*NFB*: I need some serious help

[Nightrage]

Alright, this isn't really car related but you guys give really good advice and you don't jump down peoples throats if they aren't a super genius so i need some advice. I have some serious concentration problems (i'm a cashier ar a food store and the other day at work i blacked out staring at the cover of a newspaper to the point that the customers were just giving me a concerned stare). I have to go to the neurologist to get checked up but here's my main problem. I was going to major in psychology in college as i'm really good at talking people through their problems. I'm not sure how well i'll do at college as i can't sit in front of a paper or a lecturer without daydreaming about something else. I've never tried pulling that "I have ADHD!" crap but i can't concentrate no matter how hard i try. I don't like sympathy and i don't like using things as a crutch. The only times that i can really concentrate is when someone is showing me something on a car or when i'm driving. Pretty much any time that there's a possibility of being in danger or putting someone else in danger, i can bring myself to concentrate. My family really wants me to become a professional of some sort where i don't have to bust my...you know, and i'm making over $100,000 a year. Apparently they don't realize that those kinds of jobs take 6 or more years of schooling. I was thinking of becoming a mechanic but there are two problems. 1) There's nowhere local to go to to learn that i'm aware of (Long Island New York) and 2) I don't have any friends or family member that can teach me how to do anything automotive based aside from my dad's girlfriends father's body shop. I've really been considering this but i'd really rather be under the hood. What would you guys suggest i do? I guess i feel comfortable talking to you guys since i don't know any of you personally and chances are, of us will ever meet. There's no way in hell that i'd talk to someone like a guidance councelor about this as i just want advice from real people. I don't want to be analyzed and sent down the more "professional" path since that's what these people are paid to do. I'm getting really into cars and i like to learn about them but if i talk to anyone that knows me or is paid to talk to me, they'll just say to go for the job in psychology. Help me out here guys, i need it lol.

[fastTa]

ADD is actually a very common problem right now with the younger generation. It is nothing to be ashamed about. Just the mere fact that you were willing to hang your balls on the line to post this shows that you have courage. I am not saying that you have ADD but it wouldn't hurt to just go see what your doctor says. It could even be an underlying medical condition that you would otherwise be completely unaware of unless some tests are run to try and determine what is causing your symtoms. The doctors are always there for good reason.

As far as your career, just be honest with yourself and make the decision based on what you think would make you happy in the long run. Money is nice but it isn't everything. You have the ability to empower yourself to make available to yourself that which you will passionate about. In other words, decide what to do based on your heart and not your bankroll!

Good luck with whatever you decide and I hope your condition gets better.

[Nightrage]

Thanks man, i genuinely appreciate it. Lots of people pull that ADD crap for sympathy but i don't go around telling everyone like most people and i was never put on medication for it. I made it through high school without anything but i have other serious problems that i have to go to the doctor for (my hands tremble for some reason, i can't remember ANYTHING unless i'm constantly doing it, i literally forget things like i have Alzheimers which my family happens to have a history with. Yesterday in fact, i was stopping for a stop sign and my car started making weird noises. I suddenly realized that i had forgotten to take it out of third gear and i didn't have the clutch in ! lol. I can't remember words, i forget to do everyday things like vaccuuming my house which i'm supposed to do every day. I forgot to finish filling out my application for a student loan, you get the picture). I don't like to have people help me out because they feel obligated to which is why i'm asking you. I feel that you guys can give me an honest opinion as a neutral party. Thanks again guys. I really your input whether it be positive or negative.

[TraceZ]

Thanks man, i genuinely appreciate it. Lots of people pull that ADD crap for sympathy but i don't go around telling everyone like most people and i was never put on medication for it. I made it through high school without anything but i have other serious problems that i have to go to the doctor for (my hands tremble for some reason, i can't remember ANYTHING unless i'm constantly doing it, i literally forget things like i have Alzheimers which my family happens to have a history with. Yesterday in fact, i was stopping for a stop sign and my car started making weird noises. I suddenly realized that i had forgotten to take it out of third gear and i didn't have the clutch in ! lol. I can't remember words, i forget to do everyday things like vaccuuming my house which i'm supposed to do every day. I forgot to finish filling out my application for a student loan, you get the picture). I don't like to have people help me out because they feel obligated to which is why i'm asking you. I feel that you guys can give me an honest opinion as a neutral party. Thanks again guys. I really your input whether it be positive or negative.

This is Tracy's wife, Tami-
I'm not a doctor but it sounds like you may be having partial complex seizures or some other kind of neurological problem. I'm not trying to freak you out but you really should go see a neurologist. They would be able to at least rule this out and if it is something neurological, there are medications that can help. If you dont go to the doctor and you are having seizures, you could end up having more serious problems. If it's not seizures the doctor may be able to figure out what else it may be anyhow. It is not normal to have tremmors and not be able to remember things. Even though you may not want to ask for help, we all need a hand every once in a while. That's why all those guys go to school for 6 + years and make the big bucks. (By the way, lots of people are able to have "successul careers" even with physical or mental health issues so don't rule out anything.)
Best of luck,
Tami

[TraceZ]

Tracy here... Tami went to bed.
Look at this webpage and see if you feel this applys to your symptoms.
Partial Complex Seizure

You may not have had a full on seizure yet, but the tremors and memory problems are of concern. Are you having any other symptoms listed? Like Tami said.. neither of us is a doctor! She is a licensed clinical social worker. She's seen a bit over the years. She has her masters degree in Social work, not medicine, but she is a pretty smart cookie.

[RangerBob]

Yes get a complete physical and a referal to a neurologist as soon as possible.
My youngest daughter has very severe neurological/behavior problems that have been finally controlled to a large degree by the appropriate medications.

You should look to your health and safety first, bro.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

My family really wants me to become a professional of some sort where i don't have to bust my...you know, and i'm making over $100,000 a year.

No one becomes a professional at anything without busting their butts... and making $100,000K a year isn't easy either.

I don't think there is anything school can really do to prepare you for how challenging the world really is once you get out and begin earning a living full time. I am in the middle of a crash course on this right now......

One thing is for sure, do not choose a career because of family pressure. Choose a career that you want and will be happy with.

As far as the medical stuff is concerned, I'd listen to the advice of those who posted before me. Good luck...

[Dave M]

When my son (now 6) was 2-4 years old, he had similar symptoms. He would space out and become totally non-respomsive unless you were physically in his face or touching him. He would just remain fixated on something.... Sometimes his eyes would roll back in his head a little, and he was diagnosed with seizures, I think they called them Petite Mal Seizures. I'm not sure, it's been a few years. Flourescent lights seemed to bring them on, but they weren't the only time it happened. You could just count on it happening if Flouresecnt lights were around. He was on medication for about 2 years and has been seizure free for about 3 years. He still has hard times coming up with the words he wants to say sometimes, moreso than others his age. He's a whiz at math though and can beat me and his school teachers in checkers, so i don't think any harm was done!

Definately get checked out. A neurologist should be able to pinpoint the problem, likely with an EEG.

As far as the career goes, pick something you like to do. It sucks doing something you hate for your whole life just being a slave to the mighty dollar. If you're planning on school after highschool, consider a technical school if you think that's what you want, or if you're planning on a 4 year degree, enroll as "undecided" for your major and take some general classes in lots of subjects. See if something pops up that you like. That's how I got into criminal justice, although I'd still love to be wrenching on cars for a living!

[alenstein]

Hey Nightrage if you are on the Island have you ever looked at Farmingdale SUNY they have Automotive program. Here's the link http://info.lu.farmingdale.edu/depts/aet/index.html .
I am currently enroledd at college of Aeronautics in the Aircraft and Powerplant program which i have completed, good stuff if you continue further.
Also there are couple of ASE automotive schools in the area.

[and11200]

Hey, I used to be the same way. I always phased out on stuff that didn't interest me. I used to be extremely active, and about two years ago went into a huge slump. After getting back into lifting and such, the problem has almost completley gone away. However, when the momentary memory lapse shows up, I usually will just relate it indirectly to something that interests me in the littlest way.
Hopefully this will work for you, but make sure you see the neurologist.

[Nightrage]

TraceZ, tell your wife that she is a genius!!!. I actually have a lot of those things. I'm always playing with something, i've called my girlfriend her sisters name at least 3 different times (and i'm not fond of her sister...yikes), i constantly hear noises in the middle of the night, people always tell me that i look like i'm drunk or high all the time despite the fact that i've never done more than taste alcohol and i'd never even consider trying pot, people often tell me that i'm like a statue or that i'm emotionless but this is because i've got an overall indifference about me (and my eyes don't open very wide for some reason.....*shrug*). I really appreciate you finding that for me. Thanks guys!
Alenstein-that's the school across from Adventure Land right? Thanks, i knew a bunch of people that were serious about going to tech schools but everyone said that there aren't any schools like that around here. Thanks!
DaveM-Flourescent lights never seemed to do anything to me, neither did flashing lights. I do have a very hard time finding words however. Math definitely isn't my strong point. As for a career and what not, i just really like the idea of being able to fix things as complex as cars and i like the idea of being able to build my car up for performance, being able to fix anything that goes wrong and i really like the idea of fixing cars up and selling them. It would also be AMAZING to find a car that was being sold for cheap due to mechanical problems and fix it up to use for myself
RangerBob,and11200, FastTA and Jay 02 TA ws6- thanks a lot guys! I really mean it. I appreciate any input that anyone offered to me. I really appreciate every opinion and word of advice that you guys gave. Now, Onward to the neurologist! lol

[darksky]

Let me preference my suggestion with, "I am not a doctor."

1, Get checked out as others have suggested.
2. If you end up getting diagnosed with ADHD, I've been told there are very new medications that don't have a stimulant effect like the older generation treatments did. The one I can remember is strattera. If nothing else, you can probably get some free samples and see if it improves your ability to concentrate -- school isn't easy, think of it as your full time job. When your classmate's are off boozing it up, you need to keep on your studies to keep your GPA up. It's not fun, but it will be worth your time investment in the long run.

[Nightrage]

That's what i like about being me. I have no desire to go out drinking and partying. When i try to study though it's useless. I haven't been able to read since......4th grade maybe? I just can't bring myself to sit there and comprehend the stuff. My eyes scan the words but my mind is elsewhere. I read one book a few months ago called "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. How i completed it is beyond me but then again, it was an amazing book. College will more than likely be the same for me though. I'll try reading up on something for my psychology class (i want to be an Occupational Therapist) but i'll start fantasizing about driving cars or something as i always do Thanks for the encouragement

[TraceZ]

Have you had a chance to make an doctor visit yet? You will most likely need to see your regular doc first to get a referral to a neurologist.

I recommend making an appointment tomorrow if you havent already. The sooner you get this fixed, the sooner your life will improve.


I had a problem once with my thyroid gland. Over a period of 10 years it completely died. My metabolism almost stopped. I weighed 250 lbs. I was tired all the time. My skin was dry. My eyes were itchy. It came to a head when my supervisor got wind of me sleeping at my desk. I was going to be fired if I didnt straiten things out so I finally went to a doctor to see what was up. A blood test showed that my thyroid level was undetectable. Doc put me on some drugs and I lost 55 lbs in 6 months. I have a ton of energy now, and feel like a kid again.

My point is.... the sooner you get it fixed, the sooner you will feel better and it is really worth it. Make that appointment now!

[N20LT4Bird]

Im gonna chime in on the career choice. I am an auto technology teacher and deal with kids making career choices all the time. I am also a certified auto tech too (thats what I do in the summer), so I can shed some light on that profession.

First, you can make a lot of money as an auto technician these days. Dont let anyone tell you that it is not a worthy career. If your a parts changer, you can expect to make between 11 - 18 bucks an hour. Not enough to make a good living. When you first come out of school (and there are MANY options for you) this is what you'll be making. If you work hard and continually try to advance and learn, within a few years, you will start to make good money. IF you continue to be a parts changer, you will probably hate your job before too long, because its butt busting work for little pay. Parts changers are a dime a dozen.

The auto service industry is DIEING for GOOD techs. This is what you must set your sights on. A technician is the guy that uses a scanner, multimeter, logic probe, oscilloscope etc. to diagnose COMPLEX (and it is getting VERY complex) driveability issues. As a technician you need to understand the inner workings of the engine, transmission, drivetrain, ELECTRONICS and COMPUTERS. These are the guys that make good money. Its not unusual to see a good master tech making over 80-100k a year. But, you gotta be committed to be the best. If your interested in tech schools in the area - let me know. I deal with reps from UTI, Baran intstitute, Ohio tech, etc. I can put you in touch with one.