Often letting out all your thoughts and worries in this way helps you to get kick started on feeling better, so good job! Well done on getting through the music festival experience, it sounds like you managed the panic attack really well, despite the severity of it - your best friend sounds like an angel!
I totally know what you mean about the kids thing, I've always wanted children but this phobia looks like it's going to be a huge barrier when i decide to start a family :S still, I guess kids are a good incentive to try and get well, right?
Anyway, I've rambled a bit here, so I'll shut up :P Welcome to IES!