Susan, I don't know why people have a hard time talking about hyponosis, alternative medicine or the mind/body connection. New ideas often have a sound scientific basis for them. The world used to be flat, electricity wasn't even a thought and computers weren't even an idea yet just a century or so ago.
Guided imagery has been proven to work for those with cancer, in combination with other traditional and nontraditional treatments. It's more than positive thinking - it's retraining the mind. The mind is so powerful. Just look at our dreams. I have created things in dreams that I hadn't even thought to while I'm awake. And maybe it's as simple as "If you believe it, it will be." If you believe someone is a horrid person and they're not, you will continue to believe that no matter what evidence there is to the contrary (well, not YOU but a person!).
If you begin the day thinking it will be a great day, chances are it will be.
The kind of stress you and I have experienced is horrid for the immune system. Short of having a lobotomy, changing your perception through hypnosis or other PTSD therapies is a GREAT idea. And you never know what other positive effects it will have on you.
You already do such good things for yourself. You eat well, you take walks in that wonderful area you live in (well, it sounds wonderful since I haven't seen it). You look at things like this to help yourself. You are extraordinarily kind to everyone here, making sure you put a "thank you" on other posts. I have no doubt that you will find a way to get rid of the stress or at least find great ways to cope with it.
I didn't do hypnosis but I did guided meditation. It literally felt like my body was floating. Now, I can do it on my own, which you can once you've been shown how to do it enough. I have to say that it still doesn't cut the PTSD completely. I think trauma and addictions may be the hardest things to conquer.
I hope you can find a reputable hypnotist in your area to try this. Make sure you check and recheck credentials!
Annie