spudz | ExpatWoman.com
 

spudz

spudz
67
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 21:41
Hi, i'm leaving Dubai soon and just looking for advice on this. The TV was expensive and not sure if I should sell it rather than ship it home. Will need a Tv at home so would be better if I could ship it, but afraid of it being broken....
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 11:42
Thanks for that!
spudz
67
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 09:43
Hello, i'm known that you are allowed 30 days plus 10 days grace, but just wondering when you start counting. Is it the day your visa is stamped, or from the day after you do the visa run?
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2014 - 20:08
Thanks for your msg Tru Blu. I placed the order this afternoon. I've just send them an email giving them my husband's work address with PO Box. Hopefully, they haven't sent it yet and are able to change the address. :/
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2014 - 15:47
Thanks for the replies. I would have been interested in buying your book Jules.....but AR is quite a distance from me and I don't have a car at the moment. I've just ordered the book on the Book Depository website using my home address here (no postbox number). Hope this works ok.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 22:40
Hi, I am a native English speaker and am interested. Can you tell me the location of the school? And are you able to choose your own LSA for your child? I thought that the school would normally provide this.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 12:08
Thanks for all the replies! Valt, I like the look of the beach grill at the Royal Mirage so I phoned them and they don't have their Christmas menu yet. I've made a provisional booking anyway. Can you remember if there was turkey and ham? Also, would it be ok for kids? And would you dress up for it? I usually wear a dress on Christmas day, but if it's a beach bar I don't want to be overdressed. Also, I want to make sure that it's the one beside the Westin that you're referring to? Lol. Sorry for all the questions.....and Thanks! :)
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 22:21
I'm pretty sure that Barasti does breakfast....prob not cheap though.
spudz
67
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 10:06
I'm pretty sure it's called Easytruck. The radio add had a British woman's voice....think the owners are British.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2013 - 10:03
Thanks for your reply Yorky! I will have a look into those places. I've eaten in the Dhow and Anchor before.....will see what they are doing for Xmas.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 22:22
Yes, it's 50 aed per person. If you are on a tourist visa you can stay for 30 days plus an extra 10 days grace.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 09:59
We find Dr KAyed very good too. He also works from the city hospital.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 11:02
I don't understand why Regent has a bad reputation. Ok admittedly it was the one of the few schools that could take my kids when we arrived here 2 years ago, but we are happy with it. My kids love school and I would not move them now. My kids are very young, so I have no experience of the older years. <em>edited by spudz on 24/09/2013</em>
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 10:51
So sorry to hear that your DD had another seizure. However, I wouldn't let this stop you coming to Dubai so that you can all be together as a family. There are good neurologists here, ours is American and very knowledgable. I would maybe wait a little while until she is used to taking her medication, and to make sure there are no side-effects first. The other posters are right too that they can run out of medication here. When I was at home for the summer I got an extra bottle to bring back with me. My DD's bottle lasts her about 2mths, so I have plenty of time to get the next one. As far as flying, my neurologist just gave me a letter to bring with me on the plane so that I could carry her meds. I didn't do anything diff about insurance. Not sure about it.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 10:49
So sorry to hear that your DD had another seizure. However, I wouldn't let this stop you coming to Dubai so that you can all be together as a family. There are good neurologists here, ours is American and very knowledgable. I would maybe wait a little while until she is used to taking her medication, and to make sure there are no side-effects first. The other posters are right too that they can run out of medication here. When I was at home for the summer I got an extra bottle to bring back with me. My DD's bottle lasts her about 2mths, so I have plenty of time to get the next one. As far as flying, my neurologist just gave me a letter to bring with me on the plane so that I could carry her meds. I didn't do anything diff about insurance. Not sure about this one.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 10:59
Hi, I can understand your concerns. My, then 4year old, daughter had 2 seizures earlier this year at school and is now taking medication called 'keppra'. I was reluctant to medicate too, but was also afraid of the possible consequences of another fit. She had all the tests done, EEG, sleep-deprived EEG, MRI, blood tests, CT scan, which all showed up as normal, tg. However, it is protocol to medicate after 2seizures regardless of whether or not they find any abnormal brain activity. I checked if this is the same in the UK and apparently it is. She hasn't had a seizure now in almost 5mths. If she doesn't have another seizure in 2yrs, she will have another EEG and if that's normal too, she will be taken off the medication. Fingers crossed. We are finding keppra ok. It is new and expensive, but the neurologist said that it's one of the easiest to take...only twice per day, and you can take it with most other drugs. She complains of dizziness sometimes, but I would be afraid to change her medication in case the side effects were worse.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 10:00
Thanks kimball! Didn't want to risk getting a fine.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2013 - 22:11
Thanks desertrose, I booked them through Platinumlist, and will just have to print off the tickets. Very easy! Good to hear that Asti, looking forward to it now. :)
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 13:20
Hi, I've been going to Dr. Maxwell Kayed with my daughter (who's just turned 5), and would recommend him. He's American and very knowledgable with kids and epilepsy. I was like you a couple of mths ago and had no clue who to go to, but he came highly recommended. He works in the Open MRI clinic and the City Hospital. If you have anymore questions just ask.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 23:13
Lou is very good, but she is the artisitic director so it will cost you. You could always check out the price on the phone beforehand.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 11:26
Thanks for your quick reply! I'm concerned because I may need to exit the UAE on my irish one to show that I've left the country (because of my husband's job loss and visa being cancelled), so wondering if they'll even let me on the plane (to Ireland or to Thailand). My husband suggested leaving the UAE on the Irish one, and entering Thailand on the british one...... If I presented my british one at the airport here, they'd prob ask how I got here as I've no stamps on that passport. Sorry, but it's pretty complicated.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 11:18
I'm living in Tamani hotel, and also preparing for a possible exit, if my husband doesn't get another job soon. The apts in Tamani are very spacious, nicely furnished and in a good location (the 3 beds on the higher floors are brill with amazing views!).......but there's no alcohol in it. However, Barasti is only across the road! ;-)
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 10:32
Hello again, we're here almost 18mths as well, and don't feel ready to go back yet either. We spent a year in Doha before we came here, so feel that we've been moving around too much lately. It's exhausting esp with 2 young kids. My husband has only had one interview in all the many many jobs he's applied for. I don't know what's going wrong, as he's well qualified with loads of experience....He's been contacted about a job in Saudi, but it's single status.....so don't know where that leaves me and the kids....He's said it would be a last resort. Sounds like you might have a lead here on this thread. :-) Fingers crossed!
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 19:15
Hi, sorry to hear you're having the same bad luck as me....I could've written this msg myself except my husband is a Project Manager in construction. He's known about his redundancy for a few mths now, and can't seem to find any work here at all. It's hard because we're happy and settled here now, and have 2 kids in school. We negotiated with the school, and came to an agreement that we would pay half of the term fees for the first mth (which means we are paying 50% more) for the amount of education they will receive. But if my husband manages to find another job by the start of february, we will pay the remaining half and keep them in school. It breaks my heart to have to take them out in 3 wks time as they are happy there and have made some great friends. So I feel your pain. My husband is considering getting a job in Saudi or Qatar and leaving me here so that the kids can finish the school year. Not sure if that's possible though.... My husband says to check out gulftalent.com.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 16:04
Thanks for your replies! Mmm, i'm doubtful now. Sounds like it's a nice place to visit, but maybe not to live..... My husband still hasn't secured a job here in Dubai....so getting a bit worried now.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 December 2012 - 01:53
Cervical cancer is not hereditary....and mostly caused by HPV. If you are married then there is no point in having the vaccine, as you will not be exposed to anymore viruses. If you are singe, then I would get the vaccine as there are many diff strains of HPV. But most importantly, I would definitely back this up by having annual pap smears. <em>edited by spudz on 31/12/2012</em>
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 22:31
Hi, there doesn't seem to be much work here for Civil Engineers at the moment. My husband is a Project Manager in Civil Engineering and his present job is coming to an end very soon. He has an excellent CV with almost 20 years experience, and is having real trouble trying to find another job in the UAE. We have kids in school here, so really want to stay. If you have no attachments here, maybe you could look at Doha, Kuwait or Saudi??
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2012 - 00:44
Hi, check out the Amari Palm Reef hotel. Gorgeous hotel and right on the beach. We stayed there before we had kids, so not too sure about what facilities they have for children, but I do remember seeing some kids there, and the hotel had provided some toys for them to use around the pool. I would stay there again with my kids.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:38
Also, Regent's recent rating with the KHDA was 'good' and they are striving for 'outstanding' next year. It has improved a lot in recent years. It was the only school i could get my 2 into when we arrived, but i've been pleasantly surprised.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:35
Hi, if i where you i would put them in Regent. My 2 kids are there, in FS2 and Year 1. They've been at the school for a year now and i've no problems with the teaching there at all.....in fact both my kids have very good teachers. It's so handy to media city, and there are lots of residential areas nearby. We live in the Marina and it only takes about 10mins to get there. Also, your pick-up times for those years will be 12.30pm, 12.55pm and 2.30pm.....so you really want to be living close-by. They are only young so i wouldn't stress too much....and if you're not happy you can move them later.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 17:12
Hi JShepard, how much are the VIP ones, if you don't mind me asking?
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 November 2012 - 14:06
Thanks Louisedvs, but i'm looking for 2 tickets. I looked up Dubbizle before and couldn't find any tickets for sale, so thanks for the link pollydxb. Some people are charging a fortune for them though. Is the standard price 295 dirhams? I saw 2 tickets for sale for a whopping 3k dirhams!!
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 10:13
Hi, I like the horizon bar. Not sure if they've taken the tent down yet over the bar now that the weather is improving, but it's much nicer when it's open air with great views. You get 3 free drinks, and strawberries and cream on a tues night there. I've heard the tues ladies night in Mahiki (jbh) is good and I think it's free drinks all night for ladies, but haven't been myself. The Oeno bar at the weston is nice too, but I prefer horizon. Enjoy!
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 12:33
So sorry to read this....life can be so cruel.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:41
When I read this yesterday it upset me so much....I'm not a terribly religious person but i couldn't not pray for him. I'm so glad to see that he's stable....will pray again today. Poor little guy.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 16:39
Lol.....Yeh, you could say that!
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 16:33
Thanks a mill! Better get them into the freezer then as I've bought too many! :-)
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 22:09
Yeh, me too! My mum wasn't receiving my texts a couple of wks ago, but I was receiving hers ok. I just gave up trying and started to email her instead, so don't know if the problem is solved. I have an old Nokia phone, and am with etisalat....and I think she's with Vodafone. Frustrating for sure....you're not alone.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 22:09
Yeh, me too! My mum wasn't receiving my texts a couple of wks ago, but I was receiving hers ok. I just gave up trying and started to email her instead, so don't know if the problem is solved. I have an old Nokia phone, and am with etisalat....and I think she's with Vodafone. Frustrating for sure....you're not alone.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 10:39
Thanks hilbils! I'll ring Dubai mall medical centre now to see....hoping health ins will cover it as it cost be costly if you're having regular treatment. Interested in dr.ou as well.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:57
Hi, can anyone recommend an acupuncturist who is knowledgeable on fertility and recurrent miscarriage? Preferably in the new area of Dubai, but will travel if needs be. Also, wondering if health insurance would cover this if a doctor is doing it? Thanks.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:50
Hi, my first was an elective c-section due to a large baby with a big head.....I was disappointed with this but took the advice of my gynae. Then I had my 2nd just 18mths later and desperately wanted to give birth naturally. My gynae gave me the choice. They can't induce you when you've had a c-section and they don't like to let you go too much over your due date. My gynae wanted to do a section a wk after my due date, but I asked to be given a few more days....and he allowed this as everything looked fine and baby was doing ok. When I was 10 days over, I went for acupuncture hoping to go into labour myself and luckily that night things started to happen. I had a very straight forward labour with no epidural and gave birth to my daughter ( 9 lbs 5 oz) after about 18 hrs. So it is definitely possible. They will just have to monitor you more during the labour. I much prefered the recovery from a vaginal birth and i needed an episiotomy so it wasn't easy either. Good luck!
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 22:38
Thanks for that willow! Very helpful,
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 10:43
I attended Emirates last year for lletz treatment to remove cancerous cells on my cervix. It was carried out by an older gynae there, who then recommended that I have a hysterectomy to prevent reoccurance. As I was only 36yrs and wanted another child, this came as quite a shock. I asked for a 2nd opinion, and this was when I met Dr Lotfi. He was very relaxed and reassuring, and said I was too young for a hysterectomy and that regular check-ups would be fine. I went back home (UK) to have a further cone biopsy which was all clear, thank God! I've had a few more opinions since and they are the same as his, so I'm glad I didn't listen to first Dr. I was thinking of seeing Dr Lotfi for my check-ups which is why I'm interested to know where he is, so thanks for that. I've no experience with endometriosis, but would have no hesitation in seeing him for that. He's seems very experienced. Good luck!
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 16:47
He was there in March/April so must've just left. Are you sure he has left Emirates hospital completely, cos he does/did some sessions in their marina clinic too. I'd be interested to know where he went too...
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 10:56
Miscarriages are very common, 20-25% of all 'known' pregnancies end in mc. I have had 6 mcs and 1 ectopic pregnancy since 2004 (aged 29). They all happened at diff times ranging from 7-16wks, and were all hurtful. 2 of them happened in the ME whereas the rest happened at home, so don't think the country you live in has any effect. My Doc told me it's like 'quality control', sounds harsh, but i suppose it's true. I had 2 mcs, then 2 kids (1 boy,1 girl), then 4 mcs, and then the latest pregnancy was suspected and treated as ectopic (they said it wasn't a viable pregnancy). I have been tested a couple of times for a blood clotting disorder but always came back neg. I'm considering going for more tests, but not sure if there is any point as I was told they usually come back as normal and you're none the wiser. We would like one more child, but having a break now and enjoying life before I venture down that route again. I just hate the worry that it brings.
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 09:42
You could see a dermatologist, or a chiropodist/podiatrist if it's in the toenails. If you're sure it's onychomycosis, and not trauma to the nail or psoriasis, or medication, you could get an antifungal nail paint from the chemist. A good one is called 'curanail', but you may only be able to get it in the Uk. Soaking the affected area in a basin of water with some tea-tree oil can help too, but would need to done regularly. Hope this helps. <em>edited by spudz on 03/05/2012</em>
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 09:48
Wow, I didn't think I would get so many replies! Yeh, already realised I didn't mention my food intake. I don't think my diet is too bad. I'm not one for sweets or chocolate. I eat 3 meals per day. I don't think I'd be able to eat much less....and am not interested in hard core dieting. I am changing some small things like not putting sugar on my cereal, eating a salad instead of potatoes, choosing salad instead of a burger and chips at a restaurant. I think eating out too much, alcohol, no exercise (due to having children), and too many kid's bday parties ;-), is how I gained this weight.....so trying to change all that. I don't know exactly how many calories I loose at the gym, but between the treadmill and the bike it's about 250 calories (because they tell me so). I haven't really added anything extra for the weights as I don't think they burn many calories. I plan to go 4-5 days p/wk. I think I'll have to try to loose more calories then. I like swimming too, so will prob do a swim straight after. I am hoping to do some pilates and zumba classes as I think I'd enjoy that, and will be a change from the gym. I think my weight loss will be slow, but that's ok with me. Better get to the gym and get off the computer then! :-0 <em>edited by spudz on 02/05/2012</em>
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 16:29
Hi, just found out today that my insurance company are going to pay for my colposcopy based on my previous findings last year, so didn't need to have the HP test done afterall. I think the City hospital had to answer a lot of questions and send reports before it was agreed. I'm quite pleased......now I have to worry about having the colposcopy! :-( <em>edited by spudz on 02/04/2012</em>
spudz
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 11:12
My insurance covered the follow-up pap smear, but said I needed to take a HPV test (at my own expense), before they would consider covering the colposcopy.
 
 
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