone out on her, and how hard and exhausting is it to keep making your brain
focus thousands of times a day on a few different things so that you can act
like you can pay attention. It's exhausting, no wonder why I am exhausted all
the time. I start things never finish them, I forget eveything, I don't remember
much about childhood, a few memories but not many, and yes, my doc has told me
much the same thing, more rest, more mommy time for my self etc. yeah, when I
was 75lbs lighter, in the best shape of my life and working ot everyday, I felt
the same way. Had my thyroid tested and that came back fine, so it has to be
somthing else.Would you medicate if you did find out you had it? I see a
psychologist on may 13 to talk about meds, see what is going on, and to be
perfectly honest I would take them just to see if I felt better and remembered
more. HTH but I know what your going through.Tara--- In
adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, Candice <mothersgroup2000@> wrote:>>
I've been keeping this under my hat. A little nervous, a little afraid of> the
outcome... but I've taken the step to get myself evaluated. I've come> to the
conclusion that it's very hard to diagnose Adult ADD/ADHD. Mostly> because they
want me to remember things from 30 years ago!! lol I can barely> remember what I
had for breakfast last week. :P > > I had my appointment with William's
psychiatrist on Monday and he said it's> possible. If I am it's definitely mild.
I told him that I didn't care if> the diagnosis was ADHD or something else, I
just wanted some idea of why I> am the way I am. He also said there
might/probably have been some> depression episodes throughout my life. > > On
one hand it was productive as it got the ball rolling but on the other> hand I
really don't know a lot more than when I started. What it did make> me think was
that I need to find a counselor or psychologist or psychiatrist> of my own
(William's isn't taking new patients at this time) to do some talk> therapy. I
go back on May 8th to do some "scales" with my family doctor to> see how I stack
up. :P > > When I first started going to my family doctor I told her all my
symptoms. > Her initial diagnosis was "stress, tired, overworked". Prescription
was get> out on my own more (Mommy Time), get more sleep and try to get rid of
some> stress. Taking care of William helped with some of the stress but the
rest> of it was/is hard to do. I can only afford to go out once or twice a
month> (less now that we have a trip coming up) and my one outting doesn't
happen> anymore so I usually only go out once a month. My "Mommy Time" is after
the> kids go to bed so there's so much I want to do that I don't go to bed
until> at least midnight so sleep's an issue still. lol There are other issues
I> want to talk to a professional about, and I'll bring it up at my appointment>
> > Wow... now that I've babbled on (and if you've made it this far, thanks!)
my> question would be: > > Should I research possible "scales" (I think that's
what they call the> tests) or go in blind? > > I tend to... not make up
symptoms... but rather... internalize them... not> even sure that's the right
term. Focus on them? I have a "quiz" or test I> got from the Internet... out of
71 statements I checked off 34... so almost> 1/2. When I take the quizes online
(from, hopefully, reputable sites) they> tell me I have a good chance of having
ADHD.> > lol I'm still babbling... I'm not even sure I'm going to send this
(leaning> towards doing it but not sure) but if I do then... I know you all are
not> professionals so you can't diagnose me or anything like that. I guess I>
just needed to get all this off my chest. I haven't talked to hubby much> about
it but I think I just need an answer for why I am the way I am. No> matter what
the diagnosis (ADHD, depressed, or just plain lazy :P).> > thanks for reading...
I think I'm going to hit send before I chicken out.> lol> > Candice> > [Non-text
portions of this message have been removed]> > > > > > > >
__________________________________________________________> Back to work after
baby–how do you know when you're ready?>
http://lifestyle.msn.com/familyandparenting/articleNW.aspx?cp-documentid=5797498\
&ocid=T067MSN40A0701A> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]>






_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself wherever you are. Mobilize!
http://www.gowindowslive.com/Mobile/Landing/Messenger/Default.aspx?Locale=en-US?\
ocid=TAG_APRIL

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


------------------------------------

  Yahoo! Groups Links



============================================================

Tara:

I got my e-mail ADDitude Magazine today and low and behold, I found this article
and thought of YOU!  Hope it helps.  I love Dr. Hallowell and HE happens to have
lived through ADHD and dyslexia, so he knows what's what!

Hope this helps, and hugs.

barb

Explaining ADD to Your Child
How parents and doctors can tell a child he has ADD - and frame the news
positively.
by Edward Hallowell, M.D.


ADD means you have a race-car brain.

  Dr. Edward Hallowell
Parents often ask me whether young children with ADD should be told they have
the disorder. And, if so, how these kids should be told. Well, I feel strongly
that children should be told. Keeping the diagnosis a secret accomplishes
nothing. In fact, it does a disservice to all involved by implying that there is
something bad or shameful about ADD.

Any child old enough to go through psychological testing is old enough to be
told the test results (though younger children need less detail than older
kids). Often, the best approach is for both the child's parents and his doctor
to tell the child he has ADD. In any case, the news should be framed positively.

Here is how I recently broke the news to one of my patients - an eight-year-old
named Jed. (Jed's parents and I had agreed in advance that I would talk to Jed
in their presence. If you're having this conversation with your child, of
course, you'll be describing both your role and that of your child's doctor.)

"You've come here a couple of times, Jed, and you've answered lots of questions
and played some funny games. Now I'm going to tell you what we've found out.
Would you like to know?" Jed nods. "Well," I say, "I have great news. You have
an awesome mind. You are one cool dude. Your brain is just spectacular."

Jed has never heard this before. He usually hears just the opposite.

"You have something called ADD," I continue. "And guess what? I have it, too.
ADD means you have a race-car brain. Do you know what a turbocharged engine is?"
Jed nods. I don't know if he really knows what it means - I certainly don't. But
like me, he's heard the term and he can guess.

"Well, Jed, you have a turbocharged brain. It can go really, really fast. The
only problem is that sometimes it goes too fast. And it needs special motor oil
so it won't overheat. But with the right brakes and oil, it wins lots of races."

Intrigued, Jed eyes me. He wants to hear more.

"You know how you sometimes have trouble paying attention in school?" Jed nods.
"That's because your mind is zipping around all over the place, bursting with
new ideas. And that's great! That's why you'll do amazing things and have fun
all your life. But you need help taking care of your race-car brain, so I'm
going to teach you how to put on the brakes."

If your child has questions, answer them. Just keep the answers simple, brief,
and upbeat. Parents of children with ADD certainly need to learn all they can
about the disorder. The same is true for teachers who have students with ADD.

But children with ADD do not need to learn more. It's important for them not to
feel defined by ADD. Having attention-deficit disorder is a bit like being
left-handed. It is part of who you are, not who you are.

  2 Comments:
   a.. Posted by Sue Dixon - May 22 2007 @ 8:51 AM
   Telling child about ADD
   Yes! Please expand on the "not fitting in" topic. I agree that a "race car
brain" explains a lot, but what about the social skills discussion?
   b.. Posted by Patti Bohlman - May 7 2007 @ 3:37 PM
   Telling child about ADD
   Your explanation is fine for attention. What about the other aspects of the
disorder-like organization, social skills, language processing deficits. The
fact that the kid doesn't feel like they fit in.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the welcome. My daughter is also on metadate. Works well for her but
still very active and she is 11. I am glad I joined this group.
 
                                                                     Terri

--- On Tue, 4/29/08, Denise Menard <nici282002@...> wrote:

From: Denise Menard <nici282002@...>
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Hi newbie here
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 6:05 PM






Hi Terri welcome to the group. I have found this website very useful, whether to
vent or need advice. I have an 8 year old daughter who is ADHD. How old is your
daughter? My daughter is currently taking metadate to help her to calm down a
bit. I think all of our kids can wear us out. Just breathe!
Denise

terri walberg <nar2032000@yahoo. com> wrote:
Hi My nme is terri and I am new here. I have a daughter who is very dear to me
but wears me out. Help!!

Terri

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
















      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

That's too funny! I'm a HUGE list maker, but I always seemed to lose the freakin
lists! Now
tell me how ironic that is LOL !
A datebook has helped with that, I make lists for the day, and some on a TASK
sheet. Both are secure inside my datebook, so they can't wander off and get lost
like they usually would. Naughty lists.

:) Elonda



To: adhdparentssupportgroup@...: mothersgroup2000@...:
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:44:18 -0600Subject: RE: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Hey
Elonda




That sounds sooooo much like me! My coping mechanism is lists. I make lotsand
LOTS of lists. The doctor said they might help but they're also takingup so much
time that I'm still not getting anything done. I've realizedrecently that a lot
of my lists are just the same thing written differently.I was doing up some the
other day and the phrase "reinventing the wheel"popped into my head. So now I
need to figure out how to "just do it" withoutgetting totally distracted (rofl I
can't even finish an email! :P Just gotdistracted by my daughter's TV show...
sigh).... lol If anyone has any ideas, I'm open! (lol Barb I'm going to do 15
minutesin my kitchen soon...) -------Original Message------- From: Elonda
O'Reilly Hey Tara, I know how you feel. Everything is SO overwhelming, it's like
a lot oflittle things, keep piling up and make your life crazy. I could not
remember anything, I was disorganized, Iwould start things eagerly, only to lose
interest in them quickly and in the middle them. I have so many1/2 finished
projects at work and at home, that it's ridiculous. I am a big procrastinater
and it took a lot of mental energy to get startedon something, let alone finish
it. I had a short fuse with my daughter(&husband) and just didn't want to deal
with any sort of conflict or upset(not good when she has ADD too). There was no
communication in my marriage because I would never talk aboutstuff that was
going on with me. I found it too exhausting to put mythoughts into actual words
and have a conversation. Housework didn't get done, cuz I would start it, and
get distracted bysomething else, then something else, then hours would go by and
I'd happento wander into the room I started cleaning, only to find it in
shambles, inmid-clean. So that was how my house was most of the time, things
wouldALMOST get done, and I WAS GOING TO start that, or FORGOT about doing
this.... I would forget where I was driving A LOT!!! People would tell me things
andit would be out of my mind seconds after they said it. I was tired of it andI
wanted a better quality life for me and my family. So I did research, and looked
further into the possibility that I had ADDtoo. Turns out I do, and it explains
SO MUCH about me and my entire life. Itreally does help, even just having a
diagnosis, a reason for stuff that goeson with me. I had been unknowingly self
medicating myself with caffiene when I had a bigproject to do at work. I knew
that the stimulant of the coffee actually hada focussing affect on my brain and
allowed me to start something and see itthrough. Taking Ritalin has vastly
improved my overall well being. I talk morebecause I can organize my thoughts
into speaking more easily. I still forgetstuff, but it's less than before. I've
learned to keep a Datebook and thatis my life line. I bring it everywhere and
look at it daily - sometimes lotsof times per day LOL I hope I didn't ramble on
too much and I hope that I was able to answer someof your questions. Feel free
to email me privately as well elonda11@... :) Elonda (NH)[Non-text
portions of this message have been removed]






_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself wherever you are. Mobilize!
http://www.gowindowslive.com/Mobile/Landing/Messenger/Default.aspx?Locale=en-US?\
ocid=TAG_APRIL

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Candice:

You go girl!  Set that timer.  Even if it's only for 5 minutes, that's the
start1  So often, for me anyway, I just would get overwhelmed as things piled
up.  I'd be afraid to start then, because I am a perfectionist.  If I couldn't
get it done perfectly on one fell swoop, I didn't want to start.  Well, I found
that tackling something, even for 5 minutes at a time, EVENTUALLY it will get
done and at least be better than before I started.  It takes awhile for chaos to
happen, it will take awhile for chaos to be conquered.  Don't be afraid of that!

I find that for me, I can start doing one thing and get distracted starting to
do the other "somethings" I find along the way, instead of finishing what I
started out to accomplish.  My solution?  Music!  It keeps me focused.  And,
actually, makes my mood more "up" for doing chores I am not especially enamored
of doing (LAUNDRY!)  Try that.

TV?  Well, that would be a total distraction to me if I had it on.  So, I don't
turn it on.  That's what I have to do for me.

OK, set that timer, girl!!!!

Barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Candice
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:44 AM
   Subject: RE: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Hey Elonda


   That sounds sooooo much like me! My coping mechanism is lists. I make lots
   and LOTS of lists. The doctor said they might help but they're also taking
   up so much time that I'm still not getting anything done. I've realized
   recently that a lot of my lists are just the same thing written differently.
   I was doing up some the other day and the phrase "reinventing the wheel"
   popped into my head. So now I need to figure out how to "just do it" without
   getting totally distracted (rofl I can't even finish an email! :P Just got
   distracted by my daughter's TV show... sigh)....

   lol If anyone has any ideas, I'm open! (lol Barb I'm going to do 15 minutes
   in my kitchen soon...)

   -------Original Message-------

   From: Elonda O'Reilly

   Hey Tara,

   I know how you feel. Everything is SO overwhelming, it's like a lot of
   little things, keep piling up and
   make your life crazy. I could not remember anything, I was disorganized, I
   would start things eagerly,
   only to lose interest in them quickly and in the middle them. I have so many
   1/2 finished projects at work and at home, that it's ridiculous.

   I am a big procrastinater and it took a lot of mental energy to get started
   on
   something, let alone finish it. I had a short fuse with my daughter
   (&husband) and just didn't want to deal with any sort of conflict or upset
   (not good when she has ADD too).

   There was no communication in my marriage because I would never talk about
   stuff that was going on with me. I found it too exhausting to put my
   thoughts into actual words and have a conversation.

   Housework didn't get done, cuz I would start it, and get distracted by
   something else, then something else, then hours would go by and I'd happen
   to wander into the room I started cleaning, only to find it in shambles, in
   mid-clean. So that was how my house was most of the time, things would
   ALMOST get done, and I WAS GOING TO start that, or FORGOT about doing this..
   ..

   I would forget where I was driving A LOT!!! People would tell me things and
   it would be out of my mind seconds after they said it. I was tired of it and
   I wanted a better quality life for me and my family.

   So I did research, and looked further into the possibility that I had ADD
   too. Turns out I do, and it explains SO MUCH about me and my entire life. It
   really does help, even just having a diagnosis, a reason for stuff that goes
   on with me.

   I had been unknowingly self medicating myself with caffiene when I had a big
   project to do at work. I knew that the stimulant of the coffee actually had
   a focussing affect on my brain and allowed me to start something and see it
   through.

   Taking Ritalin has vastly improved my overall well being. I talk more
   because I can organize my thoughts into speaking more easily. I still forget
   stuff, but it's less than before. I've learned to keep a Datebook and that
   is my life line. I bring it everywhere and look at it daily - sometimes lots
   of times per day LOL

   I hope I didn't ramble on too much and I hope that I was able to answer some
   of your questions.

   Feel free to email me privately as well elonda11@...

   :) Elonda (NH)

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Nikki:

Well, I am 4 ft 10-1/2 inches (4 ft 11in on a good day -- HEE HEE).  Nothing
wrong with that.  Good things come in small packages, eh!!!

Barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Nicole Ridderbos
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:31 AM
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


   That's so funny cuz some of Alex's classmates are taller than me! Being 5 ft.
tall myself it doesn't take long for the kids to be taller than me. My dd is 4
but when she was around 1 and walking people thought she was a doll that walked
cuz of how tiny she was/is. she is the size of an average 3y/o. poor girl will
be as short as me!

   nikki the short

   ----- Original Message ----
   From: barbjay <barbjay@...>
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:31:04 AM
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Nikki:

   You know what, no matter what, they're still our babies and always will
be....no matter how old they get! I sometimes yank my DS's chain. He is 15 and
taller than I am (well, the average 1st grader is, LOL) but sometimes when he
irritates the snot out of me I tell him, "Well, I still love you and you'll
always be my baby." That is always accompanied by the eyes rolling up in the
head and the **sigh**, "OOOHHHHH MMMOOOOMMMM. I'm 15!"

   You will survive and thrive. The beginning of the journey is difficult because
there's so much to deal with. But, again, that's what we're here for ... to help
you through that. So, keep posting, venting.

   Barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Nicole Ridderbos
   To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:03 AM
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Thanks Barb! I dealt with Alex's ADHD dx pretty well but this is just getting
to me. I know depression runs in our family so it shouldn't surprise me but
still it does. All we want is for our kids to grow up happy and healthy.. I know
we are doing the right thing but sometimes i just want to say forget it and
crawl under a rock and pretend he's my little baby. OK so enough of that! We
will survive and thrive!
   thanks again!
   Nikki

   ----- Original Message ----
   From: barbjay <barbjay@sbcglobal. net>
   To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02:29 AM
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Nicole:

   I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not
been diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice on
dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so difficult to
deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids, especially @ such
a young age.. But, here's the good news - - you are getting your DS HELP @ a
very young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with what life hands him!
That's a gift you are giving your son.

   You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I
dearly wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it wasn't
for lack of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am grateful that he
was diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather than later in life for
the very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope with what life hands him.

   I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
   barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Nicole Ridderbos
   To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
   Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
   Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I have
to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an antidepressant
Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and mood disorder are very
similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and mood disorders? I am so
upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going through this.

   Nikki

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That sounds sooooo much like me! My coping mechanism is lists.  I make lots
and LOTS of lists. The doctor said they might help but they're also taking
up so much time that I'm still not getting anything done.  I've realized
recently that a lot of my lists are just the same thing written differently.
  I was doing up some the other day and the phrase "reinventing the wheel"
popped into my head. So now I need to figure out how to "just do it" without
getting totally distracted (rofl I can't even finish an email! :P Just got
distracted by my daughter's TV show... sigh)....

lol If anyone has any ideas, I'm open! (lol Barb I'm going to do 15 minutes
in my kitchen soon...)

-------Original Message-------

From: Elonda O'Reilly

Hey Tara,

I know how you feel. Everything is SO overwhelming, it's like a lot of
little things, keep piling up and
make your life crazy. I could not remember anything, I was disorganized, I
would start things eagerly,
only to lose interest in them quickly and in the middle them. I have so many
1/2 finished projects at work and at home, that it's ridiculous.

I am a big procrastinater and it took a lot of mental energy to get started
on
something, let alone finish it. I had a short fuse with my daughter
(&husband) and just didn't want to deal with any sort of conflict or upset
(not good when she has ADD too).

There was no communication in my marriage because I would never talk about
stuff that was going on with me. I found it too exhausting to put my
thoughts into actual words and have a conversation.

Housework didn't get done, cuz I would start it, and get distracted by
something else, then something else, then hours would go by and I'd happen
to wander into the room I started cleaning, only to find it in shambles, in
mid-clean. So that was  how my house was most of the time, things would
ALMOST get done, and I WAS GOING TO start that, or FORGOT about doing this..
..

I would forget where I was driving A LOT!!! People would tell me things and
it would be out of my mind seconds after they said it. I was tired of it and
I wanted a better quality life for me and my family.

So I did research, and looked further into the possibility that I had ADD
too. Turns out I do, and it explains SO MUCH about me and my entire life. It
really does help, even just having a diagnosis, a reason for stuff that goes
on with me.

I had been unknowingly self medicating myself with caffiene when I had a big
project to do at work. I knew that the stimulant of the coffee actually had
a focussing affect on my brain and allowed me to start something and see it
through.

Taking Ritalin has vastly improved my overall well being. I talk more
because I can organize my thoughts into speaking more easily. I still forget
stuff, but it's less than before. I've learned to keep a Datebook and that
is my life line. I bring it everywhere and look at it daily - sometimes lots
of times per day LOL

I hope I didn't ramble on too much and I hope that I was able to answer some
of your questions.

Feel free to email me privately as well elonda11@...

:) Elonda (NH)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I will point out that anyone having a reaction to ANY allergen will have
raised IgE levels and raised Eosophyils (?) count levels in their blood.  In
fact, any type of inflammation in the body will raise IgE levels including
swelling, asthma, infection etc.  The level of eosphyils count in my WBC was
how they determined that I was really having an allergic reaction to the
sulfate in a medication I took versus something else.

As I also have asthma and a severe mold allergy (and oh look I live in one
of the worst places for mold hehe), my IgE levels are ALWAYS elevated above
the normal level.  Well heck I will add that my IgA's, IgE's, IgG's and
IgM's are all always elevated (allergies, asthma, and LAS - lupus
anticogulannt syndrome or IE my blood clots way to freaking easy)

You may see a small IgE response with your son from any inflammation that
may occur with the celiacs disease.  While he may not have celiac's
specifically, the body, from what your describing, is reacting the same way
as someone who has celiacs (difference being he's not allergic to the
gluten, he just can't process it some places call this celiac's others dont)

My husband has similiar problems with whole grains.  It causes him to have
ulcer type pains and his skin to turn yellow (I completely forget now what
it actually is).  But it only occurs with him when he eats whole grain
foods, not any other type of grains (so processed white bread is fine, whole
grain white or wheat bread is agony)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Tara,

I know how you feel. Everything is SO overwhelming, it's like a lot of little
things, keep piling up and
make your life crazy. I could not remember anything, I was disorganized, I would
start things eagerly,
only to lose interest in them quickly and in the middle them. I have so many 1/2
finished projects at work and at home, that it's ridiculous.

I am a big procrastinater and it took a lot of mental energy to get started on
something, let alone finish it. I had a short fuse with my daughter (&husband)
and just didn't want to deal with any sort of conflict or upset (not good when
she has ADD too).

There was no communication in my marriage because I would never talk about stuff
that was going on with me. I found it too exhausting to put my thoughts into
actual words and have a conversation.

Housework didn't get done, cuz I would start it, and get distracted by something
else, then something else, then hours would go by and I'd happen to wander into
the room I started cleaning, only to find it in shambles, in mid-clean. So that
was  how my house was most of the time, things would ALMOST get done, and I WAS
GOING TO start that, or FORGOT about doing this.....

I would forget where I was driving A LOT!!! People would tell me things and it
would be out of my mind seconds after they said it. I was tired of it and I
wanted a better quality life for me and my family.

So I did research, and looked further into the possibility that I had ADD too.
Turns out I do, and it explains SO MUCH about me and my entire life. It really
does help, even just having a diagnosis, a reason for stuff that goes on with
me.

I had been unknowingly self medicating myself with caffiene when I had a big
project to do at work. I knew that the stimulant of the coffee actually had a
focussing affect on my brain and allowed me to start something and see it
through.

Taking Ritalin has vastly improved my overall well being. I talk more because I
can organize my thoughts into speaking more easily. I still forget stuff, but
it's less than before. I've learned to keep a Datebook and that is my life line.
I bring it everywhere and look at it daily - sometimes lots of times per day LOL

I hope I didn't ramble on too much and I hope that I was able to answer some of
your questions.

Feel free to email me privately as well elonda11@...

:) Elonda (NH)




To: adhdparentssupportgroup@...: sweetheart43613@...:
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:52:52 +0000Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Hey Elonda




How was your life falling apart, cause I feel like I am going crazy, i'm tired,
I can't focus, my kids can get on my nerves in o.2 seconds, no patience, and I
used to have alot, all I want to do is not deal with anything anymore, I'm tired
of school and really don't want to go anymore and I just stared in Oct. I don't
really want a job anymore, but then again who does, lol I'm just tired of
dealing with everything, and no I'm not depressed, :) I'm just tirrrrrrrred. It
sounds stupid I know, I guess what was the final straw?Tara--- In
adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, Elonda O'Reilly <elonda11@...> wrote:>>
> Hi, I just wanted to chime in as an adult with ADD. I did decide to medicate,
because my life> was falling apart at the seems and I couldn't hold it all
together. My daughter (9) also has ADD,> and with the both of us unmedicated, it
was just pure insanity LOL > > I'm currently on Ritalin LA, and it is working
fabulously. I'm able to start things that I finish and my whole > mood has
changed for the better. My daughter and I no longer "feed" off of each others
ADD. > > I'd be happy to answer any other questions anyone has :) > > ~Elonda
(NH) > > > > To: adhdparentssupportgroup@...: sweetheart43613@...: Mon, 28 Apr
2008 02:23:17 +0000Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Re: Question about
Adult tests... (warning LONG post lol)> > > > > I feel ya Candice, I have taken
the tests on line and was told I had a strong possibility of having ADHD.My
grades in school were awful in school, I am constantly forcing myself to pay
attention especially if I am not interested in it, and even if I am I struggle
to pay attention. I recently started seeing a therapist and I find when she
starts to say something I already know or have heard a hundred times I tend to
zone out on her, and how hard and exhausting is it to keep making your brain
focus thousands of times a day on a few different things so that you can act
like you can pay attention. It's exhausting, no wonder why I am exhausted all
the time. I start things never finish them, I forget eveything, I don't remember
much about childhood, a few memories but not many, and yes, my doc has told me
much the same thing, more rest, more mommy time for my self etc. yeah, when I
was 75lbs lighter, in the best shape of my life and working ot everyday, I felt
the same way. Had my thyroid tested and that came back fine, so it has to be
somthing else.Would you medicate if you did find out you had it? I see a
psychologist on may 13 to talk about meds, see what is going on, and to be
perfectly honest I would take them just to see if I felt better and remembered
more. HTH but I know what your going through.Tara--- In
adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, Candice <mothersgroup2000@> wrote:>>
I've been keeping this under my hat. A little nervous, a little afraid of> the
outcome... but I've taken the step to get myself evaluated. I've come> to the
conclusion that it's very hard to diagnose Adult ADD/ADHD. Mostly> because they
want me to remember things from 30 years ago!! lol I can barely> remember what I
had for breakfast last week. :P > > I had my appointment with William's
psychiatrist on Monday and he said it's> possible. If I am it's definitely mild.
I told him that I didn't care if> the diagnosis was ADHD or something else, I
just wanted some idea of why I> am the way I am. He also said there
might/probably have been some> depression episodes throughout my life. > > On
one hand it was productive as it got the ball rolling but on the other> hand I
really don't know a lot more than when I started. What it did make> me think was
that I need to find a counselor or psychologist or psychiatrist> of my own
(William's isn't taking new patients at this time) to do some talk> therapy. I
go back on May 8th to do some "scales" with my family doctor to> see how I stack
up. :P > > When I first started going to my family doctor I told her all my
symptoms. > Her initial diagnosis was "stress, tired, overworked". Prescription
was get> out on my own more (Mommy Time), get more sleep and try to get rid of
some> stress. Taking care of William helped with some of the stress but the
rest> of it was/is hard to do. I can only afford to go out once or twice a
month> (less now that we have a trip coming up) and my one outting doesn't
happen> anymore so I usually only go out once a month. My "Mommy Time" is after
the> kids go to bed so there's so much I want to do that I don't go to bed
until> at least midnight so sleep's an issue still. lol There are other issues
I> want to talk to a professional about, and I'll bring it up at my appointment>
> > Wow... now that I've babbled on (and if you've made it this far, thanks!)
my> question would be: > > Should I research possible "scales" (I think that's
what they call the> tests) or go in blind? > > I tend to... not make up
symptoms... but rather... internalize them... not> even sure that's the right
term. Focus on them? I have a "quiz" or test I> got from the Internet... out of
71 statements I checked off 34... so almost> 1/2. When I take the quizes online
(from, hopefully, reputable sites) they> tell me I have a good chance of having
ADHD.> > lol I'm still babbling... I'm not even sure I'm going to send this
(leaning> towards doing it but not sure) but if I do then... I know you all are
not> professionals so you can't diagnose me or anything like that. I guess I>
just needed to get all this off my chest. I haven't talked to hubby much> about
it but I think I just need an answer for why I am the way I am. No> matter what
the diagnosis (ADHD, depressed, or just plain lazy :P).> > thanks for reading...
I think I'm going to hit send before I chicken out.> lol> > Candice> > [Non-text
portions of this message have been removed]> > > > > > > >
__________________________________________________________> Back to work after
baby–how do you know when you're ready?>
http://lifestyle.msn.com/familyandparenting/articleNW.aspx?cp-documentid=5797498\
&ocid=T067MSN40A0701A> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]>






_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself wherever you are. Mobilize!
http://www.gowindowslive.com/Mobile/Landing/Messenger/Default.aspx?Locale=en-US?\
ocid=TAG_APRIL

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tara, William was 6 when he was diagnosed with ADHD.  The way we explained
it was that it was like any other medical condition. His dad has diabetes
and so does his grandma and a friend of his too. I have IBS and intermittent
reflux.  My friend take medication for a bunch of things.  So we said his
taking medication is just like that.  Some people don't have to take
medication but many many people do.  ADHD isn't something he can help or be
cured of, it's just a part of who he is, like blue eyes and brown hair. We
ve tried to "normalize" it as much as possible.  He's starting to realize
that, even though he can't help it, his behavior affects those around him.
So that's a whole other kettle of fish. lol But at the age of 5 I think the
simple explanation is the best.  It's just the way he is.  Can't change it
but he and you can do things to help make things better.

-------Original Message-------

From: Tara

Well out appointment is for Oct. 6 for dr. demio, so it would be a
bit longer then a few weeks, and in the mean time he would be staring
kindergarden, but he is constantly getting into trouble at preschool,
and it makes him feel like crap when he is always in trouble always
getting yelled at or told his choices are wrong, I'm constantly on
him about not listening, hitting, grabbing his siter and swinging her
around by the head etc.  Its exhausting not to mention almost
damaging to his self esteem.  I have poor self esteem cause I was
always told I was stupid, I do not want him to have that, I want him
to be confident and by being told every single day that he is making
bad chosices and not listening etc.  That will hurt his self esteem
in the long run, and I don't want it damaged anymore then what it is,
cause it is easier to help him behave with a pill for a short time,
then to take months to years to repair his self esteem.

I'm not really sure how to talk to him about what is wrong with him,
he just turned 5 so as for decission making I can ask, but again not
sure of what he really will understand, he is very smart, but I have
not come out and said, Zay you have ADHD and this is what is wrong
with you and if you want we can put you on meds and see if you behave
better.  Not sure again on how to handle that, but I do know i would
not just be doing this for myself to make it easier, I have just seen
how he is and we have been doing behavior mod. and we have the person
comming into the daycare center evey week to work with him on his
behavior, so behavior mods, has helped, just not good enough.

So this has been a long debate of mine for 2 years now, on how to
help him keep his self esteem intacted.

Thanks for listening.

Tara

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That's so funny cuz some of Alex's classmates are taller than me! Being 5 ft.
tall myself it doesn't take long for the kids to be taller than me. My dd is 4
but when she was around 1 and walking people thought she was a doll that walked
cuz of how tiny she was/is. she is the size of an average 3y/o. poor girl will
be as short as me!

nikki the short

----- Original Message ----
From: barbjay <barbjay@...>
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:31:04 AM
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


Nikki:

You know what, no matter what, they're still our babies and always will be....no
matter how old they get! I sometimes yank my DS's chain. He is 15 and taller
than I am (well, the average 1st grader is, LOL) but sometimes when he irritates
the snot out of me I tell him, "Well, I still love you and you'll always be my
baby." That is always accompanied by the eyes rolling up in the head and the
**sigh**, "OOOHHHHH MMMOOOOMMMM. I'm 15!"

You will survive and thrive. The beginning of the journey is difficult because
there's so much to deal with. But, again, that's what we're here for ... to help
you through that. So, keep posting, venting.

Barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Ridderbos
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:03 AM
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Thanks Barb! I dealt with Alex's ADHD dx pretty well but this is just getting to
me. I know depression runs in our family so it shouldn't surprise me but still
it does. All we want is for our kids to grow up happy and healthy.. I know we
are doing the right thing but sometimes i just want to say forget it and crawl
under a rock and pretend he's my little baby. OK so enough of that! We will
survive and thrive!
thanks again!
Nikki

----- Original Message ----
From: barbjay <barbjay@sbcglobal. net>
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02:29 AM
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Nicole:

I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not been
diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice on
dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so difficult to
deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids, especially @ such
a young age.. But, here's the good news - - you are getting your DS HELP @ a
very young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with what life hands him!
That's a gift you are giving your son.

You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I dearly
wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it wasn't for lack
of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am grateful that he was
diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather than later in life for the
very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope with what life hands him.

I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Ridderbos
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I have
to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an antidepressant
Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and mood disorder are very
similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and mood disorders? I am so
upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going through this.

Nikki

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
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My daughter has been on metadate a couple eyars and works well for her. She
destroys property really bad and this has helped calm her down,

                                    Terri

--- On Tue, 4/29/08, Becki Eitel <cbcbdd6@...> wrote:

From: Becki Eitel <cbcbdd6@...>
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Dylan update
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com,
TheODDParentJourney@yahoogroups.com, CANCER-FAMILY-CIRCLE@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 3:50 PM






The same day my dad passed, Dylan also saw the psychiatrist again. I told him
how school is going well but when Dylan comes home he is totally crazy, bouncing
off the walls, defiant and out of control. He said that is called rebound, where
they actually get worse after the medicine wears off, than they were before we
started medicine. So they added a 2nd med. This one is called Medatate and he
takes it at 2pm. This lasts thru the afternoon and then is out of his system
before bed. He told me to continue to give him the Melatonin at night for sleep
and so far it is going well.

Becki

Be my friend!
www.myspace. com/rbcamae



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Well if you can show that the current school does not meet your nephews
special educational needs, you can have him placed in a different school
which can meet his needs through his IEP.  The difficulty is showing that
the school CAN'T meet his needs and getting the IEP team to agree.

We were actually going to have my son transfered for his Kidny year to a
different school then the one he was in.  The reason was because he could
only hanlde a certain amount of change (and kindy was going to be a HUGE
change) and both us and the IEP team felt that he needed to retain the
stability of his current sitter for after Kindy.  The problem was that she
lived in the same school district but not the same school attendnace zone,
so we would have no transportation to her house.  Therefore we were going to
have him placed in her attendance zone afternoon kindy and he would have
transportation and get to stay.  That was going down until the IEP realized
we had an alternative by just ordering SPED transportation for him instead
as it came down that he was probably going to have difficulties on the
regular bus anyways.  SPED transportation could cross attendance zones, so
he stayed in his home school.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

She probably is refering to the new ADHD drug vyvanse

On 4/30/08, barbjay <barbjay@...> wrote:
>
>   All I can do is tell you we're here for you and you have my empathy. It
> is difficult to have kids causing chaos in the house.
>
> Has the Dr. started evaluating your stepson for any other problems? That's
> what I would think of to do at this point. 12 is a very difficult age,
> because they're growing so fast and the hormones are starting to kick in (or
> have kicked in!) Growth and hormones definitely have an affect on how
> quickly meds are metabolized and how the kid reacts to it. So, maybe the new
> med (can't say I've heard of it before either) will be the right one.
>
> Secondly, is there any kind of behavioral therapy being done? That has
> really been the key for my DS more than the Focalin XR he takes for his
> ADHD.
>
> Has anything different happened at home or school that you know of that
> could have precipitated these behaviors?
>
> I wish you luck, keep posting and we're here for you.
>
> barb
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: k_jbaney
> To:
adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com<adhdparentssupportgroup%40yahoogroups.co\
m>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:30 PM
> Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Going Crazy
>
> Hi, my name is Kim and I have a 12 year old step son with ADHD. He
> came to live with my husband and I about 5 years ago bringing along a
> sister and brother. He was started on ADHD meds about a year later,
> and has been on about everything. He was on Ritalin for a year and a
> half, the longest of any med, and a few months ago he started acting
> beserk. First his doctor upped the Ritalin a few times and then I told
> her it had to go, he was losing control of everything. She put him on
> Strattera, which we have tried before, and he actually started going to
> the restroom behind his bed, along with falling in creeks on purpose,
> and biting open plastic milk bottles from the bottom and spraying the
> lunch room-all in a week.
>
> After talking to the doctor today, she is putting him on something I
> never heard of before. Xyvonne (not sure if that is right, I pick it up
> tomorrow)
>
> I just wondered if anyone else has these types of issues. My house is
> in constant chaos, between my step son and step daughter who has a
> whole other set of issues. ANy advice for losing ones sanity?
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Erin Schmidt


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

How was your life falling apart, cause I feel like I am going crazy,
i'm tired, I can't focus, my kids can get on my nerves in o.2
seconds, no patience, and I used to have alot, all I want to do is
not deal with anything anymore, I'm tired of school and really don't
want to go anymore and I just stared in Oct.  I don't really want a
job anymore, but then again who does, lol  I'm just tired of dealing
with everything, and no I'm not depressed, :)  I'm just
tirrrrrrrred.  It sounds stupid I know, I guess what was the final
straw?

Tara

--- In adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, Elonda O'Reilly
<elonda11@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi, I just wanted to chime in as an adult with ADD. I did decide to
medicate, because my life
> was falling apart at the seems and I couldn't hold it all together.
My daughter (9) also has ADD,
> and with the both of us unmedicated, it was just pure insanity LOL
>
> I'm currently on Ritalin LA, and it is working fabulously. I'm able
to start things that I finish and my whole
> mood  has changed for the better. My daughter and I no
longer "feed" off of each others ADD.
>
> I'd be happy to answer any other questions anyone has :)
>
> ~Elonda (NH)
>
>
>
> To: adhdparentssupportgroup@...: sweetheart43613@...: Mon, 28 Apr
2008 02:23:17 +0000Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Re: Question
about Adult tests... (warning LONG post lol)
>
>
>
>
> I feel ya Candice, I have taken the tests on line and was told I
had a strong possibility of having ADHD.My grades in school were
awful in school, I am constantly forcing myself to pay attention
especially if I am not interested in it, and even if I am I struggle
to pay attention. I recently started seeing a therapist and I find
when she starts to say something I already know or have heard a
hundred times I tend to zone out on her, and how hard and exhausting
is it to keep making your brain focus thousands of times a day on a
few different things so that you can act like you can pay attention.
It's exhausting, no wonder why I am exhausted all the time. I start
things never finish them, I forget eveything, I don't remember much
about childhood, a few memories but not many, and yes, my doc has
told me much the same thing, more rest, more mommy time for my self
etc. yeah, when I was 75lbs lighter, in the best shape of my life and
working ot everyday, I felt the same way. Had my thyroid tested and
that came back fine, so it has to be somthing else.Would you medicate
if you did find out you had it? I see a psychologist on may 13 to
talk about meds, see what is going on, and to be perfectly honest I
would take them just to see if I felt better and remembered more. HTH
but I know what your going through.Tara--- In
adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, Candice <mothersgroup2000@>
wrote:>> I've been keeping this under my hat. A little nervous, a
little afraid of> the outcome... but I've taken the step to get
myself evaluated. I've come> to the conclusion that it's very hard to
diagnose Adult ADD/ADHD. Mostly> because they want me to remember
things from 30 years ago!! lol I can barely> remember what I had for
breakfast last week. :P > > I had my appointment with William's
psychiatrist on Monday and he said it's> possible. If I am it's
definitely mild. I told him that I didn't care if> the diagnosis was
ADHD or something else, I just wanted some idea of why I> am the way
I am. He also said there might/probably have been some> depression
episodes throughout my life. > > On one hand it was productive as it
got the ball rolling but on the other> hand I really don't know a lot
more than when I started. What it did make> me think was that I need
to find a counselor or psychologist or psychiatrist> of my own
(William's isn't taking new patients at this time) to do some talk>
therapy. I go back on May 8th to do some "scales" with my family
doctor to> see how I stack up. :P > > When I first started going to
my family doctor I told her all my symptoms. > Her initial diagnosis
was "stress, tired, overworked". Prescription was get> out on my own
more (Mommy Time), get more sleep and try to get rid of some> stress.
Taking care of William helped with some of the stress but the rest>
of it was/is hard to do. I can only afford to go out once or twice a
month> (less now that we have a trip coming up) and my one outting
doesn't happen> anymore so I usually only go out once a month.
My "Mommy Time" is after the> kids go to bed so there's so much I
want to do that I don't go to bed until> at least midnight so sleep's
an issue still. lol There are other issues I> want to talk to a
professional about, and I'll bring it up at my appointment> > >
Wow... now that I've babbled on (and if you've made it this far,
thanks!) my> question would be: > > Should I research
possible "scales" (I think that's what they call the> tests) or go in
blind? > > I tend to... not make up symptoms... but rather...
internalize them... not> even sure that's the right term. Focus on
them? I have a "quiz" or test I> got from the Internet... out of 71
statements I checked off 34... so almost> 1/2. When I take the quizes
online (from, hopefully, reputable sites) they> tell me I have a good
chance of having ADHD.> > lol I'm still babbling... I'm not even sure
I'm going to send this (leaning> towards doing it but not sure) but
if I do then... I know you all are not> professionals so you can't
diagnose me or anything like that. I guess I> just needed to get all
this off my chest. I haven't talked to hubby much> about it but I
think I just need an answer for why I am the way I am. No> matter
what the diagnosis (ADHD, depressed, or just plain lazy :P).> >
thanks for reading... I think I'm going to hit send before I chicken
out.> lol> > Candice> > [Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Back to work after baby–how do you know when you're ready?
> http://lifestyle.msn.com/familyandparenting/articleNW.aspx?cp-
documentid=5797498&ocid=T067MSN40A0701A
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Well out appointment is for Oct. 6 for dr. demio, so it would be a
bit longer then a few weeks, and in the mean time he would be staring
kindergarden, but he is constantly getting into trouble at preschool,
and it makes him feel like crap when he is always in trouble always
getting yelled at or told his choices are wrong, I'm constantly on
him about not listening, hitting, grabbing his siter and swinging her
around by the head etc.  Its exhausting not to mention almost
damaging to his self esteem.  I have poor self esteem cause I was
always told I was stupid, I do not want him to have that, I want him
to be confident and by being told every single day that he is making
bad chosices and not listening etc.  That will hurt his self esteem
in the long run, and I don't want it damaged anymore then what it is,
cause it is easier to help him behave with a pill for a short time,
then to take months to years to repair his self esteem.

I'm not really sure how to talk to him about what is wrong with him,
he just turned 5 so as for decission making I can ask, but again not
sure of what he really will understand, he is very smart, but I have
not come out and said, Zay you have ADHD and this is what is wrong
with you and if you want we can put you on meds and see if you behave
better.  Not sure again on how to handle that, but I do know i would
not just be doing this for myself to make it easier, I have just seen
how he is and we have been doing behavior mod. and we have the person
comming into the daycare center evey week to work with him on his
behavior, so behavior mods, has helped, just not good enough.

So this has been a long debate of mine for 2 years now, on how to
help him keep his self esteem intacted.

Thanks for listening.

Tara

--- In adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, "McGraw Family"
<themcgrawfamily@...> wrote:
>
> Well Strattera could take up to 8 weeks to really work so it's not
really a
> good short term solution for anything. You need to do what is right
for you
> and your family. There are 2 things I do when we are trying to
decide on a
> plan of action for my son. I ask myself if I'm doing it for me or
for him?
> And then I talk to him about it too. I'm not sure how old your son
is so I
> don't know if he's old enough for you to talk to him about it yet.
I try not
> to make my decisions based on what is just easier for me, but what
is best
> for my son. Sometimes they are the same and sometimes not.
>
>
>
> Michele
>
>
>
> From: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tara
> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:46 AM
> To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] I have been debating over this
>
>
>
> But have been considering putting my son on either Straterra (sp)
or
> adderal for a short term basis until our appointment with Dr.
Demio,
> he's driving me nuts, that sounds bad, but I honestly do not know
how
> much more i can take, he is just constant not listening, running
> around, impulsivity, back talking etc. That compiled with my 3 year
old
> daughter going on 30 is really starting to take it's toll.
>
> I know it depends on his body, but I am open to suggestions,
especially
> if it is only going to be fore a few months.
>
> Thanks
> Tara
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Nikki:

You know what, no matter what, they're still our babies and always will be...no
matter how old they get!  I sometimes yank my DS's chain.  He is 15 and  taller
than I am (well, the average 1st grader is, LOL) but sometimes when he irritates
the snot out of me I tell him, "Well, I still love you and you'll always be my
baby."  That is always accompanied by the eyes rolling up in the head and the
**sigh**, "OOOHHHHH  MMMOOOOMMMM.  I'm 15!"

You will survive and thrive.  The beginning of the journey is difficult because
there's so much to deal with.  But, again, that's what we're here for ... to
help you through that.  So, keep posting, venting.

Barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Nicole Ridderbos
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:03 AM
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


   Thanks Barb! I dealt with Alex's ADHD dx pretty well but this is just getting
to me. I know depression runs in our family so it shouldn't surprise me but
still it does. All we want is for our kids to grow up happy and healthy.. I know
we are doing the right thing but sometimes i just want to say forget it and
crawl under a rock and pretend he's my little baby. OK so enough of that! We
will survive and thrive!
   thanks again!
   Nikki

   ----- Original Message ----
   From: barbjay <barbjay@...>
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02:29 AM
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Nicole:

   I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not
been diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice on
dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so difficult to
deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids, especially @ such
a young age. But, here's the good news - - you are getting your DS HELP @ a very
young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with what life hands him! That's
a gift you are giving your son.

   You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I
dearly wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it wasn't
for lack of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am grateful that he
was diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather than later in life for
the very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope with what life hands him.

   I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
   barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Nicole Ridderbos
   To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
   Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
   Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I have
to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an antidepressant
Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and mood disorder are very
similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and mood disorders? I am so
upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going through this.

   Nikki

   ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
   Be a better friend, newshound, and
   know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile. yahoo.com/
;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR 8HDtDypao8Wcj9tA cJ

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   __________________________________________________________
   Be a better friend, newshound, and
   know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

were seeing him Oct. 6 th in cleveland, that is closest to us.

:)

--- In adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, "cmlaw67" <claw@...>
wrote:
>
> when are you seeing demio. in columbus or cleveland?
>
> he is not totally oppsed to meds.
>
> did i give you the website to the local group of moms that seeh him?
> i also have a good friend who could answer questions if you want.
she
> is a wealth of info!
>
>
>
>
> --- In adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Tara"
> <sweetheart43613@> wrote:
> >
> > But have been considering putting my son on either Straterra
(sp)  or
> > adderal for a short term basis until our appointment with Dr.
Demio,
> > he's driving me nuts, that sounds bad, but I honestly do not know
how
> > much more i can take, he is just constant not listening, running
> > around, impulsivity, back talking etc. That compiled with my 3
year
> old
> > daughter going on 30 is really starting to take it's toll.
> >
> > I know it depends on his body, but I am open to suggestions,
> especially
> > if it is only going to be fore a few months.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Tara
> >
>

Barb thank you for that side effect warning!
Nikki


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: barbjay <barbjay@...>
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:02:16 AM
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


Michele:

Yes, I have heard of that class of anti-seizure med being used for mood
disorder. Initially when my son was diagnosed with depression in 2005, he was on
a combo of Zoloft and Lamictal (another anti-seizure med) for underlying anger,
and that was after Respirdal was tried (and failed miserably for him.) He was
only on Lamictal, however, short term and that was BEFORE he was diagnosed with
ADHD.

The other thing that I should have mentioned before is that you really need to
be aware that it raoses the level of prolactin, so especially for boys, you need
to monitor this, because that can cause breasts to develop.

Barb
----- Original Message -----
From: McGraw Family
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:36 AM
Subject: RE: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Trileptal? For a mood disorder? Hmmm.never heard of it for mood disorders.
My son takes it for epilepsy.

Michele

From: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
[mailto:adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com] On Behalf Of barbjay
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02 AM
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Nicole:

I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not
been diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice
on dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so
difficult to deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids,
especially @ such a young age. But, here's the good news - - you are getting
your DS HELP @ a very young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with
what life hands him! That's a gift you are giving your son.

You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I
dearly wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it
wasn't for lack of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am
grateful that he was diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather
than later in life for the very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope
with what life hands him.

I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Ridderbos
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
<mailto:adhdparents supportgroup% 40yahoogroups. com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I
have to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an
antidepressant Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and
mood disorder are very similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and
mood disorders? I am so upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going
through this.

Nikki

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile. yahoo.com/ ;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR 8HDtDypao8Wcj9tA cJ

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yeah it's been found to work great in kids with depresion with out the suicidal
tendencies. It has only been used for this for the past few years. Interesting
isn't it.
Nikki



----- Original Message ----
From: McGraw Family <themcgrawfamily@...>
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:36:54 AM
Subject: RE: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


Trileptal? For a mood disorder? Hmmm.never heard of it for mood disorders.
My son takes it for epilepsy.

Michele

From: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
[mailto:adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com] On Behalf Of barbjay
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02 AM
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Nicole:

I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not
been diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice
on dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so
difficult to deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids,
especially @ such a young age. But, here's the good news - - you are getting
your DS HELP @ a very young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with
what life hands him! That's a gift you are giving your son.

You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I
dearly wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it
wasn't for lack of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am
grateful that he was diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather
than later in life for the very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope
with what life hands him.

I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Ridderbos
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
<mailto:adhdparents supportgroup% 40yahoogroups. com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I
have to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an
antidepressant Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and
mood disorder are very similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and
mood disorders? I am so upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going
through this.

Nikki

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Thanks Barb! I dealt with Alex's ADHD dx pretty well but this is just getting to
me. I know depression runs in our family so it shouldn't surprise me but still
it does. All we want is for our kids to grow up happy and healthy.. I know we
are doing the right thing but sometimes i just want to say forget it and crawl
under a rock and pretend he's my little baby. OK so enough of that! We will
survive and thrive!
thanks again!
Nikki



----- Original Message ----
From: barbjay <barbjay@...>
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02:29 AM
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


Nicole:

I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not been
diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice on
dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so difficult to
deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids, especially @ such
a young age. But, here's the good news - - you are getting your DS HELP @ a very
young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with what life hands him! That's
a gift you are giving your son.

You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I dearly
wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it wasn't for lack
of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am grateful that he was
diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather than later in life for the
very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope with what life hands him.

I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Ridderbos
To: adhdparentssupportg roup@yahoogroups .com
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I have
to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an antidepressant
Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and mood disorder are very
similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and mood disorders? I am so
upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going through this.

Nikki

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile. yahoo.com/
;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR 8HDtDypao8Wcj9tA cJ

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile..  Try it now. 
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Michele:

Yes, I have heard of that class of anti-seizure med being used for mood
disorder.  Initially when my son was diagnosed with depression in 2005, he was
on a combo of Zoloft and Lamictal (another anti-seizure med) for underlying
anger, and that was after Respirdal was tried (and failed miserably for him.)  
He was only on Lamictal, however, short term and that was BEFORE he was
diagnosed with ADHD.

The other thing that I should have mentioned before is that you really need to
be aware that it raoses the level of prolactin, so especially for boys, you need
to monitor this, because that can cause breasts to develop.

Barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: McGraw Family
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:36 AM
   Subject: RE: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son


   Trileptal? For a mood disorder? Hmmm.never heard of it for mood disorders.
   My son takes it for epilepsy.

   Michele

   From: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   [mailto:adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of barbjay
   Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02 AM
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Nicole:

   I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not
   been diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice
   on dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so
   difficult to deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids,
   especially @ such a young age. But, here's the good news - - you are getting
   your DS HELP @ a very young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with
   what life hands him! That's a gift you are giving your son.

   You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I
   dearly wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it
   wasn't for lack of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am
   grateful that he was diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather
   than later in life for the very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope
   with what life hands him.

   I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
   barb
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Nicole Ridderbos
   To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
   <mailto:adhdparentssupportgroup%40yahoogroups.com>
   Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
   Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

   Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
   instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I
   have to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an
   antidepressant Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and
   mood disorder are very similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and
   mood disorders? I am so upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going
   through this.

   Nikki

   __________________________________________________________
   Be a better friend, newshound, and
   know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
   http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Trileptal? For a mood disorder? Hmmm.never heard of it for mood disorders.
My son takes it for epilepsy.



Michele



From: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of barbjay
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 8:02 AM
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son



Nicole:

I am sorry, my computer sent off the msg. before I finished. My DS has not
been diagnosed with a mood disorder, so I really can't offer too much advice
on dealing with that. BUT, I can say you are in my thoughts. It is so
difficult to deal with being told there is something "wrong" with out kids,
especially @ such a young age. But, here's the good news - - you are getting
your DS HELP @ a very young age, so he will be able to learn to cope with
what life hands him! That's a gift you are giving your son.

You know, my DS wasn't diagnosed w/ADHD and depression until he was 12. I
dearly wish I'd had the opportunity to get help for him earlier (and it
wasn't for lack of trying!), but that's how things unfolded. But, I am
grateful that he was diagnosed so we could help him when he was 12 rather
than later in life for the very reason that he is learning SLOWLY to cope
with what life hands him.

I hope this helps. Take a deep breath. We're here for you, dear.
barb
----- Original Message -----
From: Nicole Ridderbos
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:adhdparentssupportgroup%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:08 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] Update on son

Well I talked with ds's doctor and she thinks Alex may not have ADHD and may
instead have a mood disorder. I am freaking out! He is so young, only 7.. I
have to set up counseling appointments too. The doctor put him on an
antidepressant Trileptal. From what I have read the symptoms of ADHD and
mood disorder are very similar. Has anyone else delt with young children and
mood disorders? I am so upset right now. I feel so guilty that he's going
through this.

Nikki

__________________________________________________________
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This is in response to the question of how do you go about getting
tested.  First I found a doctor who was willing to work with me.  I
use a DAN MD.  DAN means Do away with Autism Now.  He is also a
holistic doctor.  He ordered a blood test for foods.  Several test can
be done from this blood draw.  An IgE test is most common in testing
things when a child has had a severe reaction to foods.  It is what we
think of when we think of food allergies (swollen tongue, throat
closure, hives).  Another test is IgA which will test 150 foods.
These are foods that affect our mood and our gut.  My son has reflux
and ADD.  I found the link.  Although he doesn't have an IgE response
to wheat, milk, and peanut butter; his body doesn't break the foods
down in the gut well enough to absorb and use it efficiently
(malabsorption) therefore he was always tired and grumpy aside from no
attention span.  We also had a Comprehensive Stool
Analysis/Parasitology test.  This revealed his gut was irritated and
the two major responses revealed he isn't processing dairy or grains.
  Very consistent with the bloodwork.  The Candida refractory test will
indicate if yeast is to blame.  As well, the milk and egg sensitivity
test can be broken down into specific components but these are two
separate test.  He was tested for Celiac/Gliaden (IgA Anti-Gliadin
Antibody Test) but was negative.  However, he still can't process
wheat or other grains.  A sensitivity reveals antibodies building in
your body as a response to certain foods.  Imagine being allergic to
pollen and everyday of your life you have all the symptoms but you
can't simply go indoors and get away.  After a few days you start
getting crabby and can't think right.  Well this is what is going on
with kids who have sensitivities.  The unfortunate part is that until
you remove the offending food for 2-3 months and clean their systems
and start over it is hard to detect.  I have BCBS which paid for these
test based on a dx of ADD.  These test were upwards of $2000 to run.
Good luck.  I'll try to answer any other questions.  I don't believe
this to be our cure all but it has been a good starting place for now.
  As I stated in a previous e/m we are gluten/dairy/sugar/peanut free
and it has made all the difference in the world.

Blessings,
Tara Ebert
TN