I made a list before we left. Got inside the store, some heavily perfumed lady almost rammed me into the service desk, then a woman who reeks like a wet ashtray mixed with wet dog ran over my foot with her cart. I handed the list to DH, and said "you are on your own. I will meet you at the car" and I left. I sat in the car till he came dragging out 30 mins later. I said "see! this is why I hate the store!" He said it got much worse after I left, and he was glad to see that I had gone to the safety of the car.

Perhaps next time he can go completely without me.

I hate the store too, and I don't have the problems with MS. I can tell you however even without MS, the store of anykind is a challenge for me too. Nobody looks where they are going, I limp and have poor balance. People stand gauking in the isles in the middle no less, and you can't go anywhere! Kids hanging all over the place. Rude folks too seem to smother me. I live in high tourist area, and every place is packed. I hate going out anymore. Shopping is a horrible experience for me most of the time too. Wish there were more ways to go out, than late at night or at dinner time. Forget daytime hours, it is not worth the hassles. Wish it was easier for all of us! ginnie

Could you use some Paxil or Buspar? Sure did help my anxiety and panic attacks..

I'm sitting here counting my blessings that I live where I do! We made three stops this morning, including a drugstore and a grocery store. We have two "big" grocery store in our community, and we avoid the biggest one most of the time (I'm sure I've mentioned this) because it's busier, noisier, more visual stimulation, etc. And just more miles to walk.

But the other one--I come home exhausted, my legs and feet hurt, and I've used up all of my thinking power for the day. However, we go in the morning, during the week, and it's never so crowded that you feel you're bumping into people (or vice versa).

Every single employee seems happy to be working there--or else they all deserve academy awards! Somebody is always asking if we need help, they smile and greet you when you meet them in an aisle, they'll stop and say "Let me reach that for you".

One day we just went in for a couple of things and found a display of something we wanted in quantity. An employee at the end of the aisle heard one of us say, "I guess we need a cart", and she said, "You wait right there, I'll go get one for you!" and off she hustled.

The manager must be extraordinary to create such a good atmosphere--you just can't fake that because your job requirement says "act friendly". Is it perfect? Of course not. But compared to the nightmares some of you experience? Makes me want to go back to our store, line them all up, and hug them!!

Kind of sounds like the Publix store I shop at, B2Y. I've never met a rude or unfriendly employer there. I enjoy going when it's not crowded.....early in the morning.....but I can rarely get there at that time. If I can get there between 9 and 10 AM on a weekday that seems to be the perfect time. I'm very thankful for my delivery service, though. That was an answer to a prayer for me!

I already take Xanax for attacks, and I have Ativan or Klonopin if I need it. Since its a situation that bugs me, I try to find ways within the situation to make it better instead of trying to do it medicated. Its hard enough without being foggy from the meds.


Cant we just open the store for a half hour just for me?

The Xanex makes you groggy, Paxil or Buspar do not (except maybe at first), Because it's not a Narc but an SSRI that you take daily and especially made for anxiety disorders.

Xanex is why DD is leaving DH.

Re; Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc. - could be lighting. Many stores have lighting that effects the complex (everyone's) brain. Less expensive forms of lighting tend to have a bigger affect. As lights can trigger migraines, some can have other effects.

Seems like the lighting in my local grocery store tends to make me hungry. And I always end up on the cookie aisle.

I always wind up in the cookie isle. Evidently we are drawn to the same place. That is my weakness all the time! ginnie