Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[tink]

Hi ladies,

I posted a while back ( about 2 years) when I started perimenopause, and after taking AD and Evorel 75 managed to get my symptoms and panic attacks under control

Having never suffered from panic attacks before the peri, I had convinced myself that the medication would  and did help. I was convinced that they were behind me and was looking forward to my 3 week holiday in Florida, this is the first day of my holiday

But alas I have once again been struck down, I sadly lost my father 6 weeks ago and after recovering from that was ready to come away on holiday when out of the blue I took a panic attack, I had a break through bleed (first time in 5 months since being on the mirena coil) so I put it down to a blip.

got over that and felt fine,  then a week before we were due to fly my mum fell and broke her hip, she is fine and back home with carers etc. checked in at the airport yesterday and received a complimentary upgrade to business class (delighted)and we were all set. Three hours before we were due to land the seat belt sign went on and I needed to go to the bathroom ( like so many others I also have IBS and also MS) next thing I knew panic attack. took 4mg of Diazepam after an hour it eased, although I did spend most of that time in the bathroom.

I am now in Florida with husband and sons (20 & 17) and am absolutely terrified, can someone give me advice for taking Diazpam for the flight home, cant even think about it without anxiety starting, I have plenty of time as we are here for three weeks.

I don't know if these have been caused due to stress or hormones or if because this is the second time I have had a panic attack on a plane that it is always possible that it might happen. I wasn't afraid of flying before but since the first time I now can't say I enjoy it,

sorry to go on but sometimes I feel better if I write it down.


Thank you Ladies

Tink

[bramble]

Hello Tink,

I am sure that your panic attack was caused by the build up of stress prior to your holiday. It must have been a worrying time for you esp. when your mum fell - that must have seemed like the last straw. Have a nice relaxing holiday - there will be lots to do to take your mind off flying home. As far as the diazapam goes on the way home, I would take 2 mgs before I leave the hotel/villa and then see how it goes. That should be enough to take the edge off it.  Good luck and try to relax on holiday and enjoy.
Bramble

[CLKD]

Well done on getting there!  I HATE being trapped in an enclosed space!

Sorry about your Dad - did he die suddenly or was there a build-up, this all takes an emotional toll.  Then the worry of your Mum's fall plus being so close to your planned break ........ all adds on pressure.

What doseage is the Valium? 2mg tablets?  I was given 5mg to use on an 'as necessary' basis and it helped a lot.  I would take a tablet the night before and another after breakfast - or eating a couple of biscuits if breakfast proves impossible.  Having them to hand and depending on the time lapse, another just before boarding.  I was told 10mg daily was OK so splitting your medication ....... how many did your GP give you?

How's the weather?

[tink]

Hi there,

CLKD- my dad has been ill for the past 6 years with multiple complications after an operation for a brain tumor, after radiotherapy he developed dementia virtually over night but was at home with my mum, he fell and broke his hip went into hospital and never came out as he developed pnemonia.

I have 2mg diazepam and can take 2 three times a day I have 28.

the weather here is surprisingly good, normally thunder storms, but yesterday was lovely.

[Suzyq]

Hi try not to worry about the flight home! I hate flying and take an ativan as soon as I wake up, then if I still feel panicky, a further one just before I get on the plane. Hope you have a great holiday and just accept, this was a minor blip - doesn't necessarily mean it will happen again! How lucky getting an upgrade though!!!

[CLKD]

Try not to worry    …………. 

I don't even have to think about what might worry me enough to cause panic, it's that lurch in the gut area that sets me off ……… at least Tink you know how the diazepam affects you, i.e. muggy head, so you will know how to take it before you fly home.

Do you have alligators in your pool yet? 

[cheekygal]

CLKD my GP also told me 10mg diazepam daily was fine, but stressed, to be careful and take no more than that.  I'm afraid it's the only thing that is helping me get out at present, however 5mg is the most I have taken, as worried myself sick about dependency etc.  I am fully aware of the dangers of them, but at the same time scared of becoming housebound again.  I have taken 2mg for years for a neurological problem and never felt the need to take more even though 4mg was my prescribed daily dose. 

[CLKD]

If 5mg works, use it!  Once you begin to feel better you will require less.  Once I knew that Valium would help and how long it took 2 kick in, I didn't need to worry quite as much 

[tink]

thanks everyone for your advice,

I have been fine after my blip, although was nervous for our first week,but will take diazepam to get me home.

ckld no alligators yet, just beautiful sunshine,

[CLKD]

Glad that you R enjoying the break.  I would take the meds even if you don't feel nervous before flying back!  No alligator burgers by the pool then 

[tink]

hello ladies,

just an update,

 i have made it back home, took diazepam night before on the morning of flight and when I got on the plane, felt myself go slightly at start of flight but looked out of the window and held it together.

i think that my trigger is not being allowed to get to the toilet, when panic attack happens always feel the need to go to the toilet.

never had any of this before perimenopause

[Suzyq]

Well done! You did it....

[CLKD]

Well done!  I'm the same. If anyone looks like they need the loo then I need to go too ......... stems from my childhood apparently  .......

Tell us more about your holiday?

[tink]

Holiday was brilliant, stayed in a lovely villa in Davenport, went to all the parks, even managed the odd roller coaster, Sheikra at Busch gardens being my limit though can't go upside down on anything,
 watched magic kingdom fireworks which is my favourite part.

We had fantastic meals out everyday, not good for my waistline which is expanding, again something new to me since peri, went to Clearwater beach and stayed in the Hard Rock Hotel when we visited Universal studios, been on the new Harry Potter ride 'escape from Gringotts' , the new Diagon Alley is superb, so well done and realistic.

I only had one other blip which was during a live show, again was to do with not being able to get out to toilet for fear of embarrassment, I thinks that is my trigger, not sure how I am going to get round it though, think its something I have learned now and DH doesn't think it is still hormone related anymore, as on HRT and it always when I fear I am going to embarrass myself, i have bowel problems related to my MS anyway.

DH is brilliant and says I need to retrain myself not to care about what other people think.

On a positive note though  I managed it and look forward to next year , whereas 18 months ago I couldn't leave the house

[CLKD]

   I have a suggestion, might be wide of the mark  .  A Psychologist once asked why I thought I was so important that others would be bothering about what I do?  I stood in a supermarket and watched shoppers  -  they were so busy with lists/trollies/kids/choices that they didn't notice I was watching. 

I still need to know where the facilities are, even if it's only a bucket behind a desk  - in case.  Once I see the bucket I know I am likely to be OK.