Holidays, travelling and panic attacks.

Hello Everyone 

I can understand your worries - I travel frequently as I have a place in Turkey, indeed I have just returned home today.  My thoughts are:

* When booking any flights, tick the "yes I need assistance box".

* I had an indwelling catheter for 10 months, had a TURP operation and had to learn to wee again. I flew a few weeks after the operation and it was "bib and braces" I wore a full size pair of adult "pull up absorbent pants" (An adult nappy!!). I didn't need it but it gave me the confidence.

* Most airports in the UK and Turkey recognise the "Sunflower Lanyard" scheme and if you have on (you can get one free at Manchester Airport) - it tells the staff you have issues. It speeds you through security, boarding and passport control.

* Don't be afraid to tell people of your issues.

I do hope this helps in your situation.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Brian , this is something I must look into , it's ruining my life.

Good luck 

Simon

Hi Everyone , two thoughts.  Have you practiced any sort of bladder control exercises to strengthen your muscles?  Secondly, I would try an experiment to see how long I could last after having a reasonable amount of liquid.  You might surprise yourself and this could give you confidence.  Good luck. David

Hi Everyone, just to add to what Millibob has said. I have a wife who is disabled and a daughter who suffers from panic attacks and anxiety. Sunflower lanyard and also assisted boarding great idea. Assisted boarding varies between airports. At Gatwick you and a 'Carer' if you have one, are taken in a vehicle from the booking hall to a holding waiting room (where there are toilets) and then then through passport control and security extremely rapidly to the boarding area (where there are toilets) and then onto the plane. Some airports only have limited assistance though. You have to book this direct with the airport you are initially travelling from over the phone after the flight booking is complete. They do not ask the reason. I guess though that you could advise them so at least they are aware. They are all nice caring people throughout the process. Another option is 'Fast Track'. That is available to anyone. You have to pay but it is just a few pounds - again not available at all airports. With that you go down a special lane to get through rapidly. At airports without those facilities, speak to someone - a help desk, person in control of the queue, etc. They and anyone ear wigging will be aware that people have difficulties, but anyway you have nothing to be ashamed of. For goodness sake though wear a pad. A good high absorbant one and also extra protection if necessary. They do work. The majority of men on this forum I am sure will be or have worn them successfully and so many other men out there for numerous reasons.  You could try a clamp or a mini catheter. I have never used them but I have read some very good reviews. Refrain from drinking for as long as practical before and during the trip, particularly alcohol and caffine. I guess panic attacks are always the result of anxiety. There is medication available to help greatly with this. Try to distract yourself from the surroundings. Listen to music perhaps through ear buds, read, play games, puzzles, etc. On the way out daydream about the good time you are going to have and about the good time you have had on the way back. Keep negative thoughts out of your mind as much as possible and do not think of problems you may have. You will be fine. If the worst comes to the worst you will probably feel embarrassed, so what, it wont make the paper headlines and you will never come into contact with those people again. Go for it and enjoy your next break. You have got to tell us though about how you coped in the end.

4 years in and I've tried everything! Panic attacks aren't very nice

My husband has PTSD and panic attacks and finds that RESCUE REMEDY works for him - this was recommended by his local hospital during pain management sessions.

For many years we used the assistance at the airports and usually had no problems although I did always phone them a couple of days in advance to check that they were aware of needing it. For us the Sunflower lanyard was not so successful as they actually separated me from my husband who then panicked.

Needless to say, before taking anything check with the experts that there is no conflict with medication.