Panic disorder and flying - PLEASE HELP

Hi everyone,
I have posted couple of times about my health anxiety. Heart anxiety rather. This all started in July when I had my first panic attacks. I have been to ER twice in this 5 months. Have been to GPs number of times. I have had several cardiograms and also had holter monitor for 24 hours. Nothing came in. I am not able to come in terms with it that there is nothing wrong with me.
I am flying next Monday. Will catch 3 planes with plenty of lay over time. My husband will be with me so, I am bit relieved but I am still getting panicked. Last night, I was sleeping and 5 in the morning I felt chest pain and palpitations. It went on for a few seconds. I shaked it off and tried to go to sleep but could not and kept checking pulse. I called my GP and he assured me again that it is anxiety.
I am freaking out thinking how I would fly.. what If I get panic attack... no medical help.. what if I wont be able to control palpitations and it goes out of control and M drop dead! What ifs (((
Please help me with all the 'positive' stories of flying. Especially, when anxiety is on peak. I have flown before several times without getting anxious. but, this time I have been diagnosed with panic disorder and health anxiety and my thoughts hovering around my heart..I keep feeling sensations..flutters... (
PLEASE HELP..

Hello DP and welcome back!

I was also thinking that you could ask your doctor for a low dose benzo Rx for your flight...to help you relax and eliminate/lessen your physical symptoms while on your trip?

I have had both challenges with....and the complete absence of anxiety while traveling. It is hard to tell what will happen, and that uncertainty is part of the issue of course.

I think that a good balance of envisioning the best outcome (no anxiety!) but also accepting that it could happen is a healthy place to be mentally.

If in the event that you do feel anxious, be sure to be armed with your coping skills. Breathing practices and progressive muscle relaxation are powerful tools...

...as are Positive Mantras. Some of my most helpful statements to repeat to myself are:

"I am alright, this is only anxiety making these physical symptoms that I am feeling."

"I have been through this before and everything has come out fine."

"I can handle any situation that I face today."

I hope that you can use some of the above to prepare for a great trip and travel experience. I know you will be fine...and I hope you can enjoy yourself without the burden of worry/anxiety!

Let us know how it goes, and post as needed!

S.C.

Hi

I hate flying it makes me really anxious so as mentioned above I take a small dose of Valium to help ease the anxiety.

Hibee

I have xanax that I use for flying and I also have a bloody mary on the flight no matter what the time of day is.......