My 5yo was just dxed adhd - ADD / ADHD Message Board

ZFREEIN2003 · 10-23-2004, 03:59 PM

I'm hoping that some may help me here. I've always suspected my daughter was adhd. She is in kindergarten and had trouble from day 1. Fortunately, she's in a private school with only 14 other classmates and has a WONDERFUL teacher. After consulting with the teacher and director, I decided to have my daughter tested, which as some may know, is EXTREMELY expensive. It turns out that I was right and my daughter is extremely bright, but also adhd. The psychologist couldn't test her as long as he wanted to because she just could not focus long enough. Her verbal IQ is 116 and she tested as 2nd grade math level. The other tests she fell into the normal range, but he feels that if she could have just focused more, that she would be much higher. There is no telling what her potential is until we can get the ADHD under control.

On really bad days, she continually making a humming noise. I always know that it is going to be a rough day when she starts out doing that noise. Nothing holds her attention for very long on good day, so a bad day is even tougher. I'm one tired mommy!

I did decide to try medications and she started on 5 mg 2x a day of Ritalin today. I was only able to get one dose in and about 1 hour after taking it, she was extremely tired. I have never seen her like this. I did call the doctor and she says to try again tomorrow, but if the tiredness doesn't improve, to not give it to her on Monday. I can work out the meds with the doctor.

I'm curious as to what goes on inside her head. I wish I could understand how she thinks so that I can help her more. She already knows that she's different from her classmates. She really tries hard and doesn't want to get in trouble. She told me "mommy, I try so hard, but I just can't help it". I just felt so bad.

If someone who, as an adult, has ADHD can give me some insight of what it's like, I would be very appreciative. Thank you.

Z

lfoster21 · 10-23-2004, 07:49 PM

I hope I can help you a little. My son is now 18 yrs. old and started on Ritilin when he was in 4th grade. (His teachers started mentioning it during Kindegarten but I wasn't convinced at that time that meds. were the way to go). In 4th grade his teacher said that it was so sad for her to see a 4th grader with no friends. She said it wasn't that he wasn't liked, but that kids were afraid of getting into trouble when they were around him. That is when I decided it was time for the meds.

1st: It did take a while to find the dosage that worked for him. We went through several trials and as he grew and new meds. became available, we made adjustments. Now there are even more options. Just keep a record of your daughters activity levels and moods, so you can keep the Dr. posted. She should be able to find the perfect type and amount. There are some "normal" side affects that will go away as she gets use to the med. But on the other hand, she shouldn't be slowed down to the point she cant concentrate or she's always tired. The Dr. should be expecting to make adjustments.

2nd: Talking to my son now, here is what he has to say.
1. He knew that he did better in school, and he had a lot more friends. Those were reasons he liked being on meds.
2. He could tell the difference during sports, in a negative way. He said that he couldn't catch the football like he use to be able to. He was slowed down and not as aware of the ball as he use to be w/o the meds.
3. Now, as an adult and not on meds. he says the reason he stays up so late and gets less sleep than an average person is beause if he is well rested, he is too hyper and he gets himself in trouble. People at work and school dont want to be around him. He gets too silly. But, when he is somewhat tired, he is calmed down enough to act like a "normal" adult. (I think it would be easier to just take the meds again, but he doesn't want to.

Good luck, and as the mother I will tell you that it was night and day with the meds. I will keep you in my prayers and let you know if I think of anything else.

Lorie

mudhound · 10-31-2004, 06:16 AM

Find a local support group for yourself. Type in **** + support group to find one in your area. You might also type in your state.
Stay right here on this board. There are others out there that care.

Z'sMom · 11-02-2004, 10:39 AM

ZFREE - I know you posted this a while back but I was at a meeting of kids with ADD/ADHD last night thru our church and we got into a discussion. Maybe some of their comments would help you to understand:

- like I'm underwater, everyone else is above water and I can see them/hear them but it's thru a big, blue, clear, wave

- like there's static in my head, but it's MY beat - my heart goes to it, my body's moving, it's like I'm in my own dance and I get caught up in it

- like I see what the teacher wants me to do, but it's on the other side of this glass wall...I can reach some of it, but not enough and I KNOW it's there but I can't reach it no matter how hard I try

- like my Mom starts talking and I KNOW I need to listen to her but then my eyes keep going to a color, all around the room, and I pull them back but it's like I have this war going on with my eyes

- like if I can just keep on top of this little thing that caught my attention I'll look just like everybody else.

Most of these kids were only recently put on meds & parents were evaluating whether to keep them on meds OR were not on meds but parents were interested enough to come hear speakers. My Z related to pretty much all of the statements he told me.