Panic Attacks And Flying

[K-9 Al]

Okay, so a few months ago I had a horrible panic attack on a tour bus of Rutgers University. I have had panic attacks in movie theatres, tour buses, sitting too long in traffic and other times.

Well today I had my initial MEB brief (it is for the process of getting medically retired/seperated) The case manager was describing the appeals process if I dont agree with the first percentage given to me. She said id have to fly to Lackland AFB, Texas or drive. I told her that i couldnt fly right now and driving long distances will induce a panic attack.

My therapist was at the brief to ensure she understood the process. When i said I couldnt fly she sighed and said, "you just think you cant fly. "

I was agast. I get a panic attack on a tour bus of my school and completly freak the f*ck out. What does she think will happen when im 30,000 feet in the air and in a tight airplane? A panic attack in mid-flight is not the time to have one. Talk about embarrasing and a stressful situation.

So, how do i get it into this therapists head that it is not in the best interest to have me flying...at least for a while until i can get this anxiety in order.

 

[Jimmy1]

Hey Al, in a way she is right, she just goes the wrong way about it. Yes, right now might not be a good time to fly, and I think you should stand your ground and tell her you want to drive. But what she is on about is the big picture.
Its only your mind that is stopping you from flying and in the future, you will be able to again. But not now.

And mate, if you are not having any joy with her, have you thought about another therapist??

 

[K-9 Al]

Right now I am going through the Medical Evaluation Board system to get medically retired. So switching therapists would require someone who has no clue about me or my condition to write teh narrative for the report. Once complete I will be getting new therapists through the VA

 

[Jimmy1]

Hang in there mate. I remember having a wanker of a psych when I was getting discharged. He used to ask me what medication I wanted and what time I wanted off. When it came time to completing my discharge paperwork, he had no idea. He left it up to the head of the PTSD unit here.

 

[Zipperhead]

I actually got out end of term with no Medical Benifits. I had to fight with the DVA to get recognised for any of my injuries. They were actually pretty good about it. Shrapnel wounds aren't something they could say I got mowing the lawn. Sounds like I lucked out not having to deal with the shrinks before release. My therapist seems pretty good so far, but it's early days yet. The next step for me is to send in paperwork for the army to re-assess my release article. I'm not looking forward to that. I've had the paperwork for 2 months now. I don't want to have to fight for something that I should have been entittled to in the first place. But it sounds like the hoops you guys went through are worse than a few peices of paper. Good luck in not throttling the paper pushers.

Al