UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Saturday 25 August 2007 - I am absolutely terrified of flying. Almost phobic. Totally irrational I know but 3 out of 10 adults in the UK are the same. Anyone else like me?

Well, yesterday, having had a really c**p 18 months or so in my life with my eyesight problems - KC or not (to be) KC - and all that has gone with it, I faced up to my fears and went on Virgin Atlantic's "Flying without Fear" course at Heathrow Airport. And I am so proud of myself - as I actually went on the flight, the first time I have been on a plane for 30 years. Can't confess to enjoying it very much but I did it! I actually got on the plane - trembling a bit yes, but I was NOT one of the 3 that couldn't do it at the end of the day. And yes, I looked out of the windows too!

Just wanted to share that with you - it has done wonders for my self confidence which has been at rock bottom of late - just to know that I can achieve something.

And if anyone else is like me - I can really recommend the course. Worth every penny. I feel confident enough now to consider going to to Canada next year to see my relatives, something I never thought I would do unless I went on a ship. And my hubby and son won't have to leave me behind like they have done in the past.

Well done Pat, there'll be no stopping you now

Personally I would rather fly than go on a boat. Still I must admit when I did my first transatlantic flight on my own last year I was terrified, however the Virgin Atlantic staff at Gatwick and on the plane were absolutely wonderful and looked after me from the moment I checked in until I got off the plane in Orlando.
This year I flew to Miami on my own using BA and again the staff were really good and made sure I had all the help I needed at Heathrow and Miami.

Enjoy your flight to Canada next year and may you have many more.

Lesley.

Well done Pat.

You have conquered many of your fears this year, there will be no stopping you now

I am not too stressed about flying, but I am frightened of boats (ever since I watched Titanic!)

My BIG phobia is public speaking and I gave my first ever presentation today, at the ripe old age of 44. It was as bad as I imagined. I was last, in awhole day's programme of speakers, some very experienced. I couln't answer at least one of the questions I was asked. I just wanted the ground to swallow me up. It is just a scary blur, I'm so pleased it's over!

Hey Val
But you did do it ! That's really great. Be proud of yourself and take credit for your achievement!!

I did quite a lot of presentations in the past and always found some bright spark asked a question I couldn't answer! I used to just say - "I'm sorry - can't give you a definitive answer to that at the moment as I will need to consult with the person who has that specialist knowledge - but please do come and see me afterwards so that I can arrange to get back to you" - they rarely did!!

And take comfort - if you were last in the day they were probably more interested in getting out the door asap - they won't have noticed if you made any bloomers!

Well done Pat.

I have a slight anxiety about flying. This does not amount to a disability, but it does come close. In airport departure lounges I notice that people around me are often drinking more than they normally might. The person who announces that he has no fear of flying may actually be on his third gin and quaking like a jellyfish!

You acknowledged your fear and faced up to it. In my book that makes you a genuine hero!

Andrew