[Fresia]

I am leaving to go see my brother's family and the anxiety has been unexpectedly building the closer that I get to going. The anxiety is two-fold. There is traveling with the storm that has come through here in the east, the delays, cancellations, and of course airport security-pat downs or whatever, which seems ridiculous to me that I'd be so nervous as I used to travel all of the time yet I am stressed about it. I am ready in case I were to get stuck somewhere and that's really all I can do. Then once I get to where I am going, the house has always been one of chaos, but now there is a new baby whom I am excited to meet on one hand and on the other I can only imagine. I am really looking forward to seeing all of them; I also know how fighting to keep a routine and not being able to keep it upsets my symptoms. This is what concerns me. Last time I went, it took weeks to get back in line once I got back.

I really need to stop thinking about it and take each moment as it comes. I'm just hoping somehow I can make this trip different so as to not be so unsettling. Does anyone have any suggestions for traveling and to cope with such a change in routine?

[racee]

i go crazy,.....i have somewhat a handle on my surroundings at home...but not when i am not at home. i need to control what happens in the future (impossible) but at least at home i am somewhat safe. I learned there are rules when i travel, lets say when i go to see my partners family wich i did back in august. If i take aplane i have to have a rental car.
Very crusial a rental car, because i need 15-20 to get away each day by myslef whether it's a trip to the store to get a soda or just a drive around. it is my time and boy after dealing with so many personalities, i frigin need it.

I wake up earlier than everyone and go for a walk and listen to music or just sounds, that is also MY time because i can chill, i have to be constantly surrounded with loud moises and loud people and lots of commotion. so i drink my coffee and walk!
Same when you take a shower, enjoy every minute you get in the bathroom alone.
Go to bed a little earlier than you usually do (you will be exhausted anyways from long days) but if you find yourself not tired, this time will help you wind down and just zone out or read a magazine or book.

Take 5 minute breatheres throught the day if you can, if you can't walk off for a second take a few deep breaths and say I CAN DO THIS I CAN DO THIS! shake it off and get back in there.

plane's i get double ear infections when i fly and my doctors say just don't do it anymore, but when i did fly ativan...was the only thing that made me ok with everything.

[Gus1234U]

yes, what racee said: take extra good care of yourself, while you are traveling and away from home... people forget that dramamine or other motion sickness meds are also strong seditives.. they can really help to regulate sleep times... best wishes,, Gus

[wing]

Hi Fresia. I have difficulties when traveling as well. It sounds to me like you have thought through the stressful situations. That is so helpful because you can nip things in the bud with your tool box of coping skills. I think the most important thing for me is to keep my sleep cycle on target. The first day I get somewhere I plead exhaustion and go to bed early and/or sleep in late. I'm also very careful to get at least 8 hours the whole time I'm there and take "naps" if I need an escape. I think racee's suggestions are all good ones too.

[hayward]

Wow.. I have issues with all of this as well and i think Racee's suggestions are fabulous. For me, however, I sometimes lose focus when in the moment, and can't remember things I should do to help.

Maybe you could come up with a list of these ideas.. actually write them down. (If you have a cell phone, this would be a good place to keep them).
It might be easier to have a list to refer to so that when you are stressed you don't have to use your brain as much . Kind of like a cheat sheet- a To Do list. I don't know! Just a thought.

[blueoctober]

Hi Fresia; I don't fly well (motion sickness), so I take 2 gravol before I fly.

I would have a hard time in that situation as well and when I have gone away to stay with a boyfriend's family I always regret not getting a hotel room. If you can afford the extra cost my suggestion is getting a hotel room. I travel for work and have no problem sleeping in a hotel, but somehow sleeping in someone's house disrupts my sleep, causes anxiety etc. Since your family knows about the BP you can just explain that you need your sleep etc. If that's not an option racee's suggestions are excellent. Have a safe trip.

[youngm357]

Don't go! Pretty simple for me as nothing is more important than staying in my safety zone. I used to travel 50k+ air miles per year for business and I have been on all of the wonderful vacations I need to. I live pretty far from where I grew up and my family has been very understanding when it comes to funerals and such. Recently my grandmother died and I went into a tailspin over the thought of having to travel. My dad gets my situation and called me to tell me that the did not want me to feel obligated to come.