Hi Leala,

Kathy is right, you have to protect your sons more then ever. Your husband is suffering from a condition that is permanent and he will only get better if he goes to see a doctor and take medicine. Most importantly is if he WANTS to get better ! Once you truly realize and accept it, then your healing can begin too ! But you don't have to excuse or accept his being aggressive !

My bf of 1 year also has PTSD and like you I didn't know him when he didn't have it, so I don't know the person he was, only the person he has become !

My bf has been seeing doctors (once to two times a week, down from 4 times a week) and has been on medication for the past 3 years. He is doing much better, and I also see changes, for the best, in the past year. My bf is not "cured" but he is doing real good !

As Kathy says, it can take 2 years, (to manage the condition) or more depending on the case and on the person. My bf has his bad days, and when that happens, I ask him if he wants to share and talk...if he doesn't, I don't push ! He goes off on his own a lot too, he needs it ! Also, he needs to always keep busy !

All I can tell you is continue to love him, show your support and understanding, accept what he can offer.

Most importantly be patient and understand that what he is going through is so much more painful then we as carers are going through ! There will be times he will get angry, sad, emotional, moody, forgetful, sleepy, scared, he will have panick attacks, he will want to protect you from things he only can see or feel, the list goes on ! but always remember he is suffering too !

Having said all this, what is most important is for you to take care of yourself too, never forget your needs or your sons' needs !