Going boating tomorrow and terrified.

[jbay]

I came across this site today while trying to get information on motion sickness-- so I suppose, first of all, a hello is in order. I didn't realize a community like this existed. I already feel less alone.
Now, to the crisis at hand.
A couple of friends of mine have reserved a pontoon boat to take 20 to 30 minutes out to a small island here (I live in Florida). I already RSVP'd, thinking I could handle the fear of getting motion sickness, but now that it's tomorrow, I'm beginning to panic. I used to go on speed boats all the time when I was little, but when I was nine, I took a three hour mini-cruise and felt awful. I haven't been on a boat since, and I'm now 22. I've already resolved to not back out out of fear. I know I need to tackle this issue, or I'll never get on a boat again. I'm sick of missing out on good experiences due to my emetophobia.
Does anyone have any information on this? Is there a risk of getting sick if I'm on a pontoon boat for a half an hour?
Also, I've never taken dramamine before, as I typically just avoid these kinds of situations altogether. Has anyone had any luck with it?

I just want to be able to get on a boat and have some drinks with my friends without having a panic attack.

[Murder-my-soul]

Dramamine did not work for me. I would take it in the comfort of your home and try it out. It made me more nauseated than I was before. I have been on boats and I don't really get nauseated. But I am going on a plane for the first time, REALLY SOON! I am scared I will have motion sickness. If you take anti-anxiety meds, try those! Eat lightly before the boat like crackers and water, do not starve and don't over-eat. Bring some tums along with you to suck on for nausea if you get any. Also if you can, bring ice! Chewing ice gets rid of my nausea and anxiety. Good luck to you!

[jbay]

I really appreciate the advice. Yeah, definitely don't want anything that would make the nausea worse, or create it where it wouldn't have been without it. I'll try to bring ice. Ice and water definitely help me for anxiety too.
Also, for what it's worth, I've been on planes several times, and have never been sick, or even felt weird or anything. Most people who fly are perfectly okay. I'd recommend trying to sit in the window seat if you can. And maybe bring some sleeping pills if you have them to knock yourself out if need be. :]

[Murder-my-soul]

Thank you(: It will be my first time so I am nervous. Most people say it's not too bad. I do take anxiety meds which will help me stay calm. But, I am definitley getting the window seat! It's going to be two trips. One plane is 1 hour long so that's not bad... but the other is over 4 hours long -.-

Dramamine works for some people but it just didn't work for me. Thought I would try it out before I would be faced with it on a plane. I tried it alone in my house and it was not something that I personally liked. So I would not take them on the plane. If you can handle a plane though there should be no problem handling a 30 minute boat ride (:

[jbay]

Yeah, I'll have to try it out first like you did before I depend on it too much.
And thank you; I feel better about tomorrow.
Enjoy your flight!

[Eveningstar]

I have a really easily upset stomach and Dramamine helped for me. I took those for myself when i went on an airplane. Eating ice or drinking small sips of cold water do help too. Also, if you get dizzy while on the pontoon breath through your noise slowly and focus on something as well.
Hope that helps!

[twinmom73]

Nah 30 mins is so short, you wont have time to feel sick. But also, when you get on boat, just laugh and have fun with your friends, and before you realize you will b there.