O.K. Let's face it. The majority of people out there are never going to understand panic disorder. The problem is most of us usually look just fine. So what could possibly be wrong?

I started thinking about this again because Friday night we went out to dinner with 2 other couples. I had not been feeling great all day, but not bad enough to stay home. ( I think I need to get my hormones balanced and am going to the doctor tomorrow to talk about that.) Anyway, I was sitting there with a cup of decaf waiting for the meal to come when I started feeling bad. That old feeling...uh oh, somethings wrong ...BAD. I whispered to my husband and asked if he thought they could have slipped me a cup of real coffee by mistake. That has happened before and I have ended up with a full blown panic attack. (Be careful in a restaurant because I think when they don't have decaf some restaurants just pour you real coffee, never thinking that some people just CAN'T drink it.) So I sat there and the thoughts start going through my head....the ones like how am I going to get out of here with a good excuse. I don't like to tell people the problem, but have had to do that in the past. Thankfully, in about 15 minutes it passed, so I guess it wasn't the coffee.

I wasn't too big on flying after having the problem on a plane. That caused some problems with family because they wanted to see us all more. After I found out what I had it was easier of course because I knew I wasn't going to die. But I have to admit since Sept. 11th I haven't been eager to fly. I'm still having trouble getting those pictures out of my head. (Anyone else out there having that problem?)

If you're coping with an illness try not to let negative people get to you. And (from first post) don't call Dr. Laura for advice!
And finally...an exception and an exceptional person. My husband. The picture of health and a person who understands and loves me. I am so lucky!

Posted by elizabeth | Filed under: Panic Disorder

1. Posted by Alex Ng on August 9, 2005