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flying
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:34 am
by destiny92782
Im so excited to go...but only one thing is giveing me butterflys........FLYING!!!!! Im so scared to fly. Any tips???
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:39 am
by PA Girl
If you are nervous enough - your family doc maybe be willing to give you a light tranquilizer. My hubs takes one prior to flying and it really helps him.
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:40 am
by waterguy
It is call self medicate have a drink I know a girl that her doc gave her valimum "SP" so she can fly
flying
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:40 am
by snorkelqueen
We come from California and always take the redeye so we can sleep most of the way. Time flys when you're sleeping. And....drugs work too - Adavin is an rx for anxiety and insomnia and work like a charm. And you can always just keep thinking that soon you will be on the perfect beach and that helps anyone relax.
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:43 am
by pswlrw
Destiny,
I have long suffered from anxiety attacks when I fly. For years I would have a glass of wine or two before boarding and another in flight. This helped quite a bit, but was a tad unseemly on those early morning flights

Now I take a 1/2 valium (only about 2 miligrams) and that completely takes care of any anxiety. Check with your doctor as there are several alternatives to relieve flying stress.
The best part is, once you fly without anxiety once or twice, all those pre-flying nerves disappear too!!
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:06 pm
by alw1977
Destiny,
Gotta tell you, flying anxiety is very common, and you are doing yourself a disservice to suffer. There are many great options out there to reduce your anxiety. I had a panic attack on a flight back from Vegas one time - now, I don't fly without meds. I talked to my doctor and he prescribed xanax. The key thing with meds is to take them enough in advance so they are effective. I take 1mg xanax 1.5 hours before flight time. That way, I'm feeling nice and calm during boarding and take off. It's been a lifesaver for myself and my husband. I have flown in some pretty turbulent conditions without panic - I'm still a bit afraid during those moments, but there is no panic. I can think clearly and remind myself "turbulence is a comfort issue, NOT a safety issue."
If you do get some meds (which I recommend speaking to your Dr. about) try them out at least once before you go so you know how you'll react and can get the dosing right. The last thing you want is to sounds like Anna Nicole Smith and get denied boarding.
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:15 pm
by Maggy
I have been afraid or have anxiety while (and before) flying for many years. But my lust for travel is much bigger.
The only medicine that seems to work for me, is to fly often. The more I fly, the less anxiety I get.
Sometimes I even take a roundtrip to a city one hour from where I live, just to keep up the flying. Luckily I work for an airline, so it doesn't have to be that expensive

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:25 pm
by PA Girl
alw makes a very good point about taking the meds prior to boarding in order to give the medication enough time to kick in.
My husband resisted the idea at first because he didn't want to feel dopey all day but the dosage was proper. He is really glad he gave it a try because flying is much more pleasurable for him now.
This all came about because he suffered a panic attack on a commuter (smallish) jet flight a year or so ago. It came from out of the blue.
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 4:40 pm
by destiny92782
Thanks everyone....I am going to talk to my DR. about getting me something to help me during my flight......I feel better knowing that im not the only one who has these feelings.

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:38 pm
by robncindi
Hey, I am a pilot and you SHOULD be scared of flying...planes are dangerous and pilots are crazy!!!
I'm just kidding of course, flying is as safe as it's ever been, no worries at all but I would recommended drugs, booze and chewing gum!
Drugs and booze are what most pilots use to get us through long flights

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 10:27 pm
by Jamestown
Hi Destiny,
I'm The Queen of Fear when it comes to flying. My husband's PASSION is flying (we have a plane)so I've had to force myself to do it. I've taken Xanax and Ativan. Both work well, but usually leave me feeling blah the entire day. Valium definitely will make you feel VERY blah for an even longer period. I've found that if I drink an alcoholic beverage prior to boarding and once on board, I'm calm and relaxed and I'm not in a daze the rest of the day. Flying frequently helps also. I've found using my IPOD helps to distract me. Good luck.