Want adult ADD opinions on growing up ADD and meds

[Sorka]

How's it going sarah?
Denise

[Douglas]

Oh, how I wish I'd had some kind of med when I was growing up!!!

on the other hand, when I was growing up, there were virtually no ADD med options for teenagers, compared to today ...

[DenverSarah]

Well we are going to go ahead and go with meds. I have been agonizing and researching and I don't ever think I will feel *good* about it I feel like it's just the best option available to us for the time being. I will never give up my pursuit to find an answer that will work for him without meds, but I can't let him continue to suffer in the meantime.

Last night something that he said to me was the clincher. I was telling him how sad I felt that he has such a hard time being calm and rational, and he commented to me that he only had one friend left at school. Apprarantly one of the twins that comprised his two best friends had announced to him that he didn't want to be friends with him anymore. That just broke my heart.

I am making an appointment with the ped today. Wish us luck!

[rosyred45]

Good luck Sarah(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))
I know it was a hard choice for you and maybe, just maybe, the meds will work out so that he can have better friendships. Besides, there are so many options out there, if at first you don't succeed, try again.

More ((((((((((hugs))))))))))

[ohmama]

Denver,
You have made the wise decision, the only one a loving parent in your circumstances could make. I know your fears, they were once mine. I finally took the steps necessary to give my boy the best care possible and for us that meant medication. I know in my heart that this had to be done and I'm not sorry. A whole new door opened for him and now I have substantial hope that I am on the right treatment plan.

You see, it's not a matter of using natural alternatives versus using meds. Like it has to be one or the other. It's rather that now you can use meds along with the natural alternatives for the best results. Don't give up the omega 3 fatty acids or the vitamins/minerals. Even the diet plan can be used along with meds. All of the knowledge you have gained about nutrition can be used. Everything has limits... both natural alternatives and medication, but using these things together you will have the best possible program. It takes a wise person to know that there is not one answer, one product. Each has its limits of effectiveness.

I may have mentioned this before to you but if you will go to www.brainplace.com/bp/atlas/default.asp you can see the before and after brain scans of how using medication works. Meds are not the enemy, the disorder is.

[rosyred45]

Well said Ohmama, thank you for that.

I used to be totally 100% against meds, but I have came through the realization that one thing doesn't work for all. Thankfully I haven't had to go that route, but it is always in the back of my mind that the school or someone will say something to that effect.

You have done a tremendous amount of research. I applaud you as a parent.

[DenverSarah]

Thanks everyone!

I really really appreciate all the support and answers that I have found here.

OhMama I agree wholeheartedly about natural and med approaches complement each other. I just got a message from another mom that she has been able to reduce the meds with supplements and diet, and so I have confidence that the two together will be the best for my son.

At the risk of sounding cliche....for us this is just another step in the journey, NOT the destination!

Thanks again and I'm sure you all will be hearing from me about how things go!

Sarah

[Sorka]

Do let us know what the PEd says.. and we can help out with avoiding some side effects and pitfalls that you may encounter on this leg of the journey!!

Denise