Thanks for the different perspective healing4me.I guess I assumed having a spouse or partner means having support but as you rightly point out that's not always the case!My niece is my sister's daughter.
I guess it is up to me to make connections and find ways to ease the loneliness.I kinda promised myself to make the effort to meet new people and make friends and form closer bonds,maybe find someone special.It is no use feeling sorry for myself.I do also have to work on my relationship with myself.

My hysteroscopy is the day after tomorrow,I have had one before so I know what to expect.It is an unpleasant experience but it is only an hour in time so it will soon be over,I shouldn't complain really,it is best to have the problem investigated,rather than bury my head in the sand.