I'm so sick of christmas. Did anyone else see the ASDA christmas advert that started airing 1st week of October? That's got to be record. I nearly threw my TV out the window when I saw that. I work for a mail order company, and people have been phoning me since August for christmas decorations/gifts etc. Now, of course, it's 'whinging week' for all the people who've ordered presents to be delivered. I've been told "you've ruined my child's christmas" about 40 times today already, and it will continue until january. Oh Joy, I love christmas.

Finally, someone else who is hates Christmas. I too cannot wait for it be over. I love new year though, so full of possibilities...

Well Done, Dr DJ! All that hard work paid off! Thanks so much for thread, now we have a vague indication of what to expect. I hope you are really, really, really proud of yourself because you deserve to be. Congratulations!

Take MistaG's advise, CC take some time out, come back refreshed and push to complete. Once you have you Phd you can put the whole sorry experience behind you. It sounds like you're suffering from a serious bout of anxiety and depression, and I really feel for you. Hopefully you will start feeling better in time, just don't give up no matter how dark the days seem. There is always hope. FFxx

Very best of luck, DJW. I'll be thinking of you.

Go for a brisk walk in the cold. It'll clear your head straight away. If you're still feeling tired try a fruit smoothie made with natural yoghurt. Failing that give in to the tiredness and start early again the following morning. You can't always ignore it. Sleep well xx

Good luck, Bazzab. Have confidence in yourself! You've obviously prepared well so try to believe in yourself and you will be fine. Let us know how it went, I'll be thinking of you FFxx

Best of luck, Jojo, please let us know how it went. Have confidence in your material and take it slowly. Breathe deeply and go for it, it will all be over soon enough and you'll be left with a wonderful feeling of achievment and relief. You'll be fine FFxx

Hi Tanya, so sorry to hear your news! Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be at this point in your life(that's what I keep telling myself). After it happened I did wonder how you're getting on, I'm so sorry to hear it ended the same way! It's a totally devaststing experience and I hope you are feeling strong enough to continue with your studies soon. I hope everyone you know has been supportive and understanding. I'll be thinking of you, stay strong FF xx

That's so sweet, H, thank you so much! Yes, I will be complaining to the PCT, not that I think it will do any good. I could actually see how overstretched the staff were. I'm glad to say that I am very much on the mend. I have to tell you, i'm so excitied, my potential supervisor for my PHD contacted me yesterday saying that the first draft of my proposal was innovative and will make a really good thesis. I'm so full of confidence about it now. This whole MC was devastating, but in a way it has made me reassess what is most important to me right now. I know in my heart that I would not have made it through a PHD and have a family. But I must stress that is only me and from the support I have had from you guys I know others in a similar situation would be able to cope.

Thank you so much, everyone, for the kind messages of support. I'm glad to say that the whole experience is slowly receeding into the past, although I have developed a strong aversion to new born babies, and I can't watch nappy adverts either. Everyone has been really supportive and understanding so I'm able to move on and get on with all the things I thought I would miss out on. It sounds terrible, but I had a list in my head of things I would no longer be able to do; partying until 6am, travelling, studying etc. It's amazing what a good distraction research is from emotion turmoil. And I'm getting a heck of a lot of work done. Hope everyone is okay FFxx

I'm getting there, thanks for asking. Had to have a D&C under general anaesthetic, which made the whole experience a nightmare. But I'm on the mend and am trying in vain to put the whole sorry episode behind me. I was treated horribly by the hospital, they thought I didn't care because it was unplanmned I think, and made me wait 3 days before giving me the op. I know that wasn't their fault neccessarily, but lets just say they did not address my emotional needs. Anyway, enough whinging now. Thanks for listening everyone.

I had a miscarriage last week. Very nasty experience, hope nobody here EVER has to go through it. Anyway, it's back to business with the Phd from now on. I missed the meeting with my supervisor because of it, hope I haven't missed my chance to impress him. At least I have been reminded of where my priorities lie. Phd now, family later. I hope. Hope everyone is ok FF xx

Hi Cariad, thanks for the reality check. I keep forgetting that a Phd is a huge undertaking and a very scary one. I'm not sure if doing a humanities Phd will make a difference though, most of the people I speak to doing them say the first year is all reading, which can be done at home if neccessary (after that it would be childcare all the way!). Not ideal I know, and I have taken your comments into consideration. Am seeing my prospective supervisor on Wednesday, so will discuss it with him. Fingers crossed he won't think it will be an issue. I'll have to have a major rethink if he does!! FFxx

Absolutely! I seem to be constantly hungry though. Have already gained a good few pounds hehehe. Bring on the chocolate, who says I shouldn't eat for two :)