Stress Center Peer Support

I went to the doctor's this week and I have to go for blood work. I used to donate blood regularly, but stopped because of the attacks. I went to the lab this morning to give the blood for the tests. I got out of the truck and a HUGE wave of panic came over me. I thought I was going to black out. It didn't help that I had to fast for 12 hours first. I got back in the truck and tried to calm myself down. I really needed something to eat because the nausea got worse. I ended up leaving without getting the blood drawn. The clinic is open tomorrow, so I try again then. Hopefully tomorrow will be ok. I tried to calm myself down, but I drove there and hoped I'd be ok.

I hope you were able to return without panic. I had a huge panic attack at my doctor's office about a week ago. I ended up staying and living through it, but it was hell. I know we have to stop running away from the panic attacks, as the session 2 says, but some times this is SO hard.

I DID IT !!! I DID IT !!!!! I went to the lab this morning (the only one open Sundays) and I went in ! There were about 10 people ahead of me. I put the relaxation session on my mp3 player and brought it with me just in case. I started to panic a bit, then this woman standing beside started talking and cracking jokes ! I started to forget about the blood work. My number was finally called and I went in and I started to panic a bit, but the lady was very friendly and she made it easier to draw the blood. By the time the last vile was drawn, I started to feel a bit light headed, (probably due to the panic), I talked myself down and everything ended up good ! THEN she said that there was one more thing ! My anxiety hit again. I said "what?" She smiled and said "Pee into this "....Well, due the anxiety, that was no problem ! LOL Now, I'm going to listen to the relaxation tape then continue on with the day. I started week 4 this week. Before this program, I think I'd still be in bed dreading this day.

Manofmusic,
Congratulations! You should be so proud of yourself! It is such a feeling of accomplishment when we do something even through the fear! I am on week four of the program and am noticing my abiity to cope better too. Continued good luck and again congratulations for your triumph!

Excellent work mang! ANY form of accomplishment is a good thing. I know how it is having immense feelings of panic. I get them everywhere. My house. In class. When driving. Will someone reverse into my like before? If i take a tad too long to turn, how will i react when other motorists honk and such? In the end, you just gotta flash that courage badge proudly. I've been lagging on this program a bit lately b/c of school, but I am now on Week 14, just about done with my first time through. I'll go thru this at least 3 more times to help cement these magnificent tools into my mind.