"Can you give me some examples of how the medication has changed your life for the better?" the doctor inquired. He never broke his gaze from his laptop screen, which made me wonder if he was actually interested or just making conversation while checking his email."Well, for one thing I am not a frickin spaz anymore."
And just like that my prescription for Strattera was refilled.
About a year ago, I was diagnosed with A.D.D. The wife noticed some of my more unusual habits after living with me for a few months. She dated a guy with A.D.D. in college and said I exhibited a many of the same 'symptoms'; random bouts of fidgeting, unable to remember appointments or obligations, couldn't sit still through a movie, couldn't finish an entire book, random hand movements and blurting out songs or sounds for no reason at all. I've done those things all my life and just figured them normal.
It wasn't normal. I went to see a doctor. I took a test. Best grade I ever received. So he immediately put me on a low dose of Strattera and the results were amazing. I could concentrate. I could get things accomplished. I could sit still. The easiest way to explain the meds is that they reduced the chatter in my head. I didn't have one hundred thoughts running randomly through my mind like kids on a playground.
What sold the doctor on continuing my medication was my revelation that since being medicated I enjoyed my most successful career year..well.. ever. Granted I actually enjoy my job, which helps tremendously, but I've also been able to get freelance work and do the little things like keeping this blog updated and my life in order.
Everyone who knows about my meds asks the same questions; "Are you going to take them forever? Do you know what they may do to your body in years to come?"
If these are the results I'd be a fool to stop. I won't say the drugs make me a better writer but they at least give me the patience to sit down and try. I can't spend my life worrying about what these drugs may do to my health (if anything) in thirty or forty years. I'd rather be sick with disease than sick with regrets.
Who wants to be a healthy 80-year-old with incredible stories? No one ever listens to that guy.
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5 comments:
Glad you are feeling better and found what works for you. Keep up the good writing!
Have there been any significant negative side effects that you've noticed?
Minor. Like it's best not to drink soon after taking the pill. I usually take them in the morning so if I do drink its not until dinner/after. But let's say I take it then go to like a summer BBQ or grab a beer during game, it just makes you dehydrated a little faster. Doesn't make you sick or anything.
Other than that, none. It's none addictive. For example, I once ran out of prescrip on Friday and drug store couldn't refill until Monday. Went a few days without it with no withdrawal, I just went back to my normal, spazzy, uncontrolled self.
Glad you have found what works I am considered weird, cause I can remember every detail back to the late 1960's but sometime can't remember my own phone number. Everyone is wireded different. Our task is to overcome and help each other. Whatever works for you.
God Bless;
Tom
Hmm, that makes you an ADD? I am exactly like that! But, I just figured everyone in America had ADD by this point. I don't like doctors or medicine, but if I ever get any insurance, I might have to ask about that!
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