You definitely sound lik a good candidate for the hypno CDs...they are more of a long-term help than something like meditating before you leave.
Do you do yoga? I find the calming breath very...well, calming! It's breathing through your nose and count breathing in (usually 4 or more) and then the same amount breathing out. Pausing in your breath before breathing out will slow your heart rate, but can be too difficult if you're really panicking!
Or get some meds from your doc....just for a while. The more times you go out without having attacks, the less of a problem the anxiety should become.
Posts
Re: I had sucha odd day yesterday, whatdya think??
It's breathing through your nose and count breathing in (usually 4 or more) and then the same amount breathing out. Pausing in your breath before breathing out will slow your heart rate, but can be too difficult if you're really panicking! 
