I have written a few messages on this site. I wrote about what my story is in the section under panic called "overcoming panic attacks" and was asked to write a bit about my recent success in overcoming panic attacks.
I recently overcame a big milestone and drove 1200 miles to Scotland and drove up as far to Inverness for a holiday with my partner Kelly. I live in Leeds, so it was quite far. Although i had no problems with driving before i started panic attacks 2 years ago, this was still a massive boost to me as i had my first panic attack at the wheel and suffered no problems driving during the whole week in Scotland.....
I also attend football matches every week and have not had any real problems at a match. Im also going out socialising allot more with and without my partner and again suffering no adverse effects to panic attacks and have not had a panic attack for a long time. The last time i felt really panicky, but didn’t have a full blown PA was in June. This was because it was hot in the restaurant i was in etc and the whole panic cycle started but it only lasted about 10 mins and once i had been outside and got fresh air, i was fine. Ive also been on lots of trains, public transport etc and suffered no major problems etc.
I think i put my own personal success down to shear determination and hard work and not let PA's take over my life. I was agoraphobic for about 6 months from june'02 until december'02. It was hard as i never wanted to go out as i thought i would have a PA and not be able to get home etc. But through seeing doctors, seeing psychotherapists, talking to people who have PA's and suffered the same way as you can help you overcome the fear of PA's. This site has been very helpful as well as you can read what other people are and have been going through and realise you are no the only one in the world and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I am still on medication 40mg beta blockers (propranolol) once a day. Its only a small dosage and has helped me through the last 8 months or so. Hopefully going to come off them before xmas. I did try anti depressants (efexor) but these made my throat close up and i could not swallow or yawn properly due to allergic reaction so i never tried anti depressants again.
I think people have to have an open mind when it comes to PA's etc because everyone is different. I think my PA's started because of work and didn’t want to go and was not enjoying it etc and became stressed and thus started panic attacks.
All i need to do now is get a secure job and take it from there.
Just be positive. It took me a while, but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day.
Take care
Regards
Robert Flyde
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