yes walking is so good for a few things

You have just taken a step in the process I use, Fahnette. I am currently using the process to get through a new evolution in my life. I am a beekeeper who has acquired an allergy known as, "The Beekeeper Allergy," not to be confused with the epi-treatable congenital allergy. I have been experiencing panic attacks that make me feel like a Nintendo Teen confronted with a Real Time insect. Yikes!!! Me??? The Survival Camp Queen??? Miss Wilderness, herself, screeching like a fashion model on a digital scale??? Shoot me now, please!!!

It is what it is, whether it makes sense, or not.

My first step is acceptance, observation and sharing. Some take that as 3 steps, but for me they are so closely tied that I treat them as one. The sharing part can sound allot like what you posted here. The solutions begin to present themselves over the course of this first step. I never rush the steps. It is not a race. It takes what it takes. When I am ready for the next step, it is always easy to see. Easy to do is not so assured, but. . .

Gentle support while you find what works for you, Fahnette.

The solutions begin to present themselves over the course of this first step. I never rush the steps. It is not a race. It takes what it takes. When I am ready for the next step, it is always easy to see. Easy to do is not so assured, but. . .
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That is my biggest fear, that everything will come back before I have a chance to finish the race. My hematologist cleared me last September so I know intellectually that I'm at zero recurrence risk, but the rest of my brain hasn't quite accepted that.
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I wonder if you would benefit from the company of a calm, well trained dog? even a service dog? what do you think? Hank helps me do so many things I couldn't do without him.
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I've got Beefy (aka Little Weirdo/Beef Supreme/What Is That?) and having him around has helped me tremendously. Right now he's sitting on my feet under the desk. Just uploaded his puppy picture--he was quite the stumper!

Fahnette, you are doing great. Just keep walking if you can. I hope you are able to keep it up. I am a loner but with a twist. I am in my wheelhouse when I am working. I freely talk to my customers when I am delivering my dead fish. I am as comfortable as a cucumber.

But when it comes to doing something pleasurable for myself, it is like pulling teeth. I like to listen to live music, but to do so is a frightening ordeal. Something as simple as going fishing. I have not been so far this year, and I love it. It is like somebody is holding me back with a rope keeping me from enjoying myself. It is probably an inferiority complex from the child abuse.

If I can bridge work and pleasure, I will have it made. If I can feel comfortable in my work environment, than I should be able to do so in pleasurable environments also. With the help of my therapist, it will get done, I guarantee you. KEEP WALKING!!!!

No professional opinion here, but congrats on overcoming that *voice*. Mine is verrrrry persistent and I am still fighting agoraphobia every day.

Gentle support.

In a way, I understand.

Already disabled (chemically burned eyes), I was diagnosed, last September, with three different arrhythmias -- a big risk factor for stroke or embolism ... as you would know.

And it's getting worse and worse.

Problem is ... in December 2013, I had a near-fatal reaction to a medication -- not my first serious drug reaction, but definitely the worst.

The Mayo Clinic strongly advised I "not take any medication not absolutely necessary to save my life."

The heart docs ... agree with Mayo: too risky to treat (but very risky NOT to).

So ... when I walk the dog ... or start to feel faint ... or get really short of breath ... I have to wonder what you're probably wondering: is this it ??

Some have told me that there are medical alert gizmos that work AWAY from the house. I think they're like very basic cell phones, and will immediately dial 911 at the push of a button. They also allow the paramedics to locate you.

Have you looked into something like that ??

I wish you peace, health, and strength.

My inner Chicken Little (as in "the sky is falling") gets activated all over again whenever I'm under stress. It doesn't have to be related to my original traumas. When it's activated, it becomes harder and harder for me to leave the house. I make deliberate commitments to friends or events (like buying a ticket to a ball game) to make myself do it. I don't know if I'd call myself agoraphobic per se, but I do become risk averse big time.

So that's my suggestion--making commitments that keep me getting out of the house. Today I asked a coworker if he and his wife would go to steak night at a local restaurant tomorrow, for example.

So sorry you have been through that. I feel like that a lot but with a lot of encouragement from good people in my life and all of the people here it is getting better or at least, as you say making the connection.

I understand the confusion and also feeling relieved. I would suggest you speak to a therapist about it. Good job pushing forward :)

Learning > Growing > Healing from Your Experience is Very Empowering. You are learning to ignore your inner critic : ) while facing your fears step by step at your own pace : ) towards the confident new you, who will start to gain courage and trust in self in the process .... and exploring your thoughts about being Agoraphobic by researching information about it (Description, Symptoms, Causes,Treatments) and taking that self-evaluation on a deeper level of understanding yourself and your near death experience. Good to hear Beefy gives you much comfort : )

Thank You for Sharing Your Healing Journey! ~ Sincere Hug~