IB medical assessment

emweaver

Im taking chlordizapen (excuse spelling) which I take 3 times a day to help control panick attacks. I find they come on if im in enclosed public spaces, such as on public transport, in a busy shop, restaurant, cinema etc. So i avoid these places. Also going out alone triggers them which is why when I do go out Im with dh. Ive only ever been away with my husband sister, father and brother and my dd so I felt "safer". I also concentrate on my breething as advised by my counsellor and carry rescue remedy round with me for when I start to feel nervous.

I do find if I can get out of the house I feel a bit better providing I avoid all situations that cause me distress. My family think Im weird as Im "scared" of everything, eg wont go to the cinema, eat out, shopping, swimming on public transport or in a car with anyone driving other than mum or dh.

Unfortuantely, my mum and dad have very little to do with me and my daughter so she misses out a great deal she only goes out once a week with dh. I wish I could take her to playgroup but unless my dh comes with me I wont go out as I have panick attacks for some reason he makes me feel "safe"

emweaver

I feel like Im having to justify my life here and convince complete strangers about my illness. Those that truly suffer would / should know each person suffers differently and how hard it is to be judged and called a fake. This thread which I orginally came to for help has caused nothing but distress to me which isnt what I need as those of you who suffer depression, anxiety and ocd should know.

feelinggood_2

emweaver wrote: »

Unfortuantely, my mum and dad have very little to do with me and my daughter so she misses out a great deal she only goes out once a week with dh. I wish I could take her to playgroup but unless my dh comes with me I wont go out as I have panick attacks for some reason he makes me feel "safe"

That is a very common thing. At my worst, I wasn't able to leave the house without my husband. I couldn't manage to go in the garden to put rubbish in the bin alone, but with him I was able to get in the car and drive 250 miles to visit family.

It is sometimes called Monophobia (an acute fear of being alone and having to cope without a specific person, or perhaps any person, in close proximity).

I imagine Monophobia is quite different to agoraphobia, and must be difficult for people to understand, if they haven't experienced it.

scooby1001

Emweaver. Other than the holiday thing you sound very much like myself, it does make your life very narrow cos there is so much you can't do. People think that you can just "make" yourself do it. My mum was like that, untill i sat her down one day and just explained just how it all affected me and i could not just "pull myself together".

I am waiting with bated breath for a letter saying if i have to go for a medical. My IB50 was sent in 1 and a half weeks ago. I don't know how quickly they get back to you.

emweaver

mine was sent back middle january and ive not had a letter but when I rang to see if they had received it I was told it was with the people who book the appointments. My first form got lost in the post. DH rang them for me today (the ppl who book the medicals) they said it can take upto a month for them to decide if you need a medical or not.

honeyD

I sent mine on the 5th via Special Delivery arriving the 6th Jan. I had a letter saying call for an appointment less than a week later.

watters01

scooby1001 wrote: »

I really wish i could go on holiday. The only time i leave my home it to go to the local shop opposite my house. Other than that i do all my shopping online. My daughter does not suffer though as granny and grandad do all the "normal" things with her and her dad takes her out every saturday. In fact he is going to take her on holiday in the easter holidays. I try not to beat myself up about it as she does to lose out. To be honest maybe those with panic attacts etc who are able to go on holiday can give me some pointers how to cope as i have not been on holiday or anything for the last 18 years.

OMG you could be living my life- I started having panic attacks about 8 years ago and they did stop for a couple of years after i had my daughter but then we moved and i started to feel isolated and as i went out less found that i was getting panicky at the thought of going out.
Over the years my world has been shrinking as everytime i have a panick attack somewhere i then avoid it like the plague.The trouble now is that i had a panic attack when picking daughter up from school yesterday now ive had to get OH to come home from work and get her cause im scared that it will happen again -so im ok for today. worrying about having a panic atack is what usually brings one on for me
God only knows what ill do tomorrow.
I used to be so confident and outgoing i just feel like im robbing myself of my life ( because i know its all in my head)-Like you my OH takes her out on weekends and again - im left on my own. - I even missed out on taking her to her first pantomime at xmas because i just couldnt force myself to go.
How bad/sad is that.

Lucylocket01

I receieved my letter this morning regarding the medical (PCA). I passed. The only difference from last year is that I'm up for review in 6 months time last year it was awarded for 12months.

honeyD

Great news Lucy. How long was it between the medical and the letter? I still havent heard anything.

emweaver

thats great news!

altho means all the worrying again in 6 months time, bad enough having it every year!