Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Please, please- I need advice on traveling with panic & ibs

I have a 2 1/2- 3 hour car ride tomorrow (to go to my neices baptism- and my husband and I are Godparents!) and my anxiety & IBS have never been worse. The last few trips I've taken have been a blur of one panic attack running into the next. I can either ride with my parents (which would mean my daughter would be in the car during her nap time) or I can wait and go with my husband later in the day (which I think would be worse because then I have all day to dread the trip rather than just get it over with). My plan right now is to take immodium tonight and tomorrow morning, and I have a prescription for xanax/alprazolam for the ride, but I'm still shaking just thinking about it. I could really use tips or suggestions for coping during the drive.
As a side note, before the IBS & panic hit me, I had traveled to Europe twice, and extensively in the US. I can't believe my world has gotten so small because of this. The other day on Dr. Phil, two agoraphobics were featured, and my mom called to make sure I was watching it (ouch). I watched, and I wound up thinking it would be so much easier if I only had the panic or the IBS rather than the vicious cycle.
Now, rather than looking forward to my neice's baptism, I'm dreading the ride, standing in front of people (not a problem EXCEPT when my panic is bad), driving all over the city, and going to a fancy buffet afterwards, where I will be afraid to eat anything because of an attack.
Sorry that I'm whining. I know that long term its good that this trip is non-negotiable, because it forces me to travel no matter what. Still, it's really hard. If anyone has any advice, I'd appreciate it. I don't know what to do. -tina

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