Severe Agorophobia

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:29 pm

Thanks for all the replies everyone. FAITHHOPE, how were you able to find a doctor who makes house calls in this day and age? I didn't think any doctors did that now. I have a doctor's appointment this Monday that I'm not looking forward to. I like my doctor but I hate the feelings I get from this anxiety and panic. It probably wouldn't be so bad if I didn't get light-headed, the nausea, or the upset stomach that makes me constantly have to go to the bathroom. That's what makes me get so anxious and panicky when I go out. I have decided one thing though...when, not if, but when I get over this anxiety I am going to do something to help other people in our situation. I would not be able to just sit back and let other people suffer like we have. Whether I have to write a book, start some sort of foundation, or whatever I will help other people like us and try and get people who have never had any of this understand what it is people like us go through. Thanks again for the replies.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 8:48 am

chris,
I know exactly how you feel been there,I remember leaving church because of panic then not beeing able to go to town,I live 7 miles from the small town I live near,it is the avoiding that makes agrophobia happen,at the time we don't know that and if I had known it don't think I could have stopped it.I am a function agrophobic I can go to work go to some towns but there are places I avoid so I am doing the program have started several times and slacked off.there is only one way out of agrophobia and that is thru the panic and come out on the other side,I am attempting to face my fear of the interstate I am aiming for my husband to take me on it and practice getting thru it we will see you are not alone we know how it feels to be bound with this panic is not a funny feeling it is sheer terror but one thing about it it won't kill you it will pass we need to reprogram our minds we developed a fear of the fear.

David** · Post by David** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:58 am

Hi from Kansas. I am a 49 year old woman who is also a severe Agoraphobic. I can barely go outside on my front porch and won't sit out there unless someone is there with me, preferably my husband. I have the bad panic/anxiety attacks also and also do the obsessive breathing which I hate the most. I know exactly what you mean by not being able to go to the doctor or anywhere for that matter because of being to nervous and scared. I am that way also. If I could stop focusing on my breathing constantly and if I could stop worrying about the low sugar attacks occuring I could probably be able to get out and do things again. I bought the Lucinda program back in '98 but have never finished the whole thing yet. I got up to lesson 6 in '98 and lesson 3 in 2001. I am currently trying again and am on lesson 3 but will soon advance to the 4th lesson. I wished I could give you some good tips on how to relieve and ease the problems we have but I haven't figured it out yet. I pray that you and I as well as anyone else fighting this horrible monster will be able to gain control and get our lives back together. This is a great site and I love the chatroom. It has become a very soothing tool for me during those times when I am feeling overwhelmed and like I am losing it again. Hang in there and know we are all here for each other.

God bless and hugs,
Susan

tdj7000 · Post by **tdj7000** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 7:38 pm

Hey Chris, I have been there I did not leave my house for 3 years so scared to do anything, but now I can do must anything an am so happy what the future holds. If I can do it I know you can an I mean it. I was at the end of my rope but I held on an made it an I know u can to. Godbless you an any step is great no matter how big or small it is.

Fell free to email me if u ever need a lil advice idat3_rockstars@yahoo.com

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:51 am

When I was at my worst I went through the same thing. I knew I needed to get to a doctor, but the thought of going to one could send me into a panic attack. I had my Mom meet me there (I always do better when driving by myself- that way if I have to turn around and come home, I don't have to explain it to anyone).

The one major thing that I done that really helped me: I wrote a letter to the doctor and staff and handed it to them as soon as I walked in the door and said please read this immediately. The letter basically told them all of my symptoms and how serious it felt to me. It also stated that if I jump up and leave- to just send me a bill, but I was fghting to be able to stay through the appointment.
It helped because once they read it- they tried to get me back faster, were WAY more understanding and it also helped because my doctor didn't have to ask nearly as many questions because he read the letter!

As far as getting there- I cranked up some music and sang along, ate some crackers, and kept telling myself that I am an adult and I can leave or go home at any time I want!