send me good vibes

Hi Friends,

I know that this sounds really stupid in the light of so many problems that we all have in our lives.

I'm asking for you guys to send me good vibes as I travel tomorrow evening to Florida for Easter. I know that those of you reading this are thinking...she is crazy...sunshine...blue skies...vacation...

Here lies my problem. I am a real worrier when I travel by air away from my home. My family doesn't understand that I am anxious that something will go wrong so many miles away. It is hard for me to stop thinking crazy thoughts about something going wrong with my pacemaker. The thoughts of hospitals make me so anxious.

Thank you for those of you who have anxiety problems and understand my message.

Those of you who are so fortunate to be without any anxiety...you are so lucky.

Thank you my friends for listening....Have a wonderful Easter:)
Donna

5 Comments

Anxiety

by Pookie - 2009-04-07 07:04:23

Oh, how I can relate to what you are going through!! I have an immediate family member who suffers that kind of anxiety so bad, they cannot travel by plane at all...and it's NOT because of the flying, but rather the fear of being away from their safety zone, which is their familiar surroundings of home. One sometimes feels safer in their own surroundings, of course. My family member can't even travel (by car) into the United States because of this anxiety!!!!!!! BUT, the good news is, there is help out there and he is getting help, the bad news is: it's a very expensive phobia to have.

It is SO hard for others to understand unless they have experienced this first (or second) hand. It was explained to my family that it is simply a fear. An anxiety, and yes, it will be uncomfortable traveling, but as we were told nothing bad will happen. WELL, panic attacks for anyone are not fun. Panic Attacks can make you feel like you ARE going to die. I so sympathize with you.

I finally understood what my family member was going through (panic attacks) only after getting my pacemaker and thought I was going to die every second of every day...all of this happened to me because of dyeing twice (long story) and falling thru the cracks of our medical system. I have since (last month) been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary To A Medical Trauma. Some day I will post what I call my Pacemaker Journal and the hell I went through for the first 6 months to a year. Actually today, marks a pacemaker anniversary for me...4 years to the day of having my pacemaker repositioned after it decided it wanted to live in my armpit. That was the 5th surgery I had had for my ONE pacemaker.

So....I truly understand your anxiety about travel AND anxiety about travelling with your pacemaker. To this very day, when I travel I need to know where the hospitals are wherever I visit.

I wish you the best.

Pookie

I feel you

by carlos1223 - 2009-04-07 08:04:09

Wow! I'm not even there yet, as I just got my difrilbullator implanted this past Friday (4/3/09).

Where do I begin, I don't know.
It's a;ll schichiy!

hi.....

by pacergirl - 2009-04-07 09:04:55

Hello Donna,
I can tell you that you are not alone.
I used to have a lot of control issues.... they nearly killed me. I now realize that I never had any control and plus I don't care to have any of it now. Bad things happen all the time.... but the good things in my life far outweigh the bad. yeah!

Good luck to you while on your vacation... May you be able to let go and let yourself enjoy where you are and with whom you are with. I'm sure they will have a lovely time with the you!

Pacergirl

p.s. Traveling to the hosp. to get the pacemaker was the most anxiety producing ride of my life! I thought I was going to die. I didn't die... I am still here =)

You can prevail

by joni - 2009-04-08 02:04:18

I have dealt with panic disorder and overwhelming anxiety for years but have learned how to deal with them through therapy and by following helpful tips. As you prepare for tomorrow's trip, consider doing the following.

1. Call your pacemaker's company and ask where to get a list of hospitals in the area you are visiting that are familiar with your pacemaker. Once you have the hospitals, addresses and telephone numbers, you know exactly where to go in the highly unlikely event that you experience a problem.

2. Concentrate on your breathing. This is the number 1 tip for overcoming anxiety. Take deep breaths; breathe in through your nose, counting to 10, and out through your mouth. Repeat 10 times and do throughout the day and on the plane. Use Google to find other breathing exercises on the Internet.

3. Exercise. Even a simple brisk walk will help relieve emotional stress.

4. Keep a journal. Write about your stress. This gets the thoughts and feelings from your mind. Start writing about what you are doing now and give a number from 1-10 for stress level. Ex. I am watching TV and my stress level is 2; I am looking at my plane schedule -- stress level 10, etc. You will soon learn what triggers the anxiety and this will help you to deal with it.

5. Focus on the moment.

6. Talk with someone about your anxiety. You have already done this with your post, so you are already on your way to decreasing the anxiety.

There are many other things you can do, but these are a start for the trip tomorrow. When you return from Florida, please consider seeing a therapist. If private sessions are too expensive, look into group sessions. These can be just as helpful.

Have a great trip! I send you a deep embrace of comfort and understanding from afar.

Joni

Hi Donna

by abreaux - 2009-04-08 02:04:56

I fly and drive a lot in my job. Before I leave on every plane trip, my best friend tells me that she'll hold up the plane. I can't tell you how comforting it is to know that I have her arms securely under me whenever I fly.

Donna, I'll hold up the plane for you.

A-M

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