| Author |
Here's to Your Health:  Panic attacks, depression and I have to fly soon.  |
|
|
LouisvilleMom
True Blue Farmgirl
246 Posts
Kathryn
Louisville
KY
USA
246 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 17 2012 : 01:39:43 AM
|
I will cut this as short as possible. Have not had a real panic attack since the age of 18 (38 now) through therapy, support, Yoga and when that still wasn't enough I took (still do) anti-anxiety medication.
In April I had the opportunity to visit my best friend who had to move back to England due to the recession. Planes are one of my biggest fears. Not that they will crash or anything just the horror of being trapped in their for hours on end with NO escape. My 13 year old son went with me. Partially because of my fears but also because his best friend is the son of my bff...works out well! The flight there was fine, layovers, hung out in the Ambassadors lounge and slept.
We had a great visit and they are probably coming back to the states this year but it was awful to say goodbye. We were then told that we would be bumped and would fly the next day in business class. I didn't take my meds or mentally prepare because they were SURE the place was full. After being grabbed and pushed to the counter where we were informed that there we two seats left (not even together) we needed to board NOW!!!!! I had not been able to prepare mentally, medically or physically before i was shoved into a seat with people I didn't know.
There was more including a woman screaming (not me) to get off the now moving plane. Meanwhile I felt that heat come up my face and make my heart take off like an exotic car. I looked at my son who immediately tried to distract me. At that point I am in full blown-hyperventilating-looking for a flight attendant to force this plane on the ground while popping two different types of anxiety meds and chewing them like candy. Luckily one of the many, took at least 6 or 7, knocked me out. I was down from the Manchester UK airport until we landed in Bangor, ME for fuel. By then I was fine.
Since that flight I have had several more attacks and one big one but my daddy was there and held me like I wasn't a 38 year old woman.
I am flying next month with my husband and frankly I am terrified. I must get past this because I am really angry that this freedom has been taken from me.
Could anyone suggest herbal, breathing, paper bags (really), anything that has helped you. I cannot tell you how much I would appreciate it. My dh gave me a blessing tonight as well (Mormons and ex Mormons will get that).
Off to fall into bed now. Blessings to all you ladies!
SAHM mom to four great boys.
http://ksfarnsworth.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2012 : 05:15:04 AM
|
Kathryn- what an ordeal! I am so sorry you had to suffer through that. You are a very brave person for confronting your fear and your panic attacks. First of all give yourself credit for all the hard work you have done and continue to do. You are doing a great job.
Do you take B vitamins? They are extremely helpful in boosting your moods and can help stave off the downward spiral. Also try Rescue Remedy. Those panic attacks are hard on you and you need to give your body the tools the help recooperate.
*hugs* Take good care of yourself!!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
|
 |
|
|
LouisvilleMom
True Blue Farmgirl
246 Posts
Kathryn
Louisville
KY
USA
246 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2012 : 3:57:21 PM
|
Thank you Alee I will load up. I take vitamin B12 under the tongue daily. It is very difficult and I really want my freedoms back.
SAHM mom to four great boys.
http://ksfarnsworth.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2012 : 5:30:35 PM
|
Kathryn- B12 is great, but really try a B Complex. B6 is great for mood and a whole host of other things. I take it especially when I am feeling stressed. Also if you are really stressed you could ask your doctor to proscribe Propanalol. I was on that during a bad period in my life and it REALLY helps. It is super low dose and helps control the anxiety response. Some people use it before public speaking for example. It lets you still acknowledge the worry but not get wrapped up in it.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
SusanScarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
317 Posts
317 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2012 : 05:29:52 AM
|
| Kathryn - I used to be a flight attendant. There are many, many fearful flyers out there. Take some of your meds before you leave for the airport, then take the others right before you board. Mention to the flight attendants that you're a fearful flyer and they'll check on you. When you board, fully open the vent above your seat so you'll have air blowing on you. Buy a bottle of cold water in the airport and take it on board with you to sip. Have a headset to put on (you'll have to take it off for departure though - it's an FAA thing) and listen to music that you enjoy. Also, search on-line for "fear of flying" classes. Believe it or not they have them at many airports/community education classes/local counseling offices. I hope this helps. |
|
|
|
rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 18 2012 : 05:30:11 AM
|
Kathryn,
Would you ever consider self-hypnosis. I took a class at a community college that went over the techniques. I use it to help with chronic pain. There are many aspects to it including breathing, imagery, designing your perfect place and involving as many of your senses as possible. I found that in later years, I was able to help my mother relax during a very painful procedure and it really helped getting nervous children to sleep.
the fact that it is SELFhypnosis keeps you in control. But, if you are game, hypnosis may be helpful...?
Best wishes,
Marianne |
|
|
|
Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2012 : 12:54:13 AM
|
take your meds and get on the plane. the more you do it the easier it will get. I know I have been there and like you I had to make myself because I was not going to miss out seeing my grand babies because of it. I now make sure I have meds with me and I go and I have a good time when I get there and I would go through it all over again cause they mean more to me than the fear.
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
|
|
Alanna Neupert
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Alanna
cabot
PA
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2012 : 2:04:45 PM
|
| I started having panic attacks when I developed asthma in my 30's, I was about 7 moths pregnaant with my son, I was walking up a flight of stars and suddenly I started hyperventilating. The asthma went away after I had my son. I'm still prone to attacks, but I take my prozac everyday, watch my caffeine and can talk myself out of one now. I don't know if it is a hormonal thing or not. I used to carry paper bags in my car with me. I heard that a person can be hypotized to not have anxiety or panic attacks. |
|
|
| |
Here's to Your Health: Panic attacks, depression and I have to fly soon. |
|
Panic attacks, depression and I have to fly soon.
