I'm not sure you understand my meaning of having no before. Let me clarify: I have no memory (of any substance) before I developed PTSD. I came into existence with PTSD. As far as can be figured, I had PTSD at the very latest at age 12. My existence starts hazily at age 14 and develops more strongly after age 16. Gotta love amnesia. So for me it's not a matter of how long I have had it, it's the fact that I didn't exist before I had it! I hope that makes some sense.

This brings into question what is after PTSD. For me, that means management. It means living with new, healthy learned behaviors while minimizing what sets off my stress responses. Certain situations, people and areas will always set those responses off. I've learned to understand and accept this. As I learn more, I will learn what I can and can not change. The stress response is why I do not believe in a cure for me. My brain is hard-wired to respond that way under certain conditions. Being incurable does not mean negative for me. I will and do have a full and beautiful life.I simply have a disorder that needs to be managed. Not the end of the world.

I also agree with Herc. Walking up to someone and introducing yourself as 'Hi, I'm Bec. I have PTSD.' is completely ridiculous. The world is not an AA meeting. However, friends and family do need to know. They need to know because they are all affected by it and they help me as I heal.