First time pond jumper...*nervous*
Jan 28th, 2008, 01:20 PM
#41
shuttlebuggy,
I have really enjoyed reading all the great advice here for you. I also am a very anxious flyer but refuse to be grounded and always am game for some more tips.
just a few silly things of my own to add:
Pack up a small bag of all your special "treats". I start saving favorite magazines, snacks, books, gum, music, a small new hand lotion, socks, knitting projects a few weeks in advance. If I start a really good book I stop myself from finishing it and set it aside for the flight. Then I have my "goodie bag" to look forward to. Magazines and newspapers are great because you can just leave them on the plane for the next fraidy cat.
Don't bring complicated knitting - simple is better so you don't have to be fully alert or count things or have a pattern - it definitely helps me stay distracted at the airport and at takeoff - but I stick to simple knit and purl.
Same with reading - think great trashy all-night page turner, not deep piece of literature.
I use klonopin which I find milder than Xanax but in the same drug family. It has changed my flying life. As the Florida physician above recommended, I urge you to try an anti-anxiety before you go and remember you might need a bit more of it when you are on the plane than you will at home (since you will not be anxious at home). I usually take 1/2 on the ground, 1/2 in the air and if necessary another 1/2 after the meal service. Still, it's a very low dosage and I'm very conservative. (I'm an RN) I don't ever drink alcohol. Others swear by it, but it makes me worse.
When it's bumpy I pretend I'm on a Greyhound bus not a plane and I feel better.
When I hear a weird noise or feel an odd movement I look to the flight attendants and if they are calm I know I can be calm.
Having a husband's hand to squeeze can help - try not to break his knuckles
I try not "co-pilot" the plane all the way over - after all even the real pilot is allowed a little nap so I'm entitled to one too
I loved whoever said what a great example you are setting for your daughter - how true!
Enjoy this trip and hopefully we'll be hearing more and more from you on the Europe board!
the traveling is infectious!!
gruezi
I have really enjoyed reading all the great advice here for you. I also am a very anxious flyer but refuse to be grounded and always am game for some more tips.
just a few silly things of my own to add:
Pack up a small bag of all your special "treats". I start saving favorite magazines, snacks, books, gum, music, a small new hand lotion, socks, knitting projects a few weeks in advance. If I start a really good book I stop myself from finishing it and set it aside for the flight. Then I have my "goodie bag" to look forward to. Magazines and newspapers are great because you can just leave them on the plane for the next fraidy cat.
Don't bring complicated knitting - simple is better so you don't have to be fully alert or count things or have a pattern - it definitely helps me stay distracted at the airport and at takeoff - but I stick to simple knit and purl.
Same with reading - think great trashy all-night page turner, not deep piece of literature.
I use klonopin which I find milder than Xanax but in the same drug family. It has changed my flying life. As the Florida physician above recommended, I urge you to try an anti-anxiety before you go and remember you might need a bit more of it when you are on the plane than you will at home (since you will not be anxious at home). I usually take 1/2 on the ground, 1/2 in the air and if necessary another 1/2 after the meal service. Still, it's a very low dosage and I'm very conservative. (I'm an RN) I don't ever drink alcohol. Others swear by it, but it makes me worse.
When it's bumpy I pretend I'm on a Greyhound bus not a plane and I feel better.
When I hear a weird noise or feel an odd movement I look to the flight attendants and if they are calm I know I can be calm.
Having a husband's hand to squeeze can help - try not to break his knuckles
I try not "co-pilot" the plane all the way over - after all even the real pilot is allowed a little nap so I'm entitled to one too
I loved whoever said what a great example you are setting for your daughter - how true!
Enjoy this trip and hopefully we'll be hearing more and more from you on the Europe board!
the traveling is infectious!!
gruezi
Jan 28th, 2008, 01:21 PM
#42
SeaUrchin~ I even look forward to the hot washcloth British Air gives out somewhere during the flight!
And do NOT... whatever you do... watch the plane flying across the seatback entertainment system ;-)
Now you have 11 hours remaining... now you have 10 hours 57 minutes remaining -lol!
And do NOT... whatever you do... watch the plane flying across the seatback entertainment system ;-)
Now you have 11 hours remaining... now you have 10 hours 57 minutes remaining -lol!
Jan 28th, 2008, 04:48 PM
#44
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i dont know if anyone else has suggested this, but when I realized I loved to travel but hated to fly, I got a prescription for xanax> my doctor started out by only prescribing 10 at a time, but now, confidant that i am not an addict, prescibes 20. in the last 15 years, i've been to europe multiple times, aftrica and take numerous trips in the U.S> I still get anxious thinking about a flight, but i get on the plane and go> The xanax works so well that I prefer a window seat so I can look down on the country I'm flying over. Try it.
Jan 28th, 2008, 06:16 PM
#45
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I love all these posts!
And we are all so different. I get a thrill when the plane takes off. Awaaaaay I go, lol. And I feel free from everything at home..no phone calls, no mail, no errands, no housework etc. Being on a plane for me is "my time". And I love when the plane begins to land. I have arrived! And I do enjoy watching how the plane journeys on the entertainment center. I do set my watch for the time where I will be landing when I first get on the plane. Somehow that works for me.
I am a great "people watcher" so even airports work for me. I enjoy seeing all the travellers. I even enjoy watching the airport employees. It is better than watching a boring TV program. But I always have a few books with me, I always need a book with me no matter where I am.
Best wishes to you shuttlebuggy. I imagine after this across the Atlantic flight you will never worry about a longish flight again!
And we are all so different. I get a thrill when the plane takes off. Awaaaaay I go, lol. And I feel free from everything at home..no phone calls, no mail, no errands, no housework etc. Being on a plane for me is "my time". And I love when the plane begins to land. I have arrived! And I do enjoy watching how the plane journeys on the entertainment center. I do set my watch for the time where I will be landing when I first get on the plane. Somehow that works for me.
I am a great "people watcher" so even airports work for me. I enjoy seeing all the travellers. I even enjoy watching the airport employees. It is better than watching a boring TV program. But I always have a few books with me, I always need a book with me no matter where I am.
Best wishes to you shuttlebuggy. I imagine after this across the Atlantic flight you will never worry about a longish flight again!
Jan 28th, 2008, 06:26 PM
#46
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I will not lie to you. When I went to india this was my least fav part of the trip, and i love flying. esp takeoffs and landings. What will get you in the end is the fact that you cannot stretch your legs out. It will annoy the hell out of you. So unless you got some first class seat action, then your not going to enjoy this.
Jan 28th, 2008, 07:46 PM
#47
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I haven't yet read everyone's responses, but all I have to say is that my Lorazepam (a form of valium?) has been my lifesaver.
A few weeks ago I took my first trip across the pond and actually enoyed it!!
And it helps me sleep during the flights. Definitely look into it.
A few weeks ago I took my first trip across the pond and actually enoyed it!!
And it helps me sleep during the flights. Definitely look into it.
Jan 29th, 2008, 07:54 AM
#49
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LoveItaly, I agree with you. Love these posts! Everyone is so different and it's interesting to read everyone's viewpoint.
Not only do I like to depart and land, but I also love turbulence. Turbulence, as long as its not too bad, helps lull me to sleep.
Whenever I take Valium it makes me completely nauseous. I will say that Ambien didn't work as well for me on my recent flight to Japan, and I found myself having to take two. I think I'm going to try Ambien CR or Lunesta for our next overseas flight in April.
Tracy
Not only do I like to depart and land, but I also love turbulence. Turbulence, as long as its not too bad, helps lull me to sleep.
Whenever I take Valium it makes me completely nauseous. I will say that Ambien didn't work as well for me on my recent flight to Japan, and I found myself having to take two. I think I'm going to try Ambien CR or Lunesta for our next overseas flight in April.
Tracy
Jan 29th, 2008, 09:06 AM
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I second the idea of an iPod or, better, a cheaper MP3 player, but with good earphones. (You might look into the noise-cancelling earphones.) Load the player with soothing music, maybe even hymns, as well as an audio book. The right music cuts through my anxiety and calms me down.
If you can afford it, travel in a good business class or even first class. All that comfort and the sttendants bringing you stuff; I could take that for ever.
That said, I only suffer from fear of not flying, fear of being stuck in a tight seat on the ground, going nowhere. Once we take off, I relax.
If you can afford it, travel in a good business class or even first class. All that comfort and the sttendants bringing you stuff; I could take that for ever.
That said, I only suffer from fear of not flying, fear of being stuck in a tight seat on the ground, going nowhere. Once we take off, I relax.
Jan 29th, 2008, 09:57 AM
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A couple more things to add . . .
One airline (might be United) has a channel where you can plug in your headset and listen to the cockpit. I have done this and it is very reassuring to hear the cockpit talk to the control tower - not to mention kinda interesting to listen to what goes on. You realize that these people do this every day, all over the world, and it's just business as usual.
Regarding turbulence, I once read that turbulence in an airplane is just like a boat going over choppy waters. I figure that if I don't panic when a boat hits some waves, I shouldn't panic when an airplane hits some bumps.
Also, bring headphones or earplugs or something to drown out the sounds the plane makes. Planes can by noisy, and I used to panic every time I heard a new sound. Listening to soft music, even while I'm trying to sleep, helps me to relax.
Good luck!
Attnymom
One airline (might be United) has a channel where you can plug in your headset and listen to the cockpit. I have done this and it is very reassuring to hear the cockpit talk to the control tower - not to mention kinda interesting to listen to what goes on. You realize that these people do this every day, all over the world, and it's just business as usual.
Regarding turbulence, I once read that turbulence in an airplane is just like a boat going over choppy waters. I figure that if I don't panic when a boat hits some waves, I shouldn't panic when an airplane hits some bumps.
Also, bring headphones or earplugs or something to drown out the sounds the plane makes. Planes can by noisy, and I used to panic every time I heard a new sound. Listening to soft music, even while I'm trying to sleep, helps me to relax.
Good luck!
Attnymom
Jan 29th, 2008, 12:31 PM
#53
Benzodiazepines...per the DEA...
The benzodiazepine family of depressants is used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. In general, benzodiazepines act as hypnotics in high doses, anxiolytics in moderate doses, and sedatives in low doses.
Benzodiazepines with a longer duration of action are utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime anxiety. These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®, chlordiazepoxide (librium®, clorazepate (Tranxene®, diazepam (Valium®, halazepam (Paxipam®, lorzepam (Ativan®, oxazepam (Serax®, prazepam (Centrax®, and quazepam (Doral®. Clonazepam (Klonopin®, diazepam, and clorazepate are also used as anticonvulsants.
The benzodiazepine family of depressants is used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. In general, benzodiazepines act as hypnotics in high doses, anxiolytics in moderate doses, and sedatives in low doses.
Benzodiazepines with a longer duration of action are utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime anxiety. These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®
, chlordiazepoxide (librium®, clorazepate (Tranxene®, diazepam (Valium®, halazepam (Paxipam®, lorzepam (Ativan®, oxazepam (Serax®, prazepam (Centrax®, and quazepam (Doral®. Clonazepam (Klonopin®, diazepam, and clorazepate are also used as anticonvulsants.
Jan 29th, 2008, 01:04 PM
#54
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Hmmm.. I can understand that phobias have to be treated properly, but I was kind of amazed what kind of treatment seems to be necessary to fight a certain unpleasantness or the risk of losing one night's sleep.
I ask this out of sheer ignorance, so please do not take it as an assault, but is it normal for the average-anxious traveler to take these powerful drugs for a flight?
I ask this out of sheer ignorance, so please do not take it as an assault, but is it normal for the average-anxious traveler to take these powerful drugs for a flight?
Jan 29th, 2008, 01:25 PM
#55
Cowboy1968~ In appropraite doseage they are not especially "powerful".
You would not know if a fellow passenger was medicated or not (unless they took too much or drank on top of them).
That said it would make an interesting survey on any given flight!
It's not a "certain unpleasantness" some people would be unable to board a plane and fly without them.
You would not know if a fellow passenger was medicated or not (unless they took too much or drank on top of them).
That said it would make an interesting survey on any given flight!
It's not a "certain unpleasantness" some people would be unable to board a plane and fly without them.
Jan 29th, 2008, 01:45 PM
#57
Cowboy,
The nice thing about the benzos is that they are really effective and in the doses most doctors would prescribe for travel are not considered all that "powerful" as you are often still alert and awake after taking them. For some, abuse is an issue and that's the downside. But, a prescription for 6 pills for a vacation is not going to drive anyone into a drug-crazed frenzy unless they already have substance abuse issues.
I think most doctors would agree that anxiolytics are a healthier option then self-medication with alcohol which is how some white-knuckle fliers handle their fears. You probably would never notice a benzo taker on the plane but I bet you've seen more than a few users of alcohol.
For phobics, it can be an issue of terror not just "a certain unpleasantness or the risk of losing one night's sleep".
I think one of the hard things about suffering from phobias and anxiety is that those that don't suffer, hard as they try, quite often just can't understand what it feels like.
The nice thing about the benzos is that they are really effective and in the doses most doctors would prescribe for travel are not considered all that "powerful" as you are often still alert and awake after taking them. For some, abuse is an issue and that's the downside. But, a prescription for 6 pills for a vacation is not going to drive anyone into a drug-crazed frenzy unless they already have substance abuse issues.
I think most doctors would agree that anxiolytics are a healthier option then self-medication with alcohol which is how some white-knuckle fliers handle their fears. You probably would never notice a benzo taker on the plane but I bet you've seen more than a few users of alcohol.
For phobics, it can be an issue of terror not just "a certain unpleasantness or the risk of losing one night's sleep".
I think one of the hard things about suffering from phobias and anxiety is that those that don't suffer, hard as they try, quite often just can't understand what it feels like.
Jan 29th, 2008, 07:08 PM
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Cowboy1968, as I've learned with my fear of flying phobia, the condition is not merely unpleasant, it's an all-out irrational disorder (for me, anyway). An absolutely life and behavior-altering phenomenon that's crept up on me over the years and has taken over me like any other mental illness might take a person over. I start losing sleep as soon as the ticket is booked (I don't mean every single night, but when the thoughts come over me).
It's tough to explain to someone who doesn't suffer from it. Why? Because it's an irrational fear, I realize, therefore, I'm utterly incapable of explaining it in a rational manner to others.
Tight seats, boredom, poor food, lack of good service etc. don't bother me at all. I'm terrified the plane will crash and I will die a horrendous death. That's about as well as I can sum it up. My life is utterly changed since my physician began prescribing me Lorazepam, and I'll never go back.
I love to travel, otherwise.
It's tough to explain to someone who doesn't suffer from it. Why? Because it's an irrational fear, I realize, therefore, I'm utterly incapable of explaining it in a rational manner to others.
Tight seats, boredom, poor food, lack of good service etc. don't bother me at all. I'm terrified the plane will crash and I will die a horrendous death. That's about as well as I can sum it up. My life is utterly changed since my physician began prescribing me Lorazepam, and I'll never go back.
I love to travel, otherwise.
Jan 30th, 2008, 05:49 AM
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Cowboy-I'll chime in too about the wonders of drugs to help with my fear of flying. I used to have NO problems at all, really enjoyed all things flying related, even the airport! Then I developed my irrational fear of flying (or as raspberryberet puts it - fear of crashing). I suffered for many years and though I did book flights for me and my family it made me change some things - I drove when we could, didn't take certain trips as it "wasn't worth it" to suffer the flight - and yes, I too would start having problems as soon as I booked the flight, then get physically ill a few days before the trip then really ill during the flight.
Finally got Xanax thinking it was a sleeping pill and not realizing it was anti-anxiety. It made all the difference in the world - makes me feel "normal". And, best of all, after repeated normal flights and feeling great and not anxious the anxiety has almost disappeared. I did my last Europe trip this summer with the pills in my purse but didn't feel the need to take them. I can book flights without the fear starting right away. It is a hard thing to describe the truly fearful flyer, not just one who has average anxiety or discomfort. I will continue to get my yearly Rx for a small # of pill, just in case, but I think the drugs have actually helped me beat the phobia.
Finally got Xanax thinking it was a sleeping pill and not realizing it was anti-anxiety. It made all the difference in the world - makes me feel "normal". And, best of all, after repeated normal flights and feeling great and not anxious the anxiety has almost disappeared. I did my last Europe trip this summer with the pills in my purse but didn't feel the need to take them. I can book flights without the fear starting right away. It is a hard thing to describe the truly fearful flyer, not just one who has average anxiety or discomfort. I will continue to get my yearly Rx for a small # of pill, just in case, but I think the drugs have actually helped me beat the phobia.
Jan 30th, 2008, 10:58 AM
#60
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Okay! I will try to answer to some of the things asked or mentioned above!
Attnymom - I looked for the Edddie Bauer pillow/blanket throw you described and could not find it on their site - it sounded very good!
Bluehour - Yes my dh is going with me and has lived thru my flight fears firsthand - God Bless Him! LOL
He will switch on and off for the aisle I am sure! And thank you for reminding me of my dd waiting on the other side...important!
I am flying back from IAD to PVD
Shellio, Mimar and Suze - I will get the person I am borrowing an iPod from to put an audio book on for me - preferably Michael Connolley ( I just love the character Harry Bosch)
Gruezi - I loved your tip about the complicated knitting - I am attending a retreat the day before on the making of "Prayer Shawls" they are simple I have done them before and that is what I am planning on and a simple crochet project - I am leaving the Aran sweater project with all it's "cabling" at home!
And I am an R.N. too - retired
Cowboy - I wish it was just a "certain unpleasantness" and that I was the average nervous flyer - but I am not...I have lived with this out and outright fear for 40+ years and it turned into something that it had with my own dad - a phobia that kept me grounded almost for good! I limited myself from many times of enjoyment in seeing friends and loved ones - not good! I don't take what you say as assault at all - I just want to be sure you are aware that in my case - it wasn't average but severe!
LoveItaly - I am motivated by your positive attitude and outlook - I will try to adopt if just a bit - some of it to my travel!
I will keep you all posted! EVERY one of you has been so nice to offer the advice! I will check back to see if the post continues - I hope it does and I will make sure that as someone said "like a kid" I have my busy backpack bag ready and stocked! Too funny!!! LOL - but I think I will skip the cherrios that years ago I used to keep in my daughters bag as a toddler to keep her quiet!!! Dh and I used to refer to them as silencers as she was a noise maker then except when eating!!! Too funny!
Attnymom - I looked for the Edddie Bauer pillow/blanket throw you described and could not find it on their site - it sounded very good!
Bluehour - Yes my dh is going with me and has lived thru my flight fears firsthand - God Bless Him! LOL
He will switch on and off for the aisle I am sure! And thank you for reminding me of my dd waiting on the other side...important!
I am flying back from IAD to PVD
Shellio, Mimar and Suze - I will get the person I am borrowing an iPod from to put an audio book on for me - preferably Michael Connolley ( I just love the character Harry Bosch)
Gruezi - I loved your tip about the complicated knitting - I am attending a retreat the day before on the making of "Prayer Shawls" they are simple I have done them before and that is what I am planning on and a simple crochet project - I am leaving the Aran sweater project with all it's "cabling" at home!
And I am an R.N. too - retired
Cowboy - I wish it was just a "certain unpleasantness" and that I was the average nervous flyer - but I am not...I have lived with this out and outright fear for 40+ years and it turned into something that it had with my own dad - a phobia that kept me grounded almost for good! I limited myself from many times of enjoyment in seeing friends and loved ones - not good! I don't take what you say as assault at all - I just want to be sure you are aware that in my case - it wasn't average but severe!
LoveItaly - I am motivated by your positive attitude and outlook - I will try to adopt if just a bit - some of it to my travel!
I will keep you all posted! EVERY one of you has been so nice to offer the advice! I will check back to see if the post continues - I hope it does and I will make sure that as someone said "like a kid" I have my busy backpack bag ready and stocked! Too funny!!! LOL - but I think I will skip the cherrios that years ago I used to keep in my daughters bag as a toddler to keep her quiet!!! Dh and I used to refer to them as silencers as she was a noise maker then except when eating!!! Too funny!
