Yael, you are a real trooper! Honestly, if I couldn't sit for 10 or more minutes after doing a no. 2 (and dreading the doing of it in the first place) I'd be begging for any surgical option possible! I think in your position (except can't imagine having any money ) I'd try the metamucil daily, plus prunes, licorice and anything else that got me 'soft' and see if that helps heal things. I'd probably try it for about a month before trying the botox option. I can't believe that you have to go out of pocket for it...it's not as if it's cosmetic, what you'd be having done?!?! Sorry don't know if that helps you at all. I have to say that in the hospital after having Miles (was there 6 days with the B/F issues) I had a small bowl of soaked prunes with each breakfast and they were SUPER, given I was so sore 'down there' that the thought of a no. 2 really did scare me. So try whatever works for you.

Ray, THANK YOU! for updating us on Jo (hehehe I knew I'd be able to catch you around the traps and ask you about her). Wow at Bridie being a tank, she was as skinny as last time Jo posted. Can't wait for her to be at work so she can post, though bummer for her having to go back to work in the first place

Jillian, 2 years is nothing in the big scheme of things! I'm sure you won't lose your motivation to get back to study. What you could always do (if you're really keen) is to find out what textbooks are being used in courses that you're interested in, then get them from the library and start reading up! Swotty I know, but if it helps keep you motivated

Lisa, omg at being your inspiration! Once you start studying with 2 kids, you'll be mine! You'll be doing it before me, I won't be doing honours for a couple of years yet...