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Car Anxiety From UC

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Posted 9/16/2017 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone else with uc get anxiety in cars? Ive been diagnosed for almost a year now and have been having symptoms for about 3 years. Ever since my symptoms started to increase Ive been getting major anxiety in the car even if it is a quick 5 minute trip. I try to stay calm and relaxed but Im wondering if anyone else has been through this and has other coping mechanisms to help?
Posted 9/16/2017 11:17 AM (GMT 0)
Is the pope catholic lol? Early morning car rides are the absolute worst for my anxiety. It's not a baseless fear as we have extreme urgency with UC, cars limit bathroom access, I've had accidents while driving half a dozen times, and more emergency bathroom stops than I can count.

Coping? Anxiety is a self-feeding cycle that grows exponentially when given a chance to root and sprout. So, you want to give it few chances to sprout and grow. Wake up extra early to make sure you're empty before getting in the car as that's big peace of mind. Have emergency change supplies (tp, wet wipes, extra underwear) with you to quell the worstcase scenario fear that'll play in your head. The two above help as I know I've given myself the best odds of success. I'll turn music on and sing badly to it to distract myself from bathroom worries haha. You can take imodium or skip breakfast (less input = less output) as other tools depending on distance.
Posted 9/16/2017 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Suprisingly the car is one of the only other places besides home when I feel little or no anxiety. Or At least it is when I'm driving alone. I keep an emergency kit in it with wet wipes, change of clothes, gloves and garbage bags. After much therapy I started asking myself the following question when I panic..."what's the worst thing that could happen?" And I guess your answer may be "I'll have an accident". So I just prepare myself for the what ifs. If I have a solution than it brings me a little calm and some confidence.

There's not a single place I'm going that I can't turn around and go home and take care of any accidents. On long car trips i realize I have to suck it up and use a public restroom.

I always recommend the book "From Panic to Power" by Lucinda Bassett. It helped me a lot with anxiety.
Posted 9/16/2017 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Emergency kits are the way forward here, i'm fortunate enough to get a decent train to work with decent toilets on there ! Life savers !

In flare I would hate the car / going for a walk / leaving the house !!

x
Posted 9/16/2017 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
If your symptoms still make you fear car trips then you'll need to work more on what you are taking to lower your inflammation. Sounds simple but it's not, took me quite a while to get there.

How bout a plane trip? 2 days ago I got off one plane and needed to run to the ladies before the next takeoff (already boarding) AND THERE WAS A LINE! 12 long! Airports slammed due to Hurr. Wilma evacuees going home, all our flights were 100% occupancy. I made it, both the bathroom stall and the plane. Frankly non-UC people get stressed about waiting too, overactive bladders for example.
Posted 9/17/2017 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Like a lot of others have said, my anxiety is the worst in the car. i've made some adjustments that have made a bit of a difference.

1. Plenty of time before leaving to go, including usually the last place i go before getting in the car.
2. For work I leave early enough that I could make a quick stop if I needed to.
3. I have an extra pair of dress pants in the car. I've never had an accident, but it is always an option.
4. Emergency bag and toilet paper in the car. If it comes to it, I'll pull over go, change my pants if I need to an move on. that peace of mind of, "an accident wouldnt be good, but i'm prepared if i need it." is better than having an accident and having no backup plan and having to drive back home to change.
5. Drive alone as much as possible. Family and some friends know my condition and what it entails, but i take much greater comfort when i'm by myself.

During my 10 month flare, I've had periods of relaxation in the car and periods of stressful driving. right now i'm in a stressful phase which sucks.
Posted 9/17/2017 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I was dx with UC in 2002 and was ok until about 5 years ago. I have horrible car anxiety. Every car I have I make sure the windows are tinted in case I have to pull over and use the bathroom. I keep garbage bags and wipes in the car. I will avoid any situation where I have to go in cars with other people and will always meet them places because of this. I am hoping once my symptoms are at ease I will no longer feel anxious. I just saw a new MD aim Mt Sinai (NYC) the other day and I'm now continuing Lialda and have added Uceris and 6MP. I hope you feel well soon because I know all too well how you feel!
Posted 9/17/2017 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Im a contractor in NY and luckily most of my work is near home.Long rides have to be planned out.Luckily here in the N.Y area theres a fast food place pretty close by[we hope] on the main roads.When i have to look at a potential job its never in morning.IM going to meet a surgeon in Manhattan tomorrow.I don't even think of taking train in.So i scheduled appt for 1:00 so i miss rush hour and hope i can drive into and out of city easily.I have had accidents so yes anxiety and driving can be difficult
Posted 9/18/2017 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
You might try relaxation exercises, e.g. deep breathing, visualization, etc.

With active UC it won't solve the problem of anxiety, but some mental training can help stop your thought processes from making it worse.
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