[catesfate]

I've been diagnosed with PTSD, but feel like a bit of a misfit. I take care of my husband who is quadriplegic and has suffered multiple traumatic events in the ICU and it is a constant struggle to keep him alive at times now that we are home on our own. Just last week I called 911 yet again and by the time I got to the hospital behind the ambulance he had stopped breathing and they put him on a ventilator - this is now the 3rd time in 3 years. I now am learning that you can suffer PTSD and/or panic attacks from watching a loved one go thru these things...standing by helplessly, being the advocate to improve his health, etc. Am I in the right place? My therapy and meds are working too slowly - I need some sort of support group. I need to feel I'm not crazy or alone!!!

[Open Eyes]

(((catesfate))),

I am so sorry that you are under so much stress with your husband. We welcome all that struggle with PTSD. And here at PC there is also a " Caregiver Support" forum where you can post there as well.

I know you are struggling with your husband, but it is very important that you take care of YOU as well.

You can come here any time as ask questions or vent or worry. We will always listen with understanding ears.

(((Hugs)))
Open Eyes

"I've been diagnosed with PTSD, but feel like a bit of a misfit. I take care of my husband who is quadriplegic and has suffered multiple traumatic events in the ICU and it is a constant struggle to keep him alive at times now that we are home on our own. Just last week I called 911 yet again and by the time I got to the hospital behind the ambulance he had stopped breathing and they put him on a ventilator - this is now the 3rd time in 3 years. I now am learning that you can suffer PTSD and/or panic attacks from watching a loved one go thru these things...standing by helplessly, being the advocate to improve his health, etc. Am I in the right place? My therapy and meds are working too slowly - I need some sort of support group. I need to feel I'm not crazy or alone!!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Of course you can! Yes! You are suffering through a traumatic time in your life.

You are not "crazy" nor are you "alone". We are here for you.

I send you many prayers for your husband and my admiration for your great strength in caring and being there for him...--goodness! You are even advocating for him! That indicates enormous strength and love on your part!

Right now you need all the support, and to know that this is huge..... I do not know if I could handle what you seem to be handling right now! That is an awful lot of pain, and stress... wow, how are you coping?

You are amazingly strong. Welcome to PC!-----you have my honest admiration--theo

[BuckVet09]

Yes you can. It's called secondary PTSD. Very nasty.

[likewater]

(((catesfate))) you have come to the right place. We all have ptsd from different types of trauma. You, are experiencing trauma over and over again. That is extremely difficult. You are always on high alert. You can't even sleep properly or do anything for yourself. I know i took care of my grandma and grandpa. It was the most difficult thing i ever did. Hugs to you.