Kristin Seymour - The Fog Lifted: A Clinician’s Victorious Journey With ADHD

FOG
Lifted

A Clinicians Victorious Journey withADHD

Kristin Seymour , MSN, RN, AHCNS-BC
Copyright 2016 by Kristin Seymour, MSN, RN, AHCNS-BC
All photos are courtesy of the author unless otherwise noted.

All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, photocopying, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the written permission of the author constitutes unlawful piracy and theft of the authors intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the author at ksfoglifted@gmail.com. Thank you for your support of the authors rights.

For consultation, speaking engagements or professional meeting requests, please send inquiries to
ksfoglifted@gmail.com or visit ADHDfoglifted.com

Cover and Internal Design by Kim Torbeck, Imbue Design imbuedsign@fuse.net
Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Seymour, Kristin-author.
The Fog Lifted: A Clinicians Victorious Journey with ADHD.

ISBN 978-0-692-68656-0

Physician Endorsement

Kristins story is nothing short of staggering. Knowing Kristin as an extraordinary nurse, physician liaison, and outreach leader, I never knew what came before. She was simply a high energy, high caliber professional whose impact was far reaching and significant. I always told her, Whatever they pay you... its not enough. I had no idea of the struggles she faced and conquered. Learning her story and challenges I was deeply moved by her hard work, determination, persistence and ambition. She turned thinking differently into her biggest asset. By learning to harness her energy instead of letting it pull her in different directions, she has been able to function successfully as a high caliber professional. Her story informs me in several aspects of parenting. The descriptions of struggle are generous and the victories leave one feeling hopeful. Kristins energy and positivity are contagious on the page and in her every endeavor. She is an inspiration for those who do not believe that their dreams are attainable. Scott C. Silvestry, MD, Thoracic and Cardiovascular

Surgery, Florida Hospital Transplant Institute i

Endorsements

The Fog Lifted is a testament to what can be accomplished when patients and physicians work together in partnership. Seymours success is a result of her determination, a committed family, and medical professionals who were willing to listen and take the time to truly understand her condition. In a time where the answer to many disorders is a prescription, The Fog Lifted reminds us all that treatment is a multidisciplinary effort. I believe this story brings hope to many who are facing similar challenges in their own lives.
Nikoleta S. Kolovos, MD, Washington University School

of Medicine, St. Louis Childrens Hospital

I truly admire and appreciate the honesty portrayed in this book. It means so much for all who struggle with ADD or ADHD to hear about the journey from the perspective of someone who also functions in a clinical role. This book provides optimism, which is so important when adequate mental health support continues to be such an issue in society.
Stephanie Hess, MD, Boulder Community Health,

Senior Clinical Instructor, University of Colorado Health
ii

The Fog Lifted is a must read for educators who work with students with ADD or ADHD. Seymours book provides an honest portrayal of the internal struggles and demands of living with these conditions. When parents, teachers and the medical community work together as a team, they can provide the student with an invaluable learning program. Seymour is a testament as to how one can overcome obstacles and achieve their lifelong dreams.
Laura K. Bartels, M.Ed., ESL Teacher, K-8,

Thomasboro Academy, Charlotte, North Carolina

Kristin helped me navigate the unknown world of ADHD after my daughter was diagnosed in the ninth grade. Her professional knowledge and deep compassion for helping others, combined with her own personal struggles, enable her to connect with moms like me, who are seeking advice from a positive, caring expert.
Martha D. Baur, Mother of ADD Daughter,

St. Louis, Missouri
iii

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to the people who have walked and continue to walk with me on my journey:

Thank you to my amazing friends who provided support in publishing this book those who talked things over, read, wrote, offered comments, and allowed me to quote their remarks I am most grateful.

I would like to thank Kim Torbeck for enabling me to bring my manuscript to life. Your patience, constant support, and honest feedback, in addition to your graphic design and professional contributions, truly made this publication a reality.

Thank you to Patti Crimmins-Reda for being my mentor, supervisor, and friend. You always believed in me and my passion for nursing. I am confident that I would NOT be where I am today professionally without your advice, support and guidance.
Dr. Garrett C. Burris, you are a lifesaver. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude for all youve done. You were a life line for me when times were tough. You are a brilliant clinician, and a caring man with an impeccable bedside manner. You are truly devoted to your patients.

I am forever appreciative of my family my parents and my siblings, Scott, Karen and John Paul. You all loved me at my best and worst and NEVER gave up on me even when I was close to giving up on myself. I am grateful for your forgiveness when I hurt you with my impulsive outbursts and occasional mean behavior. Thanks for tolerating my unusual and sometimes bizarre idiosyncrasies.

v

I dedicate this book to my beacon, my lighthouse, my compass, my best friend,
my greatest cheerleader, my amazing husband, Jim the love of my life.

Without your patience, kindness, unconditional love, and support, I would not have my happily ever after!

You and our beautiful daughters are my greatest treasures.

Contents

In Mom and Dads Words.......... 152

vii

I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.

F LORENCE N IGHTINGALE

Treading Water

Have you ever been treading water deep water, far from land?

If so, then you know how hard it is to kick and paddle furiously to keep your head above water, all while trying to conserve energy so you can make it to shore without drowning. You know how important, and seemingly impossible, it is to keep breathing and not panic, to stay focused on the swim ahead.

If you know how it feels to tread water like this, then you know how Ive felt for most of my life.

I have ADHD. Like the frantic swimmer, I know what its like to fight and fight and seem to go nowhere. I know what its like to kick your hardest only to sink below the surface and feel like youre drowning.

I had a tutor in every subject during high school and know the effect ADHD can have on self-esteem.

I know unconditional love from my family who supported me through the worst times.
I have struggled, failed, and been disappointed. I know what it feels like to be distracted, unproductive, careless, and impulsive.
But I also know what its like to, through trial and effort, finally find your footing, and propel yourself a little closer to land. I know what it feels like when the waves around you calm and you can finally see the shore in sight.
This book is about my journey living with ADHD. I hope that in sharing my story, I will help others who are struggling, and provide insight for the parents, teachers, friends, family, and therapists of anyone who is living with ADHD.
Recognizing and treating underlying ADHD, which negatively affected me for years, was a pivotal turning point.