I have had a nice relaxing day, catching up on The Missing, reading the paper and having a couple of walks.
I heard that my boss told my team that I wasn't coming back as I was very sick and was concentrating on getting better - no mention of the fact that they had dismissed me!
Thanks for all the thoughts and advice. I am going to enjoy spending the extra time with my kids and hubby. I am lucky in that we can just about manage on hubby's wage as long as we are careful. And I shall let fate take its course and see where it leads me.
Michelle46, sorry to hear you have found the workplace tough too. I hope the new part time job works out for you.
CLKD - unfortunately and amazingly employers can sack due to ill health. They have to be careful and show that they have followed the correct procedure - i.e. advising from the start of sickness that your job is at risk, consulting with occupational health to help make reasonable adjustments. If they are unable to get you back into work then they are entitled to terminate your contract due to medical capability.
Elsie001 - glad to hear your reduced hours helped
peri - fingers crossed for you - it is a horrible feeling trying to hang in there when you feel ill. I tried to work through the insomnia/low ferritin for several weeks, which wasn't fun.
Dawncam - I have always been a worker too, taking little time off apart from pregnancy related issues, so I know how you feel.
Thanks again all for your thoughts and comments - helps to know it isn't just me