Admins, feel free to move this if necessary.

I haven't been on a vacation in over two years, nor have I left my city/area in a long time. But, next week my friend and I are going to Atlanta to see one of my favorite artists in concert. Because I have some savings, and she and I both need a break from our lives, I decided to book a room at a nice hotel for a few days then go see family living nearby I haven't seen in years as well. I fully see it as a mini vacation, and I want to take advantage of it. I know I certainly deserve it.

This is a very big deal for me, seeing as my anxiety has limited me in going hardly anywhere for a while. But, I've been going to weekly therapy for months, and my T thinks I'm fully capable of going and doing well. I talked to my P-doc and he agreed; both of them are very supportive and glad that I'm taking this "adventure" so to speak. My P-doc assured me that even if I wasn't having a Panic Attack but just felt nervous (particularly in traffic) it was ok for me to take a little bit of Xanax (he knows I don't take it in excess)---"take it when you feel uncomfortable."

I'm totally aware I may have a Panic Attack--or a few--while I'm there, and that's ok because I've had so many I rarely get "surprised" by them anymore. However, I will be on my period during the trip, and my moods/anxiety/etc., get extra out of whack. But, I'm on an Iron med for my Anemia, and I have my Sleep Machine for my Apnea....I feel they both will truly provide a strong arsenal for me up to and during the trip.

Having said all that, I am pretty stressed. I'm PMSing, I've already had a mini-P. Attack this morning, and I still have a lot to do to get everything ready. I've made lists so it's organized. But I've been sick the past 2 weeks and I'm behind on getting done what I've needed to, so that's kind of bothering me as well.

I feel like this trip will be great (friend I'm going with is very understanding, I feel completely comfortable with her driving, etc.), and the show will be too. I've made allowances already in my head; I may find when I get there all I feel up to doing is attending the concert and being at the hotel until time to visit my relatives. I see my T this week and know it will be helpful.

I just wanted to get on here and share, because at this point not many people know I'm even going (some would be jealous, or simply unsupportive), and I am looking for support from you guys, and maybe some encouragement, or helpful suggestions. Only positive comments please----I don't need negative or detracting remarks in my life right now.

Thanks everyone!