Dealing with some major Anticipatory Anxiety

Im flying across the country on Friday w/ two layovers to surprise my husband's best friend (with my husband).  I am afraid of flying but do it at least 3 times a year anyway.  Take off is the worst for me and anytime that I am "trapped" ie: the seat belt sign is on.  A lot of that is b/c of my crohns and needing to use the bathroom.

I know what to do, I've done it a 1000 times.  Eat safe, take immodium, take my xanax, bring music and a book, blah blah blah.  I've visited my fear of flying forums.  I know flying is safe.  I really don't think we are going to crash and die.  Yet my gut is just totally in knots today and my stomach is a mess.  I am afraid of being afraid.  I am afraid for my 3 take offs on the way there and the 3 on the way home.  I know I will be sitting there praying for the ding when we his 10,000 feet and then the other ding when we can get up!  Even if I don't want to get up I need that seatbelt sign off.  I know in regular turbulence if I have to get up to just get up but I hate doing that b/c I know it is kind of dangerous.

Anyway, my xanax is at home and I am at work and I have major gut churning can't get it off my mind fear of fear. 

Fitzy

As one who loves to fly and falls asleep before take off, all I can offer you is lots of hugs and support and use your Xanax.  May I suggest you keep some with you at all times during this trip. Also if you are not already, you may want to take a Xanax first thing in the morning to help your days leading up to the trip a little less stressful.

OK, I am a user.............LOL.  I just believe we do what we need to do safely of course.

Hugs
Kitt

I am glad you feel comfortable posting what make you feel anxious and just getting it out helps defuse some of the feelings.

Happy Trails.

Kitt

I wish you the best Fitzy and hope you can get your nerves settled down. I also have my benzos strapped to my "toolbelt" when I'm away from home, and it is a good thing. I also have a fear of flying even though I'm a veteran of the skies. . . Have not done so in awhile and I know I would feel the same way if any arose :) Just know that it is a lot of what if thinking and work with your CBT a some to help you out.

Have a great trip and enjoy all the wonderful sites you will be seeing :)

You're a braver person than I am Fitzy. I can't even go down an escalator without freaking out. //^_^\\'... *I'm serious... I have to use the stairs*

Good luck with your flight... *Hugs*

Fitzy you have got me through some major anticipatory anxiety in the past- the best advice you gave me was to ask myself how many of my fears actually came true (not many) and to take each personal triumph and remember it and use it for next time. You said yourself that youve flown many times and managed. just remember that- this is something you can do. I too agree that you should keep your Xanax handy and squeeze your hubby's hand. You will get through this, and you may even really enjoy yourself!

fingers crossed for smooth, happy travels,

Maz XX

Thanks guys! I got great news today that took some of the pressure off. Since this a surprise visit there has been very little communication so I know very little about where we are staying, etc. The friend we are surprising's girlfriend is planning it for my husband. Anyway I learned through a mutual friend today that the apartment we are staying in (with 5 people total!!) has 2 1/2 bathrooms!! With crohns that provides me so much relief. I thought we would all be using one. While I'm still nervous about the trip and flying I am less nervous knowing that I will be comfortable staying at the friends and that we will pretty much have our own bedroom/bathroom so I will have a "safe" place. Yay.

Oh and Maz - I was on the UC board giving someone advice on anxiety today (with the whole list thing of time fears came true and times they didn't etc...). If only I could take my own advice.  I guess I just know that even if nothing bad happens I probably will be very anxious and I guess that is just what I am dreading.  Feeling better tonight though (or it is hubby's birthday wine lol!)