Other ADD'ers out there?

[NOS88]

Just competed my annunal visit with the neurologist. I typically take an amphetamine to help me fucntion and control my attention deficit disorder. Each year about this time, my neurologist agrees that my bike riding miles are high enough that I can come off the medication without any ill effects. YEAH! Now I've got to figure out how to spend that money I'll save on prescriptions...

Honestly, I've found this to be the most interesting thing. During 8 to 9 months per year, I really have a hard time functioning without the amphetamines, but with enough cycling... wow... same effect without the need for the amphetamines. Was just curious if there are any other 50+ out there with similar experiences.

[Blackberry]

Well done. If the benefits of cycling (or, I admit, other exercise) could be packed in a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medicine in the world for a whole host of ills.

Just read the following on the web: "In 1887 Frank Bowden was told he had only months to live. Rather than accept hs fate, he chose to follow the advice of his doctor who told him to take up cycling to save his life. To improve his health, he went to Raleigh Street, where he found 12 men in a small workshop producing three cycles a week. Bowden then decided to buy the workshop and the Raleigh Cycle Company was founded."

[jppe]

Good info. My son has ADD and this is helpful info.

[stapfam]

Well done. If the benefits of cycling (or, I admit, other exercise) could be packed in a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medicine in the world for a whole host of ills.



Ridiculous thing is that for a great number of illnesses- If people did get out on a bike- they would not have to keep Buying the pills.

I have had a couple of serious medical problems that are now under control, but I am certain that the speed of my recovery was down to the fitness that cycling has given me. How many problems have been averted by my cycling- I do not want to even think about.

Nos88
Well done for the recovery and proving that fitness pays.

[nmichell]

Not directly related, but I have seen some medical articles showing that regular exercise helps with bipolar disorders. And I've seen some evidence that this is true in people I know.

Great job in getting off the medications!

Nick

[Digital Gee]

I've long suspected I have ADD, but I've never had it checked out.

[howsteepisit]

I have ADD and depression. Although exercise helps its not the total answer for me. the stimulants at low doses really help with complex 3D thinking. but then again, time spent biking requires no stimulant, so on weekends and some days when I go to "sneak" in a longish ride, I don't need any medications. my doc says thats pretty typical, as physical activity does not requre higher brain funtining and the eht exercise kind of kills off any hyperactivity issues.

[starship]

ADD and Depression.

Cycling 4-5 days a week does more for me that the medicine ever did. My whole day go better after a ride. Glad i work second shift, I can ride in the morning, and then deal with work.

[taylor8]

My grandson has ADD if he stays up to midnight every night he does not need meds.

I think exorcise or staying up late uses up the excess energy and helps even things out.

Joe

[cheeseflavor]

Ridiculous thing is that for a great number of illnesses- If people did get out on a bike- they would not have to keep Buying the pills.

You know, that's food for thought. I've often wondered if I couldn't drop some of the meds I picked up prior to starting cycling.

Hmmm...

Steve

[Retro Grouch]

I've long suspected I have ADD, but I've never had it checked out.

Me too. I have a very hard time staying on track with anything that doesn't completely consume me. It might take me several months to memorize something as simple as a new phone number. We didn't talk about ADD when I was a kid and now I've managed to learn to function adequately enough that I'm not likely to make an effort to do anything about it.

[jcm]

I find that people with ADD are, as a group, the most outgoing, fun, brilliant, friendly, adventurous folks I've ever gotten to know. I've met plenty of dowdy, cranky, overly focused engineer types (apologies to non-dowdy, cranky, overly focused engineers).

The following is without handy reference:
I read somewhere that ADD may have been behind the personality traits that made explorers, hunt leaders, great tactical officers, orators and other stand-outs do what they did. Many of them had trouble succeeding in 'normal' pursuits like farming, accounting, printing, clerking, etc., but excelled as
leaders in exploratory or unique interests.

It's not the preservatives in our food. It's always been here, in the human family. Without it we may never have gone over the next hill.

Put me with a couple of ADD adults on a bike ride and we'll have a great time.

[chicharron]

I have been diagnosed with Attention Defeceit Disorder and depression. I also was told by the same psychologist that I have a mathmatics learning disorder that is related to the ADD. The information that I have seen on the Internet regarding math learning disorders, also known as "Discalcula" seem to all associate ADD with this so called "Discalcula".

So I take Strattera, and a mild anti-depressent, and recieve tutoring in Math at the University that I attend. Sometimes it seems that everyone is ADD these days, and I at times have wondered if it all is just this seasons "fad disorder". I have known all my life that I am very absent minded, daydreamed in school a lot, and the teachers always told me that I was capable of more, and that I was "bright', but I always daydreamed in class.

What about bicycles and ADD? I do know that if I ride regularly that I am not as depressed, and I feel calm and confident. During the winter, when the days are short, and cloudy and cold,and there is little sunlight, and I don't ride because of the weather, that I am more depressed.

I still think that I need to take the Stratterra however.

[DnvrFox]

There were some kids in my class when I was teaching in the 60's (pre ADD and ADHD) who, occasionally, I would send outside to run around the track/field for a few laps. They came back fine.

You would not be allowed to do that today, as every kid must be watched/accounted for by an adult at all times of the day.

I wonder how many potential geniuses (Edison and the like) are having their genius potential masked by Ritalin?

I think much of it has to do with proper "order" in the classroom.

Of course, there are some real cases, but I have seen too many boys who were "squiggly" in the classroom referred by female teachers who didn't really understand boys.

However, there is some current research on boy's learning style - they MUST be moving and exploring in new ways to learn effectively.

Man, am I in trouble now.

[Digital Gee]

I grew up in the 50's and 60's when there wasn't any attention paid to things like ADD. And even if there was, my middle class Eisenhower-era family would never have allowed me to admit to having a problem, let alone deal with it.

Sometimes it seems like there's to much coddling of younger people, with everyone seeming to be on medication, but it's a whole lot better than the way I grew up!

For me, things like cycling are probably an intuitive treatment of mild depression and the like.

Big Paulie, you DO have ADD. How do I know? How many avatars have you created, just in the last thirty days alone? That's how I know. :D

Plus I bet you like watching Short Attention Span Theatre.

[Monoborracho]

I began to suffer a neurological voice disorder about 10 years ago. Quite rare, the term is spasmodic dysphonia. Though I treat it every 6-12 months with injections to the vocal cords, I find that adequate sleep and exercise seem to minimize the difficulties in dealing with it.

"....and then the wheels came off"

[phoebeisis]

The drug holiday is a great idea. You can lose a bit of tolerance, and when you start back, you might be able to trim your dose(if it isn't time release) and save some $$.Shame more of the pills can't be "broken".Folks who pay for their own prescriptions could save some real $$.
With an amphetamine type drug, there is no reason you couldn't adj your dose to the day.Weekend no work-low dose-weekday-lotta brain strain type work-higher dose.If you were cautious and never raised your daily dose over a preset max, you would save $$ and decrease tolerance.When you needed it a lot, it would work better. Luck,Charlie

[Eutychus]

Just 2 days ago, after bicycling 32 miles a day for 8 months (starting on my 63rd birthday), my doctor took me off Depakote (an anti-seizure medication prescribed for mild-bipolar complicated by suspected ADD) and cut my blood pressure medication in half (It was already a minimal dose), with a view toward taking me off all meds in a couple of months.
Biking has given me a total new lease on life. Two years ago I was in the ER with 185/145 BP, and day before yesterday I was at 104/72. Doc says I have the BP of a teenager. Wants to make me a poster boy for overweight "over-age" people who won't exercise and lose weight. (O, yeah, I'm down 17 pounds and shooting for another 15.) Bicycling is good for what ails you.

[DnvrFox]

Just 2 days ago, after bicycling 32 miles a day for 8 months (starting on my 63rd birthday), my doctor took me off Depakote (an anti-seizure medication prescribed for mild-bipolar complicated by suspected ADD) and cut my blood pressure medication in half (It was already a minimal dose), with a view toward taking me off all meds in a couple of months.
Biking has given me a total new lease on life. Two years ago I was in the ER with 185/145 BP, and day before yesterday I was at 104/72. Doc says I have the BP of a teenager. Wants to make me a poster boy for overweight "over-age" people who won't exercise and lose weight. (O, yeah, I'm down 17 pounds and shooting for another 15.) Bicycling is good for what ails you.

If you would send a picture to the "Contribute" link below, I would like to put exactly what you wrote above in our Rogue's Gallery - see below for link to the Rogue's Gallery.

[chicharron]

You may also have SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Consider one of these P1 lights and park it next to your computer. Run it for 30 to 60 minutes a day during the winter months while yer cruising the BF site.


link : http://www.apollolight.com/


Also, get yourself an indoor trainer for your cycle. The increased activity will release endorphins and whatnot's and plus, you'll be in great shape come spring. I hit the road post snow and in top physical condition as a result.



link : http://www.minoura.co.jp/
Thank you very much. However now that we are in the springtime, I have been riding more and working outside in the yard and garden. I know that I have SAD, because I am sad whenever there is no sun.

[Old Hammer Boy]

There were some kids in my class when I was teaching in the 60's (pre ADD and ADHD) who, occasionally, I would send outside to run around the track/field for a few laps. They came back fine.

You would not be allowed to do that today, as every kid must be watched/accounted for by an adult at all times of the day.

I wonder how many potential geniuses (Edison and the like) are having their genius potential masked by Ritalin?

I think much of it has to do with proper "order" in the classroom.

Of course, there are some real cases, but I have seen too many boys who were "squiggly" in the classroom referred by female teachers who didn't really understand boys.

However, there is some current research on boy's learning style - they MUST be moving and exploring in new ways to learn effectively.

Man, am I in trouble now.

Not with me Denver! I couldn't agree more. I also have to wonder, with all of the single moms out there, how many of these boys simply haven't had the limits placed upon them that fathers often impose...

Now I guess I'm in trouble.

[NOS88]

Not with me Denver! I couldn't agree more. I also have to wonder, with all of the single moms out there, how many of these boys simply haven't had the limits placed upon them that fathers often impose...

Now I guess I'm in trouble.

Yeah, you may be.

My father was a Drill Instructor for the Army/Air Force. I had more limits placed on me than the average kid. Hell, I had more limits place on me than anyone I knew. It, along with a school that required me to perform in very scripted ways, did little to help me become a responsible, productive adult. I was written off as a "potential drop-out" and placed in classes with other "mis-fits."

As an adult I was diagnosed with ADD by a team, including my family physician, a neurologist, a psychologist, and a world renowned specialist in the field of ADD/ADHD. More structure, limits, discipline, effort, etc. have no value for some tasks the modern world requires me to perform. However, with the correct treatment I went on to finish graduate school with the highest grade point average in my class. So, please don't jump to the simplistic solutions of "more limits."

[Old Hammer Boy]

As an adult I was diagnosed with ADD by a team, including my family physician, a neurologist, a psychologist, and a world renowned specialist in the field of ADD/ADHD. More structure, limits, discipline, effort, etc. have no value for some tasks the modern world requires me to perform. However, with the correct treatment I went on to finish graduate school with the highest grade point average in my class. So, please don't jump to the simplistic solutions of "more limits."

My observations are not an attempt at offering a simplistic, generalized solution by introducing only "more limits." Is that how you interpreted my post?

Perhaps some clarification of my position might be helpful. I'm not denying that ADD/ADHD exists, and for you and many others, it's real, whether it's organic or otherwise. I'm certainly not qualified to assess those dynamics, and I would expect each case is unique. My point is that I have to wonder if it isn't too often an easy answer in far too many cases for, as Denver stated it, "squigglyness." I also have to wonder if an easier, too often applied, and inappropriate path is to simply throw drugs at a disruptive child.

Is the lack of serious physical activity, fractured family structure, lack of limits, and other sociological factors playing into this epidemic of ADD/ADHD, and for that matter obesity? Or, perhaps ADD/ADHD have been around forever and we simply didn't recognize them or have viable treatment options. I don't think it's being overly simplistic to consider these factors. My opinion is that, in some (many?) cases we may be over-medicating our children when other, more basic solutions may be at hand.

Getting back on topic, however, it appears that physical activity may offer some positive results when it comes to dealing with any number of afflictions.

[NOS88]

Old Hammer Boy: One of the things typical of many ADD'ers is that they don't censure themselves very well and can quickly over react to situations. This is most evident in my response to your post. The "limits" comment was but one in several you made. It was, however, the one that clearly triggered a reaction from me. Had I to do it over again, I would use different words.

In years past, I suspect that we had other names for people who now carry the ADD or ADHD label. We called them trouble makers, misfits, people who didn't work up to potential, etc.

I don't know a great deal about all of the medications that are currently being used, but I do know that with the stimulant family, the drugs have the opposite impact on ADD/ADHD folks. That is, instead of making them more "squiggly" it calms them down and/or helps them focus.

I am concerned about your statement: "I'm not denying that ADD/ADHD exists, and for you and many others, it's real, whether it's organic or otherwise." I'm not sure what the "otherwise" would be, and/or what it might imply. I do suspect, however, that you would not have ended your first post with, "Now I guess I'm in trouble." unless you had an inkling of an idea that your comment might create controversy. I actually waited and labored for three days before placing my original post... not being sure how it would be received. I took the risk, because it is a large part of my cycling experience. If I don't ride, I can be very hard to live with. With ADD, one can feel very much an outsider.

I do, however, concur with your sentiment that it is too easy to throw medications at something. When you have a massive industry that sends sales people out to the office of physicians on a regular basis with free samples, it's pretty hard to combat a reliance on a chemical solution.

OK, end of my rant. I hold no ill feelings and will try to be less sensitive about such issues. And as the character Forrest Gump would say, "That all I have to say about that." It's time to get back to cycling talk. Ride in peace.

[Old Hammer Boy]

I'm from the "military father" upbriging as well, and let me tell you, "imposing limits" on children has no effect on them if they have a problem like ADD. ADD is real, not the result of slack parenting or disprespectful kids.

Where was it stated or implied that ADD/ADHD wasn't real? I believe Denver implied, and I further pointed out that perhaps some (many?) diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may be questionable; that disruptive behavior may be rooted in nothing more than a lack of social skills, physical activity, the vigor of youth, family structure, or whatever. I also expressed concern that over-medicating may be going on, perhaps sometimes out of convenience.

"With all the single moms out there" is one way of characterizing single parent households with the children living with their mothers. Another spin would be, "with all the absentee fathers out there." Both imply irresponsible parenting. Both are wrong.

Absentee fathers, you bet. That's another way of saying it. Certainly no blame has been implied as it relates to single mothers or fathers, labeling them "irresponsible." Your word, not mine. And did I say or imply that "irresponsible parenting" is the genesis of ADD/ADHD? If that's how you interpreted it, you missed my point entirely. My intention was to point out that various elements come into play as they relate to a child's (mis)behavior, and one of them may be the result of family structure and discipline that a father can bring to the table.

I'm only responding to your comments, Big Paulie, because they mischaracterized my previous statements completely. I think we've gotten way off track here, so allow me to close my thoughts by saying that I'm pleased to hear about all of the benefits cycling is bringing to our members. It doesn't surprise me at all. Cycling certainly enhances my, and my wife's life and we'd hate to be without this valuable outlet.

[Old Hammer Boy]

Old Hammer Boy: I am concerned about your statement: "I'm not denying that ADD/ADHD exists, and for you and many others, it's real, whether it's organic or otherwise." I'm not sure what the "otherwise" would be, and/or what it might imply. I do suspect, however, that you would not have ended your first post with, "Now I guess I'm in trouble."

Thank you NOS88 for your thoughtful comments. Allow me to clarify.

I have no idea as to the biological basis of ADD/ADHD. As you properly quoted me, I certainly, unlike some others, do believe it does exist. My use of the word "otherwise" has to do with my lack of understanding of its etymology e.g., is its basis a chemical imbalance, genetic, the result of trauma, or ...."otherwise." Perhaps I could have crafted my vocabulary more carefully, and I didn't mean to imply that ADD/ADHD is a concept that has been pulled out of thin air. I hope that clears up any confusion related to that choice of words.

As to my statement, "Now I guess I'm in trouble," I was playing off of Denver's comment: "Man, I'm in trouble now." It seems it can be politically incorrect these days to question almost any established norm, or for that matter, question almost anything. Someone's going to be offended. My implication that a disruptive kid, along with who knows how many other factors, might be acting out because there isn't a father present to set limits, might inflame some. Apparently this could be controversial, and I have received criticism on that point, so I guess it is. But, it's my opinion, and I believe it's defensible.

Again, thanks for your thoughtful response. As I've stated earlier, I'm pleased to see the extra benefits we are all enjoying through cycling. It's a great form of recreation, and I thoroughly enjoy it and the discussions on this forum. I appreciate that you took the time to read my previous response, and I hope my position is clear. I'm pleased to see that you are the recipient of added benefits and hope they continue. Now go ride!!!!

[Old Hammer Boy]

All points well taken, HB.

I guess I'm overly-sensitive about women who take on the roll of raising young children. They have a hard row to hoe, and can't do everything. There are bound to be some shortfalls somewhere!

No doubt. Your point about single moms (absentee dads) rings true with me. While I don't have personal experience being a single parent (thank the good Lord), I do see a lot of it. I own rental property, and many of my tenants over the years have been single moms. My heart goes out to them, and I try to help wherever and whenever I can. I've become somewhat attached to one of the children of a 15 year renter, and have enjoyed teaching him about WWII, even doing a presentation at his school per his request. Being around him for only a few minutes, one can see how much he craves the presence of a masculine adult figure. It's heart wrenching...

Anyway, thanks for your considerate words. Now go ride!!!

[roccobike]

Good info. My son has ADD and this is helpful info.
+1, My son is ADD too. I'm going to ask him to read this thread, good information, thanks.

[foehn]

There were some kids in my class when I was teaching in the 60's (pre ADD and ADHD) who, occasionally, I would send outside to run around the track/field for a few laps. They came back fine.

You would not be allowed to do that today, as every kid must be watched/accounted for by an adult at all times of the day.

I wonder how many potential geniuses (Edison and the like) are having their genius potential masked by Ritalin?

I think much of it has to do with proper "order" in the classroom.

Of course, there are some real cases, but I have seen too many boys who were "squiggly" in the classroom referred by female teachers who didn't really understand boys.

However, there is some current research on boy's learning style - they MUST be moving and exploring in new ways to learn effectively.

Man, am I in trouble now.


Hey, I agree with you. Everyone is different, male and female. I noticed a while back my son was really obnoxious, drumming on stuff, "hyper", non-attentive in class and even had a teacher recommend getting him checked for ADD. I then noticed that when he slept from about 7:30 in the evening to 6 or 7 in the morning, he was just much, much better. He then had a strict bedtime, lotsa sleep.

I personally feel that maybe a certain percentage of kids diagnosed "hyper" just need more dark, more sleep than their peers in school. I hear of so many kids staying up to 10 and 11 at night on school nights--and these aren't the teenagers with the changed bodyclocks, these are little kids in 3rd, 4th and 6th grades.

Alot of boys are more squiggy in the classroom, just because they are boys. And what with sleep deprivation they might be experiencing and lack of exercise, strong regular exercise is it any wonder that so many more boys (and children in general) get so squiggy?

And I agree with the masking effect of the ritalin. Why does everyone have to be crammed into the same mold. What are we losing when we shove so, so many kids onto serious drug therapy, for someting that perhaps might be better addressed by other methods?

[velonomad]

I got a ADD kid also, They are a challenge but worth the effort!

When my son was in elementary we were told he needed Ritalin to control his hyperactivity, so like sheep we went along and the kid turned into a zombie. We woke up, said "f" this and took him off Ritalin. Then we had to fight the school district for the next 11 years.

Fast forward to High School he was doing fair,flunking Gym,his class work was a C, but his tests were in the top 1% in reading and math, Guidance told him in 10th grade to forget going to college, there was no way he could get in. He was devastated and ready to quit school. I took a day and drove him to a well regarded local 4 year college to show him there is life beyond high school . We walked around and he talked with the admissions people.

They suggested he take a college course in place of an elective in High School. My wife then fought with the high school to allow him to take a college course. Finally they relented when his psychologist met with them and told them the kid will surprise them.

That fall( junior year) he takes a Philosophy intro and aces it. His term paper gets him a recommendation to attend Harvard Summer school. Harvard accepts him but also requires a recommendation from his High School, Guidance says no way, we finally did an end run around them and convinced an assistant principle to write a recommendation.

So he goes to Harvard for the summer, gets A's there and 8 more college credits. That fall he is riding high, The teachers who use to throw him out of thier classrooms are now lining up to write letters of recomendation, offering to help with essays and are suggesting colleges. he gets a 1280 on the SAT. Guidance is still telling him he won't get into a 4 year college.

He applied to several colleges, he didn't get into his top 3 choices( Harvard, Williams, UChicago) but #4 is one of the top 30 colleges. He is near the end of his freshman year at college and doing great!

[Digital Gee]

I got a ADD kid also, They are a challenge but worth the effort!

He applied to several colleges, he didn't get into his top 3 choices( Harvard, Williams, UChicago) but #4 is one of the top 30 colleges. He is near the end of his freshman year at college and doing great!


That is a GREAT story; I need to show it to my 17 year old daughter. Thanks for posting!!