Hi Superd,

Welcome to the forum. Most of which you have vented I have some personal experience although fortunately Anthony is not one to be sick - so I haven't had that as an issue. I suggest that in your wife's case the illnesses are real to her and no doubt do manifest themselves in a physical sense, its likely though that this is her body's way of dealing with the PTSD. I have seen Anthony quite physically ill as a result of PTSD, to the point of having to go to bed and rest. It would be hard for you, because as she has only just starting dealing with the PTSD it is unlikely that she will make the connection between her mental and physical wellbeing just yet. The mind is strange and powerful in ways which I don't think western society can quite grasp.

Its really horrible at the start of people dealing with PTSD, for everyone. Sometimes as a support person, as much as you love them, you would just as easily pack your bags and leave somedays. A couple of things to help you at this stage:

- Frustrating as it is, you have to let her deal with her illness, you cannot make it go away or deal with on her behalf.

- Look after you. You already mentioned that your stress levels were high, you need to manage this because it will only add fuel to the home fireworks. I know this one really well. Exercise, sleep, eat. Basics but you need to do them. Alternatives....meditation, acupuncture, yoga etc

-You are allowed to express your frustrations. Just be selective about the time, place and how you do it. It won't help if you get angry, you will get nothing from them. Those with PTSD generally have emotional shutdown into an artform.

-She may not like the therapist or may feel that she is not getting any benefit from her. Ask your wife and then look at an alternative if that is the case. If its not the therapist and she doesn't want to deal with her PTSD instead of getting angry at her, see if you can facilitate it to take her for the first couple of times. It will take a bit of coaxing but its worth it. I had to do this with Anthony a couple of times but he got to the point where he could go without too much of a nudge. Be careful though of the fine line between your wife dragging her feet and being generally distressed. Sometimes you may have to let it be, finances or not.

Hope some of that will help. It is frustrating and it is hard, I'm not going to give you bs about that. In the initial stages of dealing with this illness you will be giving, giving and giving. Try to give some back to you and not become resentful - hard as that is. If you love her, stay and support her if you can. It can and will get better as she gets through some of the trauma and both of you learn how to manage it. Keep coming here and venting, that will help.