Paula. I do not have a spouse anymore---Let him go in 1976--but I do know how you feel. I was diagnosised in 1997 with my PTSD, so the 2 circustances for me are not related. I do however, get severe panic attacks and have learned to live with and deal with them. I was told that breathing--deep breathing from the diafram--really concentratig on that helps, and it does. I also allow the attack to run it's course without fighting it and that really helps a lot. Any time you want to talk or vent or whine or cry or what ever you do, let me know. I know what it is like to have no one there. Hang in there HERCULES