Diminishing work hours were paralleled with reductions
in social activities and networks as a response to pain
and other symptoms. Playing sports, walking and attending
social events such as parties were curtailed as women
withdrew from social events because of chronic pain
issues, bowel and bladder problems which necessitated
quick access to toilets, and fatigue. Women described
themselves as depressed, moody, angry, irritable and
lacking in enthusiasm at times.