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Health anxiety and travel

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Posted 4/8/2009 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
So I had a setback this weekend, I was progressing pretty well will recovering my shoulder through OMT and I was excited that my anxiety along with my pain was subsiding. Unfortunately while my husband and I were out trail riding I foolishly decided to go for a bit of a run on my horse and wound up (after a very hard stop on his part) somersaulting over his head, and landing on my right thigh/seat. I did a job on my hip, road rash down my leg, and have been in quite a bit of pain as a result. I am lucky that I am mostly ok as I could have been much more seriously injured, but it has definitely flared up my health anxiety and worry about blood clots and stroke. I saw my OMT doc on Monday after it happened and he straightened out my back so I can walk without crutches and I'm on my way with healing. However I just found out that I will need to travel for work training for 3 days at the end of this month and I am so nervous. Add to that I will likely be traveling alone and I am turning back into a big ball of nerves.
Posted 4/8/2009 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
dixibella

I am sorry to hear of your accident but very thankful that you are ok.  :)

 

I see a bit of anticipatory anxiety in your post.

“Anticipatory anxiety” is the anxiety one experiences before starting a challenging activity. Most often, anticipatory anxiety is a lot higher than what you actually end up experiencing.

Why do we experience anticipatory anxiety? I think it’s because the panic response is over-zealous about doing its job: trying to locate any danger, in order to protect us. When it can’t find any danger in the present, it looks into the future. Sometimes, the only possible “danger” it can find is something you haven't done yet!

Do not over think this one, you will do well on your trip for work, this is something you can do.

Remember to not get stuck on the "stinkin thinkin" highway but kick that anxiety to the curb................you can do this my friend. 

Stay in the moment and practice all the skills you have picked up along the way. 

Thinking of you, ((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))

Kitt
Posted 4/8/2009 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, dixibella!

I fight health anxiety a lot, too, and travel is rough to combine it with. Does your trip require that you drive or fly? If I am flying, I remind myself that there are lots of people on the plane who could help me if I start having a health emergency. If I'm driving, I think about the route and note that almost anywhere I could drive (in the eastern US), there's a hospital within 30 minutes. I had to call 911 from the side of the highway one time, so I know that they are capable of handling that, and it makes me feel safer now. At the destination, I usually try to get an idea of where the nearest ER is, in case I feel I need it.

Sadly, all of these aren't really coping mechanisms, but seem more like they're enabling my HA. But we do the best we can, and sometimes our best is to plan ahead for that "horrible disaster" we're convinced will happen to us, while also knowing that it never does. Even though I do make all these sorts of plans ahead, I've never had to put them into practice, so I guess that's a good sign.

Good luck to you.
percycat
Posted 4/8/2009 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Dixi,

I'm glad you are okay after your accident! Re: the travel anxiety, I do some of the same stuff that Percy does, like mentally walk myself through the 'what ifs' and realize that there are solutions to those. I find it helps. I hope your pain will lessen and hope the healing is quick and effective. Hang in there, Dixi.....you'll get through it!!!
Posted 4/8/2009 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt, Percy and Raniah. I know I can do this and all will be well. Its the first time I will travel alone since 05 so although I'm sure I will be nervous I'll be fine. My doctor gave me an ativan script last time I was there so I'll have that handy JIC. I'm trying to mentall prepare myself for being in an entirely new place away from my comfort zone for 3 days. I'm sure if I can overcome my nervousness it will probably be a really good trip and the training will be useful. I'm just trying to get myself over the hump on "Oh NO where is my safety net!"
Posted 4/9/2009 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Your safety net will be your hotel room! A place where you can lay down alone and relax and think, use the restroom in private, shower, etc. Any place you go will have emergency services. In a big emergency you just dial 911. So nice that the number is the same everywhere. In a more minor emergency (say stitches) you could ask the hotel front desk or concierge. Also, almost every hotel lists the nearest clinics and hospitals in their book that you find on the desk or bedside table in your room. (You know, the one that says where the pool and spa is and has the room service menu!) Think of it as a vacation!
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