Finding help with limited income

[LoriDarlin101]

I have been diagnosed with ADHD by two physicians and been on medication for 3 years..I am a 51 year old woman. I have shown signs all my life however, I chose not to believe there was a such thing until I had to face it. I do OK and the meds but still do not live a full life. I am newly married, my husband knows of my condition and knows I take meds but doesn't understand. We get along great until my symptons interupt our plans or cost us money. I have no insurance..I cant hold a job (past 10+ years)..I am always behind on laundry, household chores, paying bills, overdue libraby books you name it. I have folders, file systems, notes, to do list ...nothing is helping. I end up feeling sad and overwhelmed at the end of the day. I can"t afford more testing or buying a different med to see if it works better (last one cost $200 and made it worse).  I sometimes can't stay awake during the day so I set my alarm to wake me before my husband gets home and then I run around trying to get everyting done. My husband is great, truly a gift from God, but I am not sure what he would do if he knew how bad my symptoms are. Right now it is easier to hide them but he will be retiring soon...I really need to get control of this before he does...Please help if you know where I can go for therapy or anything that would help that doesnt cost a lot of money. I am currently taking ritalin 20 mg twice a day, clonazepam 1mg for anxiety,citalopram 40mg twice a day and estradiol1mg...Have no ovaries due to many surgeries..ANYTHING you could do to help would be appreciated.


This discussion is related to 24 y/o F with possible ADD.

[Midijane]

You're welcome. I'll be anxious to hear if it works for you. i can't remember how much coupons were worth, just that anything helped at the time. Heck, i'm lucky i know what day of the week it is :). Take care.

[Sandman2]

   Excellent idea.  Thank you for posting!

[Midijane]

Hello Lori, have you ever tried patientassistance.com? I used to print off coupons for my monthly prescription for Ritalin when I didn't have insurance. Sometimes drug manufacturers have their own programs for people without insurance also. At least those are 2 starting places for you. Good luck and take care.

[Sandman2]

   Hey lori, welcome to the world of Adult ADHD.  Boy, you sure have all the symptoms.  Well, except for not being able to stay awake during the day.  That is not typical!  I think it is from the Klonopin (clonnozepam), and it almost sounds like an overdose,  but got to do a bit more research on that.  I definitely think that you should talk to which ever doc prescribed that and let him know you can't get out of bed.  That is very unusual.  Also don't just stop taking it.  You need to slowly go off or taper down.  So definitely talk to our doc!
    Also docs always start low on ritalin and then work up the dose if needed.  Ritalin is a good med. It should really help you with a lot of your symptoms.   It may be that the dose also needs to be adjusted upward - so another good reason to talk to your doc.  Hopefully it is the same one!  Is it?
    I know one or two adult ADHD sites.  I'll look them up and send them to you.  They contain a lot of helpful suggestions.  As I said, you are not the only one out their with this problem - well except for the sleeping part.
   Let me know if there are other ways to help!  I'll get that other site to you fairly soon.  Best wishes.