Dear Lisa,
I know exactly how you're feeling...i have had agoraphobia for about 6 years, also on and off, and this year it struck me really hard. I have found this panic program very helpful so maybe you could give it a try?
I am also housebound...well, now I am doing my babysteps and trying to go out on the daily basis. I don't go far, but try to be rather systematic and this does bring its rewards. But my babysteps are BABY STEPS and I know that it can be very frustrating to progress really slowly. Still, that's the only way to beat it - exposing yourself. At least that the only way for me!
Please, don't give in and don't call yourself a failure...You're ill, just like I am, and we don't deserve anyone (especially ourselves) to call us bad names. If I can beat it and go out, so can you.
Iwona