Pteromechanophobia

Big word, right? It has a very simple definition--- fear of flying. This is a phobia that I have that I never thought I would ever have to face. I had always resigned myself to the fact that when we travel anywhere, it would be someplace that we could get there by wheeled transportation. Even when we went to Florida several years ago, we drove. Yet, Tommy has a conference for work that will be taking him to Las Vegas. VEGAS! We have always talked about going, but never have, but now that the bill is on the county, I can't let this fear I have overcome me! The day that Tommy told me about the trip I almost had a panic attack driving home from the grocery store. I started sweating, I lost my breath, felt like someone was sitting on my chest and then I started weeping. I felt so stupid! I mean, people fly all over the world every day; it's not that big of a deal.

After that I decided to do soe research about this phobia of mine because I don't want to miss this trip. I discovered that people who are afraid to fly aren't really afraid of FLYING, it's all the other stuff that is associated with being on a plane. Claustrophobia, or fear of closed in spaces, is a fear of mine. My clothes are directly inside our walk in closet because of my coocoo fear that the door will close and I'll be trapped forever. Seeing the movie "Poltergeist" at such an early age didn't help matters either! There is also my acrophobia, or fear of heights. I had a panic attack on the roof of our house when I was helping Tommy paint the house! How am I going to now flip out being 30,000 feet in the freaking air! Then of course there's that whole Al Qiada-9/11 thing... I don't think they have a technical term for that yet! I also have that "Mommy Fear", which is that Tommy and I will be on the same plane and Heaven forbid something happen to us that would leave our child an orphan. I think my biggest fear is that when we land for our layover in Albuquerque, I won't get on the plane to Vegas, and I will have to get someone to come get me. This would probably also be detrimental to my marriage, as Tommy would be so pissed if I acted like a crazy person in front of his boss and collegues. What it all boils down to is I am a control freak and have no contriol on an airplane!

I went to a website that seems to be pretty helpful. It is great for first time flyers like me. There are sound bytes and video clips of things like the engines starting, the wheels coming up, and what turbulence looks like. There are also video clips of taking off and landing. There is a whole section devoted to relaxation and taking control of the things that you can control. Seriously, it made me feel alot better. I'm also going to see my dr. about getting some medication, just for the trip. I know by reading the second paragraph of this blog, you're probably wondering, "Why isn't she medicated already!?" I can control all of these things by simply not putting myself in a situation that brings on panic or anxiety, but I really don't want to miss this trip. It is going to be so much fun!

I'm hoping that what everyone says is true, that once I fly the first time, I will love it. My fingers are crossed!