Embracing Neurodivergence: A Journey of ADHD and Chronic Illness
In the latest episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, Laurence is joined by a special guest, Tracey Lomax, a fellow trainee at ADHD Works. Together, they delve into Tracey’s fascinating journey through ADHD, autism, and other chronic conditions. This blog post distils their rich conversation, touching upon the challenges and triumphs that come with neurodivergence and chronic illness.
Introduction
“Hello and welcome to another show of the ADHD Goals Podcast. I am delighted to welcome a guest, a special guest with me today. She is also a fellow trainee with me as an ADHD coach at ADHD Works. Hello, Tracey Lomax. How are you today?” Laurence begins.
Tracey, who has experienced a gamut of health challenges, responds with optimism: “I’m not too bad, Laurence, actually. I’m doing okay. It’s not a bad start for the week. The weather’s good.”
From this opening exchange, the conversation quickly dives into the crux of the matter – coping with life in Peterborough, transitioning from campervans to caravans, and the broader challenges of ADHD and chronic illness.
Life in Peterborough and Campervan Adventures
Tracey shares her experience of living in Peterborough, highlighting its unique quirks: “We’re starting to get some better press for Peterborough. It’s really traditionally not had good press. We moved from a village we’d lived in for over 10 years back into Peterborough.”
The conversation naturally flows into their shared love for campervan adventures. Tracey details her family’s journey from owning a Mazda Bongo to transitioning into a caravan due to her health needs. This lifestyle not only reflects her need for freedom and mobility but also showcases the adaptability required to manage her conditions.
Health and ADHD Journey
Tracey’s story takes a significant turn as she discusses her ADHD and other health diagnoses: “I had absolutely not an inkling that I had ADHD or autism… It’s another journey I’ve learned now.”
At the age of 48, Tracey hit a breaking point but also discovered a path forward. She discovered ADHD in the process of trying to support her son’s own struggles. “I was sitting in my bedroom… reading about ADHD to help my son when the penny just dropped,” she recalls.
Navigating the Diagnosis Process
Tracey’s persistence is evident as she navigates the convoluted diagnosis process. Despite warnings of a seven-year waiting period for an ADHD assessment, she opted for private diagnosis: “I was lucky enough to afford to pay for that.”
Her journey reveals the paradox of ADHD: the struggle to complete the diagnostic process while simultaneously dealing with its symptoms. Tracey explains, “To get through the process is kind of like a Catch-22.”
Challenges with ADHD Diagnosis and Impact on Family and School
Beyond her own diagnosis, Tracey touches on the broader impacts of ADHD, particularly in the school setting: “My son was intelligent but couldn’t manage the school environment… Without a diagnosis, the school just carried on as normal.”
She laments how the condition has affected her family life and the guilt that comes from missing earlier signs of ADHD and other conditions.
Discovering Coexisting Conditions: Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism
Tracey intriguingly explains how her chronic conditions interweave with her ADHD and autism. Discovering sensory processing disorder (SPD) was a watershed moment for Tracey, providing clarity on years of inexplicable experiences with heightened senses.
Her autism diagnosis followed, corroborating her experiences of masking and adapting behaviours to fit societal norms: “I had always observed people, mirrored them, and learned what they do.”
The Role of Medication
Medication proved a game-changer for Tracey: “The psychiatrist said, ‘Think of your coffee as like an old banger, and I’m going to give you a supercar.'” While it isn’t a cure-all, it has significantly improved her focus and ability to manage daily tasks.
Exploring Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Tracey later discusses her diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder, highlighting the complexities it adds to her life: “If you can’t connect the issues, think connective tissues,” she quotes, emphasising the often-overlooked interconnectedness of bodily symptoms.
Managing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and POTS
Adding further complexity, she touches upon managing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): “MCAS means having extreme reactions to pretty much anything and everything,” she explains.
Strategies for Managing ADHD and Chronic Illness
Tracey reveals practical strategies for managing her day-to-day life, from using Alexa for reminders and alarms to no longer minimising the role of lists, post-it notes, and routines: “I have clocks in every room… and use visual reminders constantly.”
Journey to Becoming an ADHD Coach
Embracing her ADHD and chronic illnesses has led Tracey toward a new mission: helping others navigate similar challenges. She’s now training to become an ADHD coach and has launched “Missing Spoons,” a resource hub for individuals with chronic illnesses.
Conclusion
Tracey’s journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of knowledge and connection. In every challenge, she finds an opportunity to learn, grow, and help others. Through her work with “Missing Spoons” and her training to become an ADHD coach, Tracey is set to make a significant impact on the lives of those navigating similar paths.
Tracey’s final thoughts resonate deeply: “We are all connected. The benefit one person gets can lift multiple others. And that’s powerful.”
For more episodes, subscribe to the ADHD Goals Podcast on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform. Share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Tracey’s insights. Follow Laurence on Instagram at ADHD_goals, visit the ADHD Goals Facebook page, or email [email protected]. If you’d like Laurence to be your coach, head over to ADHD Goals and get in touch. Until next time, bye for now!
Links:
Missing Spoons Website: https://www.missingspoons.com/
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
- 00:42 Life in Peterborough
- 03:17 Campervan Adventures
- 06:30 Health and ADHD Journey
- 11:39 Challenges with ADHD Diagnosis
- 15:01 Impact on Family and School
- 22:35 Navigating the Diagnosis Process
- 34:05 Reflecting on Family and Personal History
- 35:33 Understanding ADHD and Masking
- 40:06 Challenges of Diagnosis and Acceptance
- 42:55 Medication and Its Impact
- 58:28 Exploring Sensory Processing Disorder
- 01:07:42 Discovering Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- 01:12:37 Living with Hypermobile Type
- 01:12:53 Challenges of Undiagnosed Conditions
- 01:13:38 Impact of Accidents and Lack of Treatment
- 01:14:28 Early Onset Arthritis
- 01:15:08 Associated Conditions: POTS and MCAS
- 01:16:25 Managing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
- 01:19:22 Daily Life Adjustments
- 01:20:13 Navigating Disabilities and PIP
- 01:21:57 The Role of Technology and Reminders
- 01:27:27 Journey to Becoming an ADHD Coach
- 01:39:44 The Power of Coaching and Connection
- 01:51:14 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
- 01:53:36 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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