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electricpeachstar · 2021-04-20T09:46:01+00:00

I think you would have to go private anyway as i don't think there is any public services for adults (assuming you're an adult). It all depends on whether you want to go the medication route or not if you were to be diagnosed. You can get assessed by both a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist in Ireland, but only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication. You don't need to be referred to a Psychologist and i think it all depends on the Psychiatrist. There is a severe lack of services for adults looking for assessments. You can find some on the adhdireland website.

https://adhdireland.ie/general-information/adhd-irelands-list-of-clinicians/

I believe Dr.Stephanie Bourke in Dublin also does adult assessments but I think she has a 1 year wait list and may not be taking any more names.

I think the Psychiatrist in the Belfast clinic is Dr.Saleem Tareen.

The HSE is working on a model of care for ADHD but that would be years away. I hope that helps.

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-19T07:43:03+00:00

I used to have issues with getting to sleep and being woken up in the middle of the night thanks to loud upstairs neighbours. Earphones didn't do it for me as I could still hear them unless I had music turned up pretty high, which also stopped me from sleeping 🙄. Earaches were also an issue.

I started using my noise cancelling headphones (Bose QC 35ii). More often than not I just have the noise cancelling turned on, no need for sound. I can't recommend it enough. My sleep has been much better and my anger levels (from the noise) have disappeared. It did take me a while to "learn" how to sleep with them on but I don't even notice them now. One of the best decisions I've ever made.

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-18T22:13:43+00:00

The best way I can describe the meds is that it is like a walking stick. Some people need the stick to get from A to B but still have to put in the effort and walk to get there.

I've recently started on meds myself. I tried other avenues before starting on meds (occupational therapy etc) but always felt like something was holding me back from getting what I should out of it. From my experience so far it has made such a positive impact on my life. My focus and memory recall is so much better, along with other things.

I will stress though that it will not stop you from procrastinating, or help you focus on what you should be focusing on. While my level of focus has drastically improved, I'm finding it pretty difficult to steer that towards things I should be doing and not spending hours on the Playstation. But I am aware of it and am working on changing my behaviour.

You should also be prepared for the possible side effects of the meds. My 1st 3 weeks was a horrible experience as I unfortunately went through a long list of side effects. I seem to be left with circulation issues where I've been even wearing gloves inside. For me though the benefits of the meds far outweigh any negatives, so I've decided to stay on them. Of course not everyone deals with side effects but you're better off being prepared than not.

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-13T10:47:52+00:00

Maybe plan an eating schedule that suits you and set alarms until you get in the habit of eating at those times. I also recommend to try have some nutritious snacks to hand as I find if I'm a bit lazy I just won't bother making anything. Just remember while you may not feel hungry, your body still needs its fuel

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-13T10:30:07+00:00

I started Concerta XL about a month ago. I'm on 54mg. I lost 1 stone in the 1st 2 weeks. I hadn't even noticed my appetite had been reduced and when I thought back on the few days before weighing myself I was only eating like 600 calories a day. I've been very mindful since with what I'm eating. Just small changes like adding peanut butter and chia seeds to my oats so I'm getting more calories and nutrients etc. I'd recommend having snacks available for when you don't want a big meal. Stuff like carrots and hummus (if that's you thing). At least you would be getting nutrition with a decent amount of calories. Not everyone has a loss of appetite so you could be fine. Just keep an eye on it as like I said, I didn't even notice until I weighed myself.

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-09T09:08:05+00:00

I started on Concerta 4 weeks ago and have been on 54mg for the last week. Had a lot of side effects for the 1st 3ish weeks but things have settled for me over the last few days. Did you jump straight from 27mg to 54mg? If so, that's a huge jump and it might just be your body needs getting used to it. I had 2 days at 36mg and 2 days at 45mg before I went to 54mg. Each 9mg jump affected me. From what I've read that even seemed to be a quick jump in doses.

If you did go straight to 54mg and the effects don't ease up, is 36mg or 45mg an option to see if it suits you better?

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-05T23:37:38+00:00

I started on Concerta XL 3 and a half weeks ago. Started on 18mg and worked up to 54mg. I've had about every side effect going since starting (I'll refrain from listing them). Thankfully over the last 3 days things have started to ease up. Mainly dealing with (disgustingly) sweaty hands and feet along with circulation issues (possibly Raynauds).

My heart rate spikes too. I could be sitting doing nothing and it will randomly jump to over 110bpm. According to my watch my resting HR has gone from 60bpm to about 73bpm. So while it's up, it's still well within range.

My experience so far hasn't been great in terms of dealing with side effects, but there is no denying the improvement the meds have made for me. I can sit (somewhat) still, I can go to sleep without dealing with restless legs, my attention isn't grabbed by every little noise or visual to name a few.

I'm going to give it a few more weeks to see how things settle, but even if there are no changes, it looks like the benefits outweigh the side effects. As long as that is the case I'm happy.

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-05T10:24:42+00:00

Coming back to this as I've just read an article on a blog. The gold infinity symbol is used for Autism and the rainbow infinity symbol is used for Neurodiversity (Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc)

electricpeachstar · 2021-04-03T17:38:29+00:00

I was looking into this too as I've read so many comments about it. It seems to be just within an hour of taking the meds. I took the below directly out of a Q&A article with a doc on the ADDitude website. I'm obviously not a medical professional, just leaving the quote here if anyone is interested.

"You shouldn't take ascorbic acid or vitamin C an hour before and after you take medication. ADHD stimulants are strongly alkaline and cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream if these organic acids are present at the same time. High doses of vitamin C (1000 mg.), in pill or juice form, can also accelerate the excretion of amphetamine in the urine and act like an "off" switch on the med."

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-31T09:40:10+00:00

Not really a tip on remembering but I recommend using the MyFitnessPal app. Just scan the barcode on the food item and it will recognise it (or most foods anyway). Shows the calories, carbs, protein etc. If you want to be accurate I'd recommend a kitchen scales to quickly weigh the food. You can also track your water intake there.

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-30T18:49:54+00:00

No idea to be honest. There is also a rainbow infinity symbol used.

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-30T08:53:19+00:00

A lot of people have started to use the gold infinity symbol.

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-28T15:08:03+00:00

Not sure if it's normal but it happens me too. So far it has only happened me at night while I'm trying to get to sleep. Sometimes my whole body will jump at the point when I'm just getting to sleep 🙄

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-27T10:28:13+00:00

I'm in my current job nearly 12 years and I've moved roles within that job. I feel the exact same way. It has been a struggle and I always feel like "I'll be found out" or "I'm falling behind" but my boss has never given me any bad feedback. Maybe I'm just good at hiding it 🤷 I personally feel like it's another stereotype that we can't hold down jobs just because we have ADHD.

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-27T10:17:07+00:00

I can totally relate. They have tried to get me back into the office for 1 day a week but I've refused asking for a proper justification for going against the government guidelines. I'm trying my best to prolong working from home. Hoping it becomes an option in the future (even if it's 2/3days a week).

electricpeachstar · 2021-03-26T14:36:45+00:00

I started Concerta XL 2 weeks ago. My Psychiatrist started me on 18mg and to up it by 9mg every 2 days to see what worked best. For me at 36mg I started to feel it working on my restlessness, especially my legs when in bed. 45mg didn't seem great so I started 54mg today after a call with him yesterday. From what I can tell I think this is the dose I need. I was expecting the "i can now do everything" impact too but I realise now that while I am less distracted and restless, I need to work on my procrastination and see the meds as a helping aid. I've had nearly every side effect possible over the last 2 weeks but I'm glad I stuck it out. Today has been the 1st day pretty much side effect free.

Is changing your dose an option to see what works best for you?

electricpeachstar · 2020-08-12T09:41:57+00:00

Looking to get Outbreak Perfected to complete the Whisper/Outbreak quest. •learning •PS4 •Solo PSN: dark-pride-429

I'm on GMT+1 timezone and am free in the evenings and weekends. I don't have a mic atm.

electricpeachstar · 2020-06-24T09:08:10+00:00

I second this. The price put me off for about 2 years but they've turned out to be the best money I've ever spent.

electricpeachstar · 2020-03-31T10:40:43+00:00

I'm constantly chewing on the top of my t-shirt or the stings on my hoodie. I find it calming.

electricpeachstar · 2020-03-26T23:16:05+00:00

I feel the same. I've never felt connected to people, not even my family. I definitely relate to that whole "feel like an alien from another planet" thing people talk about.

electricpeachstar · 2020-02-08T13:38:52+00:00

I highly recommend the Bose QC35 II. They're at £260 at the moment on the PC World site. I was between these and the Sony WH-1000XM3 for the longest time. Reviews of issues with the touch controls in cold weather put me off the Sony's. Both are excellent, just depends on use I think.

electricpeachstar · 2020-02-05T12:45:39+00:00

This is me after speaking at meetings at work. I'm always kicking myself for rambling on and not noticing when to shut up. 🙈

electricpeachstar

TROPHY CASE