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Have you ever actually lost control

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 12/26/2007 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi- I am a regular on the crohns forum and post here from time to time.  I feel odd posting here because you all have anxiety that effects your every day life.  I had anxiety from the crohns that with the help of therapy I was able to (mostly overcome).  So... I don't want to impose but was wondering if I could seek your experience?

I get severe anxiety when I fly.  I have taken a free online fear of flying course that helped tremendously.  I am flying again Jan. 2nd and I am working on it every day.  I am not blocking it out and realizing all of a sudden oh crap Im on a plane.  I know that my biggest fear is just of being afraid and not of actually crashing. I hate that I'm stuck in the metal tube with no where to run.  There is no escape and that is what kills me.  I am afraid I will go crazy and be on of those people you see on TV that get arrested or try to open a door.

I have learned that doors dont open in flight.  My doctor gave me an rx for .25 of Xanax to take 1 or 2 of.  I plan on taking one on the way to the airport and one on the plane.  I tried one xanax at home to make sure I had no adverse reaction and felt fine.  My husband is also afraid of flying but he is not preparing like I am.  I am afraid that his scaredness will ruin all the progress I have done.

My question for you all: My doc, therapist, and online fear of flying course told me that you will not actually lose control in a panic attack.  You will just feel afraid that you will.  Your heart will not stop, you will not stop breathing, you will not run up and down the aisle screaming, you will not pass out...  Is this true?  If you have a panic attack and don't have an out, what is the worst that can happen?

My first flight is 2.5 hours each way and I am pretty confident that with the work Ive done, and a little help from xanax I will be ok.  But, in March I am flying to Singapore 20+ hours and I am not sure if I can keep the act up that long.  So folks, don't hold back, don't worry about scaring me.  I am trying to prepare.  What is the worst physical reaction that can happen from an unchecked panic attack?

Posted 12/26/2007 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
FitzyK23

Hi and you can post here anytime you want.  My hubby has Crohn's so I understand that anxiety too.

Now for flying..............take the meds, get on the plane, say a prayer and then sit back and just go where the plane takes you.  To me I always look at it like I am in God's hands and I will be fine.

I have gotten so good at this that I take the Valium before leaving home, and usually don't need anymore than the one.  I get on the plane, buckle up and close my eyes and just breathe.  I now find I dose off before we leave the gate.  I hear things around me but I just go into a deep relaxed mode and try to stay there. 

If you think of it grab a blanket from the overhead bin as it is warm and your more likely to dose off if you feel snuggled up in the light blanket.

The longer trips are harder not due to panic but you get antsy.  I have learned on long flights to get up and just walk around.  Usually the plane is bigger so you have more space to stroll the aisle.

You may want to ask your physician for something to help you sleep through at least 8 hours of the flight on your long journey.

I am sure you will do fine and you won't run up and down the aisle like the demons are chasing you.  I promise.  Just go with it.

I know you can do this.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt 

 

Posted 12/26/2007 5:37 AM (GMT 0)

  That has got to be one of the loves of my life flying, even had my own plane at one time and flying in Alaska is the best! For I have never felt like I'm flying in a tube lol but in a way I was as my plane was made from tubes and fabric of the old pipers but the best thing I would do is get a window seat, that way you can all way look down and see all the sites there are just make sure you are in front or behind the wings for the best viewings and I don't thing that you will find it all bad at all

  I been in some pretty hairy spots flying around in some of the mountain passes here that I thought I was going down a few times as the winds roll down the hills pushing you down as well and had a few hard landings but even so I never did have a P/A from it

  Cowboy up

Posted 12/26/2007 7:08 AM (GMT 0)
just a little tip...

the cheapo airlines don't give you a blankie and pillow anymore so you might need to take your own, maybe a sweater and one of those travel pillows they sell at the drugstore.

i sleep so much better if i can hold a pillow in front of me on a plane or in a car. also, it is absolutely wonderful to listen to the music or movies or whatever they have with your own headphones... it blocks out all the babies and talkative people.

--mk
Posted 12/26/2007 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Fitzky
I know you will be fine
'Take the meds IF you need too and I in my honest opinion think the worst that may happen is some tummy upset like vomittin......

You can take dimenihydrate for that as you prolly already know ...........

YOU have gone thru so much with the CD I know you can and will get thru this with all you have learned yeah
Very wise to do the before hand learning IMHO as well

POST anytime you feel the need for some understanding whether its about planes or other issues with a/p especially as we have many crohnies come here with anxiety due to Chronic illness

Be safe
Be strong and

SMILE...you will be fine ......and yes take pillow and fav blankie ....
Luvs
LYN
Posted 12/26/2007 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks a bunch guys! I knew I could count on you for some assurance. Freezing- I love that you used to fly planes. I know it feels a lot scarier in the plane than it does for the pilot. I had two bad turbulent flights that really upped my fears but I now know that w/ the exception of thunderstorms pilots just avoid the turbulents b/c the passengers don't like it, not because the plane doesn't like it. I was shocked to learn that all the cargo planes fly right through it. I plan on bringing my old choir CDs (kind of like praying as it is catholic church music lol) and put on an eye mask, and close my eyes and go into my own little world. That way I can even ignore my husband if he gets scared lol!!!
Posted 12/26/2007 4:42 PM (GMT 0)

Have a wonderful trip and with the tips you have you will do fine.

Just believe in yourself and you are bound to be ok.  I admire that you started to work on this issue ahead of time too.  That is planning well.

Gentle Hugs. "Where you go in life is up to you."  :) 

Kitt

Posted 12/26/2007 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Have a great Trip Fitzky
DROP in anytime we are always here too ya know

Loves
'LYN
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