Dear Hugh and TreeofLife,

Thank you for your considerate replies and thoughts. I feel afraid to go back to the last supervisor after so long, especially without having something to 'hand in.' If I go that route, and considering my previous writing blocks, maybe it would be better if I actually finish writing the thesis in complete form, and then go back to that department and ask whether they would accept the submission. If I try to rally support and then don't produce, I'd really be worse off and really lose credibility. Don't you think? In rethinking, I also think another university would have a hard time accepting the thesis from elsewhere.

I feel so torn about my future and feel such a lack of concrete direction, but I guess where there is a will there is a way, but one needs to muster the will.

Anyways, thanks so much for taking time to reply.

I began a PhD in 1999 at a top UK university on a topic of serious interest since an undergrad (MSc. in same field). I was a semi 'mature' student and towards end of 2 yrs data collection got married and pregnant. After birth, in 2002 began write up but due to financial struggles started working. That, sick baby & other issues caused enormous stress, fatigue & procrastination. We returned stateside but child's health and husband's alcoholism, blaming, etc led to further delays, poor confidence.

I received extensions & in 2009 went back to UK for the viva w/kid in tow. I was well prepared for the viva but doubtful because the stress/health matters had handicapped my writing which led to incomplete chapters. I just about quit right before the viva. I passed the orals but was given a resubmit w/major revisions.

The home situation got worse after that & I could not focus. I was also having (menopause?) cognitive issues, which I'd suspected during the first submission, but everyone kept saying I was just trying to be a perfectionist. After another extension, I literally gave up....didn't even contact my examiners (one died already), I felt so useless & husband also kept saying I was a failure.

I've been working on contract in an applied aspect in the same field & things have improved at home, but friends keep saying I have to finish (I'm somewhat of a specialist in my field). I'm sitting on great data that still would make an original contribution.

Is it worth it and is there a likelihood that another university would take it on? Does the old univ. have intellectual rights to the thesis? I feel I really burned my britches-no contact in 4 yrs. One mentor said if all else turn it into a book, but I still have that nagging feeling to finish. I wonder whether I could register at another university but not to have to do the 'full' course requirements. I still have some student loans too.

Thanks to anyone with advice.