Posted by Renee N on March 13, 2000, at 22:16:22
In reply to TOVA testing, posted by Cass on March 13, 2000, at 19:23:32
Cass,
My pdoc has convinced me to take the TOVA test. He said my insurance most likely won't cover it, how 'bout yours? My main problem is spacieness(sp?)/forgetfulness. Last week I went to the periodontist's when I was supposed to be at my primary care physician's.
Another recent day I left a coffee mug in the bathroom at work(returned by a student), another student then said, "Oh, yeah, you left a pen in there,too." I also left a book that I kept carrying so I wouldn't forget it laying in the hall. etc., etc., etc...Mind you, this is all in one day, just at work.
I forgot my point now, I need to stop typing and read this all agzin. Hang on...Oh yes, just trying to show you what I'm up against.
My pdoc went along with my self-diagnosis of ADD. We tried several stimulants and then combos of stimulants and ADs. I continue to fumble through life wondering if I did in fact turn on the washing machine after loading it and putting detergent in. I finally asked my pdoc if I should just get off all the meds and learn to live with my problems. He said he is leaning that way, since the ADD meds haven't relieved my ADD like symptoms. He wants to do the TOVA to see if it is ADD causing my problems or if something else is. He said(as I have been suspecting he eventually would) that he senses some depression and anxiety from what I have told him and how I have behaved during our short med- check visits over the last year. This could be the real cause of the forgetfulness and lack of concentration and attention to detail. Or it could be even something else. He said that if the TOVA shows that I don't actually have ADD, then my insurance would be more likely to pay for psychological testing to determine the real cause of my symptoms.
When I left his office I cried. I hate to admit it, but somehow ADD seemed to be a much socially and personally acceptable reason for my problems. As much as I've educated myself, it still feels like depression and anxiety are more personal weaknesses. This diagnosis or possibility of diagnosis both frightens and embarrasses me. I also don't know how well I can really cope with just trying to live with my problems forever. They prevent me from accepting more challenging jobs and are a continuing source of frustration and embarrassment. I have such a strong fear of failure.
Well, enough rambling and feeling sorry for myself. I'm supposed to hear from the psychologist by Wednesday to set up the TOVA. Let's compare notes later! Best of luck to you. I hope the test does in fact help us both to sort things out and get the help most appropriate for our unique selves.
One last bit of rambling... I take Effexor and Adderall. I just quit Wellbutrin yesterday. I'm afraid I'll be totally a sleepwalking zombie if I end up on Effexor without any stimulants...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...Renee N
poster:Renee N
thread:26913
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/26926.html