Super post Dayzee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have carried bottled water for 15 years - guess I am addicted, but at least it is a healthy addiction (I carry it to Church, sit it up on the rail in the Choir Loft and take a sip when needed - of course, I have been asked if it REALLY is water !! LOL !!!). I am not concerned one little bit about what anyone else thinks about it.

I have several clients who are now able to commute the 65 miles to DC to work. I am on their speed dial, in case they get caught in traffic and start getting anxious - they call me and if they can manage with just a brief chat - thats great - if not, I do a relaxation technique, or other coping skills to help them thru).

Taipans, I dont think you need to go out and buy a suitcase, or carry a purse - but if having a 3x5 card in your wallet with "positive self statements", or coping skills written down, it is helpful. Or perhaps pictures of your daughters - and if you are feeling anxious, look at the pictures for comfort. There are great ways to use music as a "distraction" technique as well - either with a tape/CD or just "in your mind" (ie - if you keep your mind full of singing the words to a certain song , your mind tends to not wander back to being anxious. I used the song "B-i-n-g-o" alot. ) Also counting backwards by 7's from 1000 helps your mind from doing anything but concentrating on that task . So many coping skills we can use.

Having had PAD so severe for so long, I really didnt, and still dont, care what others think - as long as I am able to function - even with a "crutch", its better than being housebound and non functioning.