Ok , deep breath. I know we have all had this talk before (perhaps on another site?)

But I have anxiety when it comes to driving out of my comfort zone, parking, mass transit, meeting new people, etc. God forbid there is bad weather!!!

Now that my brother (actually I think its his meddlesome wife) and a friend pulled some strings and called in a few favors......I have to contact this Dr Wolinsky (one of the top ms specialists in the country). He is ofcourse in the texas Medical Center...Houston. AAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!

Plus i like my doc in Katy (much closer). I had already seen an Ms Specialist (top in his field) a couple years ago in the Medical Center as a second opinion. I dragged DH and kids to that one and DH was so not happy about it.

Unfortunately I dont have any friends to drag. Well one, but she is a vet and working and prego .

I was hoping that sharing this with you would make me feel better....but it doesnt. I have major Tummy ache !!!

I must sound so pathetic!!!

You don't sound pathetic at all, MM! I live in a small town, and have to drive to Minneapolis for a variety of appointments..And at a busy University, no less. On my way home today, I ran into heavy afternoon traffic, stop and go for several miles down I-94, with a car that doesn't like stop and go traffic and was heating up pretty fast. Hate it, hate it, hate it..
Do you have problems seeing well when you drive? I've found lately that I can't turn to look at things off the road without getting that dizzy feeling, and the stress and anxiety about finding a new address make it worse..I did get some validation on that today, and had the reason that happens explained to me. It's the same thing that causes that "over stimulated" feeling in stores or big events..

Didn't mean to babble..Just wanted to say you are SO NOT pathetic..

I'm not sure why you have to go to another doctor , but it sounds like you have a good one on your side.

When I have to commute anywhere, and don't have someone to take me, I always make a few day trip out of it. I will take a hotel that is reasonably close to the facility, and catch a cab downtown so I don't have to park etc. This takes the pressure off a lot, as I can rest and "get ready" for my appointment, at my own leisure. Not sure if this is an option, but if it is . . .

Good luck!

Cherie

First, how far away does the string-pulling brother live? Perhaps you could say, "Thank you so much for setting this up for me! It shows you really care about me! However, I'm not able to go, because it wouldn't be safe for me to drive in that kind of traffic. Of course, if you'd be willing to get me and take me there...."

And next, if you are pathetic, then you are a member of a very large club. "Comfort zone" implies inconvenience. You are talking about "safety zone".

I've had a few folks imply that I'm a sissy for not daring to drive to certain places. I know my limitations, and an anxious, fatigued, cognitive-fogged driver is NOT safe, for me or anyone else on the road.

I'll be praying that a way will open up for you.

I can soooooooo relate to how you feel. I hate driving in traffic. I know it does not make sense, but I get very claustrophobic if I get stuck in traffic. Actually, somtime my anxiety can be so bad I can have a panic attack sitting at a large intersection, if Iam in the middle lane!! I know that sounds crazy. I have put off not going to mannnnny placed just because I might get caught in traffic. Either that or I drive out of my way on the back roads just to avoid being on the main highway. Sad, really.

Speak to your bro or his meddling wife and say THANKS! but I am terrified, can YOU drive me? I really need a hand to hold, and with traffic, and parking, and inner city messes, I am afraid I will have a panic attack and pass out before I can get to his waiting room. He started this mess, let him help hand hold you through it.

Can you hire a car to take you? Speak to someone from a local church? they always have a list of members who will drive you to appointments.

Its always nice to go see the best of the best, but it can be very stressful, even when close to home with ample parking.

Many go to see a big time awesome special person to help get diagnosed, and get on the right path, and then switch back to their regular MD who works hand in hand with the new special guy.

Big city, bright lights, crowds, parking, new MD...no wonder you are stressing.

If you cant find someone to go with you, then you will have to cheerlead your way through it. One stop at a time. Mark out the route, and pre plan. Make goal markers. Take a dry run on a weekend when traffic isnt as bad. That way, you already know where the turns are, and the parking lots, and dont have to be counting buildings while stressed. I always try to do a dry run.

hope you feel better.

If you decide that it's important for you to go and it's not just a case of nerves, then I like the play "what's the worst that could happen game":

You could get lost....which other than the extra gas, is not that big a deal because eventually you find you way again. A GPS would really help conquer this fear - nothing like turn by turn directions!

You could run out of gas....ok, so make sure you fill up before you go

You could have trouble finding parking....just make sure you leave extra early so you have time to search.

You could get a flat tire on the road....make sure you have AAA - they have helped me a lot in the past!

Now some good things that could happen:

You could really like this doc and he could give you some new ideas for how to approach your symptoms

You could have a sense of pride when you are done that you did it all yourself!!

Something that helps take some of the stress out of driving to an unfamiliar location is printing out both a map and written instructions from Mapquest or whatever map program you may like. If I can picture where to go in my mind, I feel a lot more confident when actually driving there. And, you'll still have the hard copy of both with you in case you need to stop for a refresher..