Ms Crow-I wonder why your DOS suggested you to susspend your study if it is just for 2-3 months? Can they just simply let you take things easier, not to work too much? Are you EMPLOYED by university?

Eastern European:P Something that developers of software definitely havent bothered about;)

I tried out Dragon NS this morning in Computer Service...Well, it works really bad when you have a strong accent:((( So dissapointing:((

Oh, yes, it is quite random what they accept or not. For my paper we got two referees saying: billiant! and one who did not like the design on the study and still got rejected:(((

rick: I guess, I saw on Amazon that they have it in different languages. BUT: if you buy a personal version (much cheaper) than it allows only one user/speaker (apprently in order to hinder people from making illegal copies).

Thank you AcademicMum very much, this helps. I was worried about accents,I have red it in reviews as well...I got very strong accent. BTW, do you use the headset that comes with the software or had to buy new one, better?

jennifr, I know what you mean- I tried voice recognition that comes with Windows XP, that was fun--could do loads of creative writing using the results of it:)) I did some research, seems that a software Dragon NAturally Speking in the best in the market...Anyone has experience with it??

Has anyone used any voice recognition software for writing up a PhD? Any experiences, suggestions and advice? I have reached the stageof Repetitive Strain Injury but still have to write up my PhD but typing with the left hand only wont lead me far;(((((

Brilliant books full of helpfulphrases is Swales&Feak Academic Wirting for Postgraduate students.

of course you have rights to be angry, that guys behaviour is very patronising!!! On the other hand, maybe he wanted to be nice to you but it did not occur that it could be insulting to you because he doesnt know you very well. He just did what he though he or his friends would like to be done for them. Maybe it would help if you would let know him how you feel.....

MsCrow: thank you for asking, yes, after a complete three month long break and additional three months on half-working mode, I recovered and trying to finish my PhD within 3years and 3 months now.Relaxing and having a break definitely helped. If I would have continued to work I would have had a terrible breakdown, for sure. So, please, please, take care about yourself.

About your email: How about just writing that you would like to meet your DOS for a supervision (or how you call meeting with him/her) where you want to discuss difficulties you currently are experiencing and potential solutions. Leave more details for the meeting. I dont think that describing your problems via email, even if your DOS prefers that would be very good for you. Imagine, you write him/her and you dont see what was his/her reaction, cant ask questions etc. Keep my fingers crossed!!!!

MSCrow: I had a personal conversation with my supervisor when I had real personal difficulties, including severe depression. first time it happened so that i could not control myself and started to cry in his presence. I simply told that I have not been able to work because of what has happened to me, that I am very depressed. He was very undestanding and even pushed me to take time out to recover- I wanted to play a hero and keep working:)) He also arranged with graduate education commitee that they allow me to submit my 1st year report later.... So, try to speak to your DOS, in any case you have nothing to lose....you cant work anyway...

Oh, dear, a hug from me. You are having a very haard time- too many bad things happening in your life at once, no wonder you feel as you feel. How about looking for some support- some counselling, individual or in a group, your university might offer one, or if you can pay, there are private cousellours. Some support groups? Maybe counselling for you and your partner? Of course, as krokodile suggested, taking some time out to relax, to be nice to yourself will help as well. If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, tell hims or her about difficulties you are having. But most important thing- take care about yourself and remember that you are your wellbing are the most important things and the upmost priority!

Thank you Corinne and PinkNeuron, shared good news are double good news:)
Vagantfish: my funding body that was an college in Oxbridge did not give me any additional funding for more than three years, I asked. But I applied to an university society that gives some additional funding for some students in need to carry on research after three years. And I was lucky to be among those who got it. But I had a very serious reason as well for not finishing in 3 years.

Adding to the positive news: I got a letter yesterday saying that I have been awarded additional funding for 3 more months of PhD:)) Very good news as my scholarship was about to run out:)