BobbyMike
Member

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: "Children are a gift from God, they are a reward"
Posts: 1049 |
Again I take some time off and see what happens!
Josh, my sister and her two sons have been diagnosed (years ago). She's been bugging me for years to be tested (as she thinks I probably have it). I've refused to. My reason for not doing so is simple, I really don't need another label. I'm 38 years old and if I have it, it hasn't stopped me from being a productive, creative, contributing member of society.
If you feel like this disorder has been holding you back (like my sister did), find out all your options and go with the one that makes sense to you. All drugs have side effects, be cautious- you only get one body 'round here. My sister loved what the drugs did for her, AFTER they got the dose right. She had severe problems when they first gave them to her. Her oldest boy (who was diagnosed about 12-14 years ago- long before her- never had problems, per se, with the drugs- he just liked himself better off them.
If you feel like it hasn't been holding you back (like my oldest nephew), move onward.
I was very unfocused while in my teens, dropped out of college (art degree) and joined the Marines. Talk about behavior modification! (I don't endorse, or condone enlistment in the MC as a cure for ADD!!) I did learn how to be much more disciplined about getting what had to be done, done. But I feel like I was able also to remain myself.
I don't mind being able to read, listen to music, and hold up a conversation at the same time. It's fun!
Lots of really creative people probably have ADD. So what. Unless they're cutting off their ears, or unable to cope with day to day living, what's the problem?
I know that the idea of being "well adjusted" is very popular, but what the heck does that mean? From you're posts you seem fine, but your wife probably has a better grasp on how you are.
I also think that not only are we going to see more and more people diagnosed with ADD, we are moving as a society towards a place where we will actually be creating a culture that promotes at least the symptoms of ADD. We seem to be rushing to a place where we are always on, with data streaming at us from all sides. They're putting little TV monitors on gas pumps(!) and in elevators(!) now so you can see all that valuable advertising instead of 'just thinking'!
(stop him! he's going off subject into rantage (is that a word?)!) (my first smiley)
sorry.
Night night,
Michael
PS Toby is a nice man. He also seems quite concerned with personal responsibility, as opposed to 'privilges and rights', which makes him okay dokey in my book. He's a straight shooter and a decent fella. He also can play a mean harmonica and can make some great baby back ribs.
added semi-serious PS about Toby, 'a nice man'(that's a Veggie Tale quote)
__________________
"I am a debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."
Last edited by BobbyMike on 06-20-2001 at 05:57 AM
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