Posted by Lasagne on August 11, 2003, at 14:00:12
In reply to Re: promises, promises, posted by Mike Oxsbig on August 11, 2003, at 12:58:19
Hi Mike:
Sounds like you are stuck between a rock and hard place. I understand your dilemma, the unpredictability between over-focus, procrastination, and anxiety. In spite of the improvements I have had on the Strattera, I still have that tendency to over-focus, which puts me behind on numerous things I need to get done around the house and with caring for my family. I do like the feeling of no or less anxiety eventhough it means I don't always get everything done. I suppose being a homemaker affords me this luxury. I can imagine how this calmness about the tasks you need to get done in a workplace could be problematic with the unproductivity. Have you ever thought of discussing your ADD with your boss or supervisor? Maybe with some communication and understanding they would be willing to break your tasks into smaller pieces and check in with you more often to make sure you are hitting milestones and if you are stuck they can help guide you into the next task. Another option is to keep a timer with you at work. When you have a task, give yourself so much time to complete it and try to beat the timer. With it ticking right by your side maybe it will give you the push you need to stay on track. Sometimes when I get in the over-focus mode I give myself time limits. If I don't complete what I am doing before my limit, then I just put the task down and move on. It's not easy, but setting limits for myself helps.
Overall, I think the procrastination is a difficult thing to overcome. I have made improvement in this regard with the Strattera, but I am not 100% cured. Through my years of experience with my oldest son, I have learned that improvement has to be the goal, not perfection. There is no pill that will make us ADDers behave perfect in all arenas. Some people respond to medication better than others. Attentional problems vary so much from person to person. My oldest son is very difficult to keep stable with his meds and my 2nd son rarely needs a dose adjustment.
I applaude you for kicking the caffeine habit. It's not an easy one to kick and it seems like every good dessert has chocolate in it. I too am very sensitive to it's effects in that it has huge ramifications for my sleep quality. I find if I don't get a good nights sleep then the benefits of all the medications I take are diminished.
This is just my opinion, but I don't think it's a good idea for you to go off of your Lexapro. Your sleep will get all out of whack again and then it will make it even more difficult for you to focus at work.
Good luck!
Sonya Lasagna
poster:Lasagne
thread:133458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030807/msgs/250056.html