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Mini-attack last night, no need to cancel travel plans?

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Posted 7/31/2013 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hey.

Ruhr here. I'm a reflux and anxiety sufferer. Full bio at:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2798089

Last night, I had some bad shortness of breath problems. I'd have sensations that I needed to gasp, though never any full on problems where I can't breathe. I think my heart was probably skipping beats while this was happening. The shortness of breath was getting bad such that I started feeling anxiety and nervousness starting to come on.

I took a full Ativan pill (0.5 mg). Took some Gaviscon too. I lay down in bed (pillows propping up head). I did a little deep breathing exercises. I did feel better! I think it was the Ativan that settled me down. I slept restfully.

I have a trip to California coming up tomorrow. The last few weeks, I have been thinking of cancelling it because I am worried about mini anxiety or shortness of breath episodes coming about while on the trip. I don't want to feel bad while on holiday. I had cancelled a trip in April because of that--didn't show up for the flight, and just stayed in bed and kinda sulked around for those few days like a miserable person.

I need reassurances. I don't need to cancel this trip, do I? I should try to relax. Enjoy. See friends. Have fun, right? If these episodes come, then I can chill out in the hotel room. Take an Ativan if I need to. Do some breathing exercises. Take an antacid if I have to. But certainly, I don't need to cancel this trip?

I want to enjoy and live my life. Someone please tell me not to cancel this trip tomorrow and just try to enjoy it.

Thanks,

Ruhr
Posted 7/31/2013 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Don't cancel your trip! By doing that, you are letting the anxiety take over, and letting it win! The mind is a sneaky little SOB sometimes and if you give in again you're never going to get over that fear.

Go on your trip, have a good time! Nine times out of ten, you'll be so distracted by seeing friends and having fun, that you'll be too busy to even THINK about the anxiety.

If you do start to feel it rearing it's ugly head, take one of your pills as soon as you feel even the smallest sign that it's coming, sometimes that's enough to stop it in it's tracks. Don't wait until it comes on "full blown".

Don't let this control your life. You got this! Now go and have fun!!!

((hugs)) Fox
Posted 7/31/2013 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Fox, that's exactly what I need to hear. It would be stupid and costly ($$$$ airline change fees) to cancel this. I can't let it control me.

Ruhr
Posted 7/31/2013 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
You are very welcome! I want trip details when you get back, like how much fun you had while you were there! You'll be amazed at how much fun you are actually going to have!

I faced TWO of my fears at the same time a few years ago.

#1 was flying. I never flew before so I was petrified to get on a plane, not to mention we flew out in a thunderstorm, and had turbulence for most of the flight. BUT it wasn't bad at all, and I had NO meds!

#2 From the flight we went directly to the port where I was taking my first cruise. Now mind you, I was scared to death of the ocean. Something about deep water scares the crap out of me, but guess what.....I did BOTH more than once!

AND I had a blast each and every time we got to the destination, NO time for even thinking of anxiety! That's why I say, you CAN do this, and you'll feel like you got the upper hand on your anxiety and can laugh in it's face, and say "You didn't win this time!"

Have fun and enjoy your friends!
Posted 7/31/2013 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Go! Never change plans over PAD, put pad in coach, you move up to 1st. Class. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 8/1/2013 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to the A/P!

I am sorry that you have not felt well lately and had some anxiety attacks right before your trip.

I would ask myself this before I made a decision...

"Do I regret not going on the previous canceled trip?"

For me personally the answer would be yes. I would rather have some anxiety and muscle through it than not go and feel dissapointed in my decision.

Everyone is different however, and if you feel like this would just tip the scales too much in anxiety's favor, then erring on the side of keeping yourself from overload could prove cautious but beneficial to you at this time.

I will share that I have had a couple of anxiety inducing trips since suffering anxiety. I got through them both, and am glad that I took the chance, and would do it again.:)

I wish you the best in your decision...and if you choose to go, make sure and let us know how it went...or if you are connected, check in with us if you need support!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/6/2013 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hey folks. I'm happy to say that I didn't cancel, and went on my trip! I had a lot of fun. Glad I did it.

There were a few times where I did suffer from some shortness of breath episodes. I took Fox7's suggestion and took one of my pills...and it helped out. I took more of those pills than I usually do, though, so I want to try laying off and weaning from them a little. I feel as if my trip wouldn't have been as successful if I didn't have my magic bottle of Ativan, though, at least I made the trip. Now to get back to reality!

Ruhr
Posted 8/6/2013 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Ruhr, my Wife has carried Ativan for many years, She takes 3 a day, usually that's enough, She lives a good life, not a druggie,
and enjoys everything, She is 67 and has suffered from anxiety since She was 20. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 8/6/2013 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
yeah   tongue turn wink smilewinkgrin :-) :-) cool

Here is a whole cast of characters to show how happy I am for you...and how proud I am of you for making your trip!!

Great job, and may there be many more in the future.

Keep posting with us!

S.C.

Posted 8/8/2013 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
Ruhr,

I am so happy to hear that you went on your trip and had a good time! I told you you would! It's ok to take your pills when you feel you need to. That's what they're there for. Now that you're back home you can settle back into your old routine of not taking them as much, but they really do help in situations like that.

Good for you for kicking that anxiety in the face! I'm so proud of you! smilewinkgrin

((hugs)) Fox
Posted 8/13/2013 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there.
Interested to find your story - It was just what I was looking for. Really glad to hear you went on your trip and that you have no regrets - really great to read. Also if there are any other members who had anxiety about travel, and went, and it was fine - I would love to hear your stories here too. I have been anxiety free for quite a while now. However - I am thinking of going on a trip abroad..in fact my travel friend wants to book it tonight. NO PRESSURE LOL!! I am fine every day now, but the thought of panicking on a plane is terrifying (I am not scared of flying) The thought of being back where I was (in panic mode) or just being panic stricken, away from my comfort zone, miles from home. I know if I am thinking these thoughts already that the chances are I will panic!!!! Help !!!
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