Hi Lynn,
Thank you for responding. That certainly sounds like something that would happen to me! But what I've discovered is that there are some situations in which I do better than others. If I'm in control of the situation, in some way, I can handle it. For example, when we have our annual holiday party. I LOVE being surrounded by the people in my life, in that situation. Another example would be when I'm working. Mostly I'm a stay at home mom, though I have several other hats. I started working in a winery several months ago, and I can usually handle the noise. What I cannot do is discriminate sounds in a large crowd, so unfortunately I sometimes don't hear what is being said. This happens at home, as well. The kids had PBS on yesterday, and my husband was trying to tell me something from the other room. I knew he was talking to me, but I could not understand what he was saying.

I also get . . . internal noise? If that makes sense. Cannot shut up the brain. I'll hear a song, or even think of a song, and nothing will make the earworm go away.

Kapvay is clonidine hydrochloride. It's a blood pressure med (so I had to work with my cardiologist as well, since I have high blood pressure) and is also used (I've just read) for treating ADHD in kids. That was NOT what my psychiatrist had told me. *sigh* She said it was used for kids with sensory issues, but she didn't know how it would work for an adult. Well . . . the answer is . . . not for this one. Sometimes I used to be able to use my Ativan to calm myself when I'd get completely sensory overloaded, or just overwhelmed. It doesn't work anymore, though.

I haven't been able to find an OT who works with adults in this area . . . I've posted in another forum here to see whether anyone might be able to point me in the right direction. I'm ready to make some changes. I HAVE to make some changes.

Thanks again for responding. It really helps to know there are others out there who are dealing with the same things. Particularly the everyday "there's noise in my house and I can't handle it" stuff that makes me feel like a crummy Mom.

Amy