Fear of flying

[Vickibean]

We're flying in August for a cruise with my mother, who has an extreme fear of heights and airplanes. She is 62 years old and has never flown before. She heard about a drug called Clonopin (sp?), but her doctor gave her a prescription for Zanax and told her to try it and see how it works for some smaller heights. It doesn't sound like this will be strong enough, though. We pretty much need her to be semi-comatose for this flight, or she will be screaming in the aisle for the whole flight. Does anyone have any experience with this?

If I can get her through this, maybe I can take her to Disney World next year!!

 

[faindrops27]

Xanax, will make her sleepy, and calm. Have her take it one half hour before the flight. She will be fine. Also, I dont know where. But, there is a website. Which explains, all the sounds, and going on's of what is happening when you are flying. I have heard it has helped ease alot of people who have had fears of flying. Have her look at that. I hope someone can point you in the right direction to the site. Good luck, and happy cruising.

 

[faindrops27]

I googled it for you.

http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/

 

[goofy4tink]

Try not to overmedicate. Believe me, you don't want a comatose person on a flight. What if there were some kind of issue and your mom needed her wits about her?? The Xanax should do the trick. My dd flew for the first time as an adult (had been about 20 years since her last flight) and she was a wreck. She actually thought she was going to be sick to her stomach due to the fear. But, she remembered all those things I told her and was able to relax enough to get through it. By the third flight of her vacation, she was almost fine!!
So, here are the things I tell nervous fliers, things I still tell myself.....
1. that plane wants to be in the air. it takes a lot to bring a plane down.

2. watch the flight attendents. If they are going about their business, all is well. If it gets bumpy and they have to be seated, watch them....I'm sure they will look almost bored, and be talking among themselves.

3. Heights? Not an issue. Put your mom in an aisle seat. If she can't see out the window on either take-off or landings, she should be fine. You really don't get a feeling of being high once at cruising altitude. Believe me on this one...I have a horrible fear of heights!!!

4. Head over to the fear of flying site. It is incredibly informative. I passed on info there that my dd was able to use...things that the plane will do, sounds you will hear. It sure makes the flight easier for me.

5. Bring something to amuse yourself. Magazines are good, or crossword puzzles..anything that takes your mind off where you are.

 

[nbodyhome]

I have a fear of heights and flying as well. The flying one wasn't as bad until a couple of experiences I wasn't thrilled about. But I love going places, so I fly when I want to travel overseas/cross country! The last trip I took Tylenol PM, it seems better for me than anything the doctors could give.

I'm actually not bad usually once in the air - it depends on the plane, generally. I like the larger planes, the small ones often seem noisy and I don't like that (I do try to remember ear plugs - which seem to help with the ear popping I get too). Normally I have no problem on landing either (sort of like going on the London Eye, if you've seen it - it's a BIG Ferris Wheel that moves very, very slowly to view London. I was really petrified until we got over the top hump, and then I was fine!) If landing takes a very long time, then that can be bothersome to me, though.

I hope everything works out!

 

[salmoneous]

My mother was taking a small amount of Xanax for panic attacks. When her first flight in 20 years was due, she was very worried. The doctor had her take a larger than normal dose, and it zonker her out good. Not the kind of thing you want to do on your own, but I can attest that doctor OKed Xanax will do the trick!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I also had a fof after a very turbulent flight home from MCO. I found this website (recommended by another diser) and bought Ray Stark's book. It's awesome. I'm still a little nervous when I fly but finally don't sweat/tremble. unless there's turbulence again!

hope this helps!

http://www.takingflight.us/

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

The fear of flying site is good...I went through it and it really helped with the clunks and bumps. When you know what they are, it REALLY helps.

I take Ativan, which is very similar to Xanax, and I have 1 mg tablets. I take 1/2 before the flight. It has more of a calming effect than a zonking out effect. I could do 1 mg, but it makes me a little groggy, and I have my kids with me and DH needs me to be able to function if necessary.

I am one of those people who could have the house fall down around me when I am reading and wouldn't notice. So I bring a book.

I agree to watch the flight attendants. When we took off in Feb...it was windy and quite a bumpy takeoff. I looked up and the one flight attendant was yawning. I figured we were okay!

 

[nbodyhome]

I notice the flight attendants too. The last flight I took (on the way back from Europe - not the main flight, but the small one back from Philly), the bumpiness and noise was bothering me some. I was really tired, took my Tylenols and noticed that the flight attendant was up and about - even though it was a little bumpy.

I'd hate to see uneasy flight attendants!

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Yeah, I am not sure what I would do if I looked and saw one crying or something.

 

[nbodyhome]

Yeah, I am not sure what I would do if I looked and saw one crying or something.

Me -

And yet, I love to travel! Just not the whole flying thing. More the taking off - that is always the worst, the waiting and getting up into the sky.