PTSD, Iraq vet's wife, need some help

I'm really looking for a vet or spouse of a vet that has dealt with PTSD and the family dynamics associated with it.  I'm really feeling very upset with my vet husband, and I know that a lot of the things going on are related to his PTSD.  He was a combat medic.  His unit "hunted" and destroyed the roadside bombs and escorted convoys along the most dangerous routes of Iraq.  They had a 7% casualty rate totaling 36 purple hearts and 4 deaths.  He also was a medic for the marines (he's former light infantry, sharp shooter, and a doc - perfect for the marines) who did house to house raids.  He was hit and knocked to the ground by the shrapnel of an IED, and sustained a bad back injury when jumping from a vehicle to aid three children that were hit by a bomb... What I'm trying to get across is that his PTSD is real.  It's not contrived, and it's affecting our family and our intimacy.  So, if you have time to chat with the wife of a combat veteran, I'm really needing it.  Thanks, Kelly

Hi there, Kelly. My father served many years in the US Navy. He first war was the Korean War, then Vietnam, then Dessert Storm right before his retirement. I have two brother-in-laws currrently in the service (one is Air Force and one is Marines), one sister in the Coast Guard, one nephew in the Marines and one nephew in the Army... both of my nephews are currently overseas. If my family is not in the military, then they are serving in some civil position, such as police officer, firefighter, park ranger or a government organization. ...I have a pretty large family!! Anyhow... I just wanted to give you a hug. *HUGS!!*

Thank you knit!  Yeah, he's a flight paramedic in the civilian world.  He recently transfered to an National Guard Medivac unit, and is expected to deploy again in about a 12 months... I figure it will be before New Year's.

my heart goes out to you!  have you looked into the army's support services?  when my ex was deployed to kosovo, i know that the army had a crap load of support services for those of us left behind.

again, ((hugs)) and best wishes for getting through what must be a very hard time for your family.

My husband is  a Vietnam combat vet and has PTSD.  I  have PTSD from childhood trauma.  Email me if you like.  There are a lot of PTSD resources out there and the entire thing is a lot easier to deal with when you have a little help. 

Thanks everyone.  I just was so frustrated last night and needed someone to vent/talk to.  This morning was a bad morning.  I called DH when he got to work to make sure he made it ok, as he left in a huff.  He was crying and admitted that he hadn't taken his meds since Jan 15th.  I'm sure once he gets that going again, things will smooth out.  He is a really great man, just having a hard time which affects the rest of us.  :)  Kelly

i'm not sure if you will be back to check this...

as it was some time ago that this was posted...

i am a spouse of a US ARMY RANGER (somalia) with PTSD.

a big hug to you...take care.

hugs

Hey girl,

Just wanted to say hi and give you a *hug*.  My husband is in the Army (in SF), has been to Iraq mulitple times, and will be deploying a few more times I'm sure.  I can't imagine some of the things he has seen or experienced.  We will never be able to understand completely, or truly relate, but we can be supportive.  Just make sure that he knows he can talk to you, or cry on your shoulder, that you will listen.  I know it is incredibly hard sometimes. 

I have tremendous respect for military wives, it is like nothing else, and is far from easy.  Continue to be strong.  Hopefully things will get better with time.  If you ever want to talk or just vent, as you can see, there are a few other wives on here, and I'm sure all of them would love to swap stories/advice with you!  Keep us updated. 

Best of luck,  Ande

Hi Kelly-
My heart goes out to you and your family.  I've got no personal experience with the military, but have been listening to many stories lately on NPR regarding PTSD treatment of vets home from Iraq.  Yesterday, I heard a story saying that both virtual reality treatment and mindful meditation have been effective for some...  Have you heard of any of that?
I can't imagine what you must be going through, but you're not alone- are there any support groups you can join?
Best of luck.