Comments on: Welcome to the ADD & ADHD Blog!

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 22:37:55 +0000

Thank you for a wonderfull resource Dr. Handelman.

I appreciate having some hard facts to face the critics (some unfortunately in educational leadership positions).

I have 3 main questions which i would like you to adress sometime:
1.) What is your view on the link that some researchers say may exist between improvement in ADHD symptoms after tonsillectomy?
2.) Is there a higher rate of bedwetting in ADHD children?
3.) Would it be possible to have some educational strategy input from Dr. Giorcelli in Australia? – She has a phenomenal wealth of experience and is very practical. For those interested her webpage is: http://www.doctorg.org

By: Cathy M.

Cathy M. — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 02:07:54 +0000

Dr. Handelman,

The blog idea is great. I completely agree with Sharon. An on-line parent support group would be most helpful. Our family recently went through a crisis with our 15 year old son (ADHD) who was also struggling with depression, anxiety, etc. This was very emotionally difficult for the rest of the family and friends and relatives didn’t quite get it. It would have been wonderful to have support, during these very trying days, from other parents who understood. Glad to say, son is doing much better thanks to Dr. Handelman and his wonderful team at the hospital.

Cathy

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:08:05 +0000

Dr. Ken,

By the term, caregiver sharong, I thought it would be helpful if ,as those who face the challenges, that we could share, positively, things that we have found to be of help day to day. Also to be able to chat with a professional, such as yourself, to gain suggestions An online forum where we could meet monthly at a set time for instance.

Thank you

By: Dr. Kenny Handelman

Dr. Kenny Handelman — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:22:15 +0000

Hi Dar,

Regarding insurance coverage for Strattera – this can be tricky (as you describe). Unfortunately, there is no generic form of the medicine – not in Canada and not anywhere yet. This will take a lot more years – likely at least 10.

One question to ask your doctor is whether you can get samples. Because this medication is not a controlled substance (i.e. stimulant), it can be given out as samples from the doctor directly.

Your doctor may be able to give you enough samples to at least test it out and see if it works before you have to consider paying for it.

I wish you luck.

By: Dar

Dar — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:41:26 +0000

I agree, this blog is a great idea. It has helped myself as well as others to understand ADHD etc. My problem is right now my 11 year old sons doctor wants to start him on Strettera and it isn’t covered under either of our drug plans. I am in the process of filling out forms to get this med covered but it will be a few months before this happens. I understand there is a generic brand and can I get this in Canada?

By: Peggy

Peggy — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 22:01:16 +0000

This blog is a great idea, Dr. Handelman.

II’d like to hear more about everyday tips for adults with ADHD. Once the medication takes affect, I figured that everything will be fine.

But sorting out what’s fairly typical for a. adults, b. professional adults, and c. ADHD adults takes time.

For example, I now carry my keys on a lanyard around my neck (no more lost keys) and I jot down or outline in my mind everything (5 top categories, with no more than 2 subcategories each).

Thank you
Peggy

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 02:02:22 +0000

I am thankful for the news letter, and the blog page, I will be checking the blog weekly. I am a 37 year old female with ADHD, and so far only one out of three of my girls are showing any signs of having ADHD. The letters have helped me with ideas for her, and myself. Thank You again Dr. Handelman, can’t wait to hear more.

Sincerely

By: Tim Smith

Tim Smith — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 01:44:37 +0000

I really appreciate this service that you are offering! My son is 11 and on Concerta. He did stop taking the medication over the summer (probably would not have done thsi if I’d read your earlier message before now). He is overweight. We try to encourage more exercise (its like pulling teeth- swimming works best), however he overheats very quickly and hardly sweats at all. You mentioned something about potential cardiac issues. Is there anything specific we/his doctor should be checking for in this regard? Also I’ve recently started taking Strattera (2 weeks ago). Would you please comment on its effectiveness, how long it may take (should I already be noticing a difference if it is right for me?), why its not prescribed for kids (or is it or when it might be acceptable to use it if it is effective), and what I should be looking for in regards to figuring out whether or not it’s working? I’ve got many more ADHD questions swimming around in my head, but those are the top ones and I’ll hold the others for now. Once again I’d like to thank you for taking time to share your knowledge.

By: Dr. Kenny Handelman

Dr. Kenny Handelman — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:43:53 +0000

Thanks for all of the great comments!

Sharon – what do you mean by caregiver sharing? I am curious.

Thanks,
Kenny Handelman

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 14:34:10 +0000

Hello Dr. Ken

Thank you for your audio lessons and now this blog!
Will there be any chance in the future for caregiver sharing?
My 15 yr. old son has severe ADHD along with severe Learning Disabilities. He is entering Gr. 9 this fall and finds academics extremely challenging! We live in a small community in Central Ont. and our school has very little resources or Ed. Assistants, which creates even more difficulty, to say the least. I am wondering if learning strategies that a young person can figure out to do will be part of this knowledge base?
Thank you for your dedication to this field and for your invaluable teaching and research sharing.

Sincerely