It's worse than I thought.

Dear phoenix, I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. All I can offer is yet more [hugs], and , with very best wishes and the hope that some of the advice you have been given helps to do the trick.

Phoenix (((hugs))) I hope you find a solution soon. xx

Warm wishes and good thoughts to you, Phoenix x

So sorry phoenix, it doesn't help you but a lot of people have been in this situation and got through it.

Thank you all so very much for the good wishes, I'm in tears reading them, you are all so kind and supportive.

I might disappear for the rest of the night, but your kindness means a lot, thank you all.

Oh dear phoenix you do seem to have had more than your share of bad times. I have no practical help to offer, but will be thinking of you and praying that things look up very soon.

So sorry, phoenix.

Why do rotten things happen to nice people while it seems as if rotten people get away with anything short of murder? Thinking of you phoenix. I've been in that place too and I know how it makes you sick – literally– with worry and naked fear. Keep your chin up and use all your experience, wisdom, marvellous language skills and even sense of humour to help you through this tricky patch. It is true that all problems have solutions but some of them are hard to swallow and others take a long time to reach. and, probably more usefully,

Good luck, phoenix, and hugs. You deserve some luck

Could I put in a very quiet word for ME sufferers? It is complex as well as being invisible to outsiders.

Good morning, Phoenix. I can only agree with all of the above and emphasize (?sp) re-contacting people. We have done this in the past and it has helped. Other than that, it is very hard at the moment for you both but it WILL change. Like your namesake, you WILL rise.

When I was battling to keep my daughter from losing her home, having already sold my own to lend her the money, I contacted the two benevolent funds, Teachers and Civil Service, to which I had contributed, and they gave me small grants. Have either of you ever been in a Trade Union - I think they have some funds available.
I don't think you should feel bad about trying to get any help you can - it is not your fault that you find yourself in this awful position.

Thatbags, ME is a horrible condition, often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Sympathy and hugs to all those going through tough times at present.

Contact your creditors and tell them your circumstances have changed. Send them a budget and offer them something but it doesn't have to be much. I pay each of my creditors £1 a month. They accept that I can't pay anymore because they have the evidence in my budget. Even companies that have a bad reputation for hounding people have been ok with me.

*Phoenix" you are an amazing lady who had had to deal with so much shit. It must be time for your luck to turn. You have tried so hard to get a job and put up with horrible bosses and patronising gits! I hope things improve for you soon. You definitely deserve it. Sending golden thoughts through the ether to you. You will live up to your name I am sure.

Phoenix - you will rise from the ashes I am sure!

The advice to contact your mortgage provider is sound indeed, and needs to happen sooner rather than later.

I send all good wishes and supportive thoughts.

Yes - ME/CSF is a weird old thing and hard to get a grip on - but totally miserable for the sufferers, whose misery is compounded by the public's misconceptions.

Phoenix, you must look into the possibility of being entitled to benefits. My DD1 has been amazed at the help available for her current circumstances. There is no shame attached, it would be your right. CAB can help.
Take care,

phoenix, I think I've suggested this before but with your amazing writing talents I think you could write a blog or a diary. Maybe no money in it but it might help you to get things down and your take on things could be a huge help to other people. You might even get some takers.

You know we all 'enjoy' you posts and you touch so many people.

Phoenix you are well overdue for some good luck, if there is any justice.

Lots of great advice here which you need to act on "soon as". Just know we're all wishing you better times very soon, all the very best

Oh Phoenix money worries they are horrid it does not seem fair do hope you get some light end of tunnel!

Do you have any stuff you could flog to help you over the cashflow crisis dear phoenix ?

I'm so sorry Phoenix. I've been in this situation and it is absolute hell. Combined with trying to keep your husband's morale up as well as your own. You will get through it.

everyone has already come up with ideas. I can only send more sympathy and agree - see CAB re benefit, ring a few literary agents (you're good) and maybe look into taking in a lodger or two (language students can be quite lucrative).

Good luck.