• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 70 subscribers
  • Views 66 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Hello, I’m new and could use your help

Kerrie

I received my diagnosis on Friday 13/02/26 and am relieved to finally have an answer to why I have always struggled with life in general.

For background, I was one of those ‘gifted’ kids, IQ of 174 and expected to do great things. I didn’t. Complicated medical history including cancer (to which I lost an eye) and a  basket load of rare medical conditions requiring 16+ surgeries so far. I work full time clinically in the NHS and this is where the problems are. I’ve been a qualified therapeutic radiographer (treating cancer with radiotherapy) for 18 years and started at a different hospital in November. I have had a really hard time settling in. More than is normal, to the point where about a month ago, I lost the plot and took myself to A&E to keep myself safe. I haven’t been to work since and the thought of the commute (to central London) and having to spend all day with people, lights, sounds, wearing my work persona etc. is causing pure fear and anxiety. I’m terrified I’ll end up in A&E again. Now I’ve had my official diagnosis, I’m starting to understand why, but all I can manage is hiding in a dark room under a duvet. 

In addition, I had a total hysterectomy last year so have been trying to get to grips with the immediate menopause that followed (I’m on HRT).

I’m not sure why I’m writing this. I guess I’m trying to find people who understand and might be able to share some pearls of wisdom? Has anyone been through something similar and can give a little guidance?

Thank you for reading this far, I hope we can be friends.

Parents

  • Hi   and welcome to our community. I am relatively new here and I am another gifted kid who struggled later on. 

    I was diagnosed as autistic and ADHD last summer so I can still remember how I felt when diagnosed - validated, relieved, unsettled and upset about not knowing sooner. Does this resonate at all? It takes time to assimilate and re-code the past and to find a way forward. Be compassionate with yourself and move at the speed of trust.

    I am sorry for what you are going through right now, which sounds really tough, after all you have already been through healthwise. It may be worth you reading about autistic burnout, given what you describe. I have been going through that. I can imagine London life can overwhelm.

    It is important we find our tribe as newly diagnosed people. Folks on here seem diverse, thoughtful and interesting so I am sure you'll find friends here - joining and posting is a great start.

Reply

  • Hi   and welcome to our community. I am relatively new here and I am another gifted kid who struggled later on. 

    I was diagnosed as autistic and ADHD last summer so I can still remember how I felt when diagnosed - validated, relieved, unsettled and upset about not knowing sooner. Does this resonate at all? It takes time to assimilate and re-code the past and to find a way forward. Be compassionate with yourself and move at the speed of trust.

    I am sorry for what you are going through right now, which sounds really tough, after all you have already been through healthwise. It may be worth you reading about autistic burnout, given what you describe. I have been going through that. I can imagine London life can overwhelm.

    It is important we find our tribe as newly diagnosed people. Folks on here seem diverse, thoughtful and interesting so I am sure you'll find friends here - joining and posting is a great start.

Children
No Data