DubaiCat | ExpatWoman.com
 

DubaiCat

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Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 10:19
Smile, say 'Whatever' or just agree, walk away. I worked with someone like this and it used to drive her up the wall!
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Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 10:18
I always thought... one's luteal phase which is between Ov and your period had to be of a minimum time frame (10-12 days???) to support a pregnancy, and that regardless of when you ovulate your luteal phase is always mostly the same length of time, give or take a day. Me too :\:.
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Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 20:41
I was in a cab on the way back from a day at Dubai Marine Beach Resort with my brother and his friend, who were here on holiday. Mum sent a text to say an aircraft had hit the World Trade Centre and I remember asking her, "In New York or here?". She said she thought it was only a light aircraft, though. Then we got home to my apartment on SZR and put the news on, but at the time I only had Arabic channels so we went upstairs to my friend's and just sat there, watching CNN, not quite believing what we were seeing.
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 23:05
DS stares at me when I brush my teeth and fights me like I'm trying to strangle him when I try to brush his. I didn't mind so much when he only had four but now he has a mouthful I'm a bit concerned :(.
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 23:03
Nope. You just feel more confident, is all. See, that's the thing - I don't. Not at all. If anything, I feel a thousand times worse. Last time I convinced myself it was going to be all candles and hippies and chanting and it was anything but, and now I just can't stop thinking about how horrendous it was. It's got so ridiculous that I ended up bursting into tears when I had to explain to the consultant in the UK why I wanted to pay for an elective C-section if we ended up staying there for the birth :(. Mum says I shot out too and I was her second. She nearly had me in the hospital lobby :D.
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 22:58
Ours (last year) went to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Milton Keynes then the UAE Embassy in London, but I think you can do both at the same time to make it quicker if you let them know and pay the appropriate fee. I'm pretty sure either the FCP website or the UAE Embassy one has all the details. Then, when it got back here, we had to give it to DH's PRO to get something else done to it over here.
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 22:52
Thanks all :D.
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 17:18
Great, thanks! PS And sorry to hear about your car :(. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 10/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 17:03
That's not bad at all! I really like the texture of these covers but I just want them a different colour, so maybe I'll go and see if this guy has anything suitable. Which place did you go to in Satwa?
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 16:06
I am hoping to dye our Ikea cotton sofa covers... if I'm brave enough! Has anyone else successfully done this? I was thinking of using a shedload of Dylon machine dye.
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Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 11:28
I was diagnosed with PCOS by a few doctors here, usually after just a quick scan and no hormone tests, and they just wanted to chuck medication at me. I did have insulin resistance as well, but nothing else to indicate full-blown PCOS. I saw Dr Elsa and she said while I did have cysts on my ovaries, hormone tests showed I didn't actually have proper PCOS. So sorry, I probably can't help you there! Although if you have any doubts about your diagnosis, do seek a second opinion. I think PCOS may be one of those vastly over-diagnosed syndromes here.
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 23:18
You're most welcome. If you have any questions just fire away on here! And good luck :D.
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 14:14
Chicken, mushrooms, onions, salt and pepper, cream... and either Vermouth or wine. Yum! Oh, and a few mixed herbs if you want it to look posh.
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 13:59
Wow, that is a bargain! We're coming back on Friday, leaving Mum's at about 9.30am. Will it be here by then? If so I'm happy to shove it in the suitcase. PS In case I'm not back on here you can drop me an email on harpersdxb at gmail dot com. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 06/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 12:01
And just to add I was also diagnosed with PCOS by a few doctors here. One wanted to give me fertility medication without doing even the most basic of hormone tests. A fellow poster on here got me onto charting and recommended a different doctor, and it turned out while I had cysts on my ovaries I most definitely did not have PCOS. DS was conceived naturally - after a long while, admittedly - and so was the bump.
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Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 11:58
'If you are trying to conceive, it is worth knowing that charts are not as easy to use nor as accurate as urine-based OPKs for predicting ovulation. Fertility experts also warn against charting because it is an unreliable method of ovulation prediction and using them to time intercourse can make the whole process of trying to conceive more stressful. Beware of becoming obsessed with your temperature chart - it's easy to understand how this can happen, given that it's the first thing you have to think of doing when you wake up in the morning!' I just copied the above from the site you linked. - No, they're not always easy to use and sometimes it can be hard to confirm ovulation if you have a few days where your temps are all over the place (lack of sleep, a good night out on the lash, medication). I found FertilityFriend really helpful when I was stuck, though, and you do get to know pretty quickly when a temp should be discarded. - OPKs are definitely more accurate at predicting ovulation, IMO, but I didn't like the idea of forking out 300dhs a pack when it can sometimes take two or three sticks a day to get a positive! Sometimes the surge can be in the middle of the night, so you won't see a positive however many you do unless you set your alarm for 3am. - Yes, charting can definitely stress you out if you've been trying a while. But then, anything you're doing to try and get pregnant stresses you out after a while. I had a couple of days where I thought, 'Sod it, I can't be bothered with the thermometer this morning, nothing's working anyway' but they were few and far between. I felt knowing my body and what it was doing - so if there was a problem it would have been easier for my doctor to work out - was worth the extra stress and hassle. It's a personal decision and FAM is definitely not for everyone. Give it a go, though, and see how it works for you. I do have a copy of TCOYF floating around Dubai somewhere but I'll have to track it down and then I've promised it to another poster first ;). Or, I'm in the UK at the moment and happy to bring back a copy if I can find it. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 06/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 23:38
Many thanks ladies..Dubaicat did you test before day13? I didn't, but I didn't because I was charting my temperatures and 10/11/12dpo were all 36.79, whereas 13dpo was 36.99 so I flew out of bed and did the wee on the stick thing (and then nearly fell off the loo). I have no idea if charting would work in conjunction with IUI and hormone treatment, but maybe your doctor could advise you? I found it invaluable in that I didn't waste excitement and hope when I needn't have, as I knew exactly what my body was doing.
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 18:34
Brown can also indicate the lining of the uterus breaking down too soon, or - in other words - to short a luteal phase.
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 14:49
Are you speaking to appointments or your doctor/nurse directly to make appointments? I'm in the same boat as you - delivered DS there in 2010 and having second there in November - but I've found no problem with making appointments as I speak directly to my doctor's nurse when I'm there. I hope you get some kind of response from them. It'd be such a shame if they continued going downhill :(.
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 14:07
Fingers crossed! They were very good with us. Hope you get it sorted and I'll post again if DH gets back to me with the mobile number. I think the guy's name was Thomas or George. And don't forget to haggle hard on the price!
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 14:06
Hmmm. No, it's not! I don't object to paying for what we're getting but if the rest of the girls are downing bubbly like it's going out of fashion and I'm boring myself stupid on soda water, that's not fair :(. What do Muslims or other non-drinkers do if they want to go there? I get that they're probably wary of people paying for non-booze and getting sozzled but when you obviously aren't drinking - as in you resemble a small container ship or you're veiled - then I don't see the issue.
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 14:03
We used a company called Thames Packing when we moved in June and they were able to accommodate us with only a day's notice. Here's their contact info from their site. I've sent DH a message to see if he still has the guy's mobile but I think he's in a meeting. THAMES SHIPPING LLC P.O.BOX: 32092,DUBAI,UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TEL:+9714-3938577, FAX: +9714-3938579 MOBILE: +97150-6534256
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Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 13:57
What age group is the frame and slide suitable for? DS is 15 months but thinks he's 5 years :D. My email is harpersdxb at gmail dot com.
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Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 19:19
Ahlan offer the same service and I think they might be a bit cheaper too. I used them last time and sat in the lounge while DS ran around and my passport was stamped, instead of waiting in the queue. Having said that the last time I was in the queue with DS when he was smaller, I was taken to an empty desk straight away so I didn't have to wait.
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Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 00:28
The app on your phone is likely relying on info based on your average woman - in other words, probably not you! While these things can be handy if you're a textbook 28-day cycle, ovulation-on-day-14 woman with no stress or other external influences that particular month, if you're not they simply won't give you the right information. If you want to learn more about your own body and your own cycle, try reading the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler and register on www.fertilityfriend.com. Both are invaluable resources and will teach you how to work out your cycle and read your body, so you can know for sure when you really did ovulate. Alternatively, email me on harpersdxb at gmail dot com and I'll email you a quick version of all the info in the book and on the site :D. I see Dr Elsa but a friend of mine who struggled for a long time to fall pregnant also highly recommends Dr Sant at Welcare.
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 23:54
#2 is due November 24 and we're flying back to Dubai on Friday next week. I'm so looking forward to getting back and getting settled again before baby puts in an appearance! And although I've been having great maternity care here in the UK over the summer, I am looking forward to seeing my own doctor again in Dubai. Hey dc I'm also due 24th nov, but will prob have my scheduled c-sec on the 13th.... So may be in at the same time if you decide to go that route as Dr E's preferred day for c secs are Sunday's! Do u know what u r having yet? Maybe we can wave en route to theatre! No, it's another surprise. I must say I've been far more tempted to find out this time, because I want to be able to make a firm decision on whether to have a third, but I've resisted. I loved not knowing with DS and I can't wait to find out on the day! So if Sunday's the preferred day, I guess 11/11/11 is out?! :D
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 23:45
They are quite short - far too short for me and my cottage-cheese legs! But you're welcome to try them on anyway.
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 17:19
I am utterly, utterly sick of being told how huge I am. I KNOW!! I am well aware I look more than seven months pregnant, thank you. Grrrr! Rant over. #2 is due November 24 and we're flying back to Dubai on Friday next week. I'm so looking forward to getting back and getting settled again before baby puts in an appearance! And although I've been having great maternity care here in the UK over the summer, I am looking forward to seeing my own doctor again in Dubai. I feel like a heifer and I'm worn out from running around after DS but if I have any energy left, I'd love to join in any get-togethers.
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 17:14
Thank you for your replies ladies! Appreciate it.. Ovulation was approx on the 13th of August.. Ill go to a doc tomm morning.. I'm really nervous..n anxious.. N excited.. All at the same time! When you say ovulation was August 13, do you know this from having treatment or from charting temperatures, or from physical signs? I ask because if you ovulated at a different time than you thought, your period might not be late at all as your luteal phase should only ever vary by a day at the most. If you're 100 per cent sure that was your date of ovulation then I'd go get checked out by your ob/gyn. There must be some reason your period is late.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 23:47
DH has found haggis in Choithram's at the Greens before. But he swears blind the Scottish are not responsible for the deep-fried Mars Bar!
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 23:31
Eeek... my Mum just told me when she and my Dad moved back from Norway years ago they had to wait six months before they were entitled to NHS care again. But that was a fair few years ago. Let me read the booklet for you and I'll post when I get my head around it!
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 23:30
oooh where did you find shorts? I am now officially out of mine and require them for work. Still too hot to wear jeans which funny enough still fit. I'm in the UK :(. What size are you? I have three brand new pairs I ordered online from New Look that wouldn't fit around one leg, let alone the vast expanse that's now my backside, so you're welcome to those if you think they'll fit. I think - offhand - they're 12 or 14 UK but cut seriously on the small side (or so I'm telling myself). Alternatively, if you want to order a couple of pairs online and have them sent to me here in the UK I'm happy to bring them back for you.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 23:26
Ah, OK! Well Asda have good baby offers on at the moment so happy shopping! I am rather disappointed DH isn't flying with us so we don't get his extra baggage allowance, because I could have filled at least one extra suitcase :D. Don't we always need the extra luggage :) Just heard on the radio that Boots have 3 for 2 on their baby range, with stuff like Moses baskets and baby monitors included, so I am now having a major sulk!
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 23:25
Do you know exactly when you ovulated and how long your cycles and luteal phase are? If so you should have a better idea of how late you really are, if at all. But the best thing to do would be to pop along to your doctor and have a blood test, as KB says. That should be able to detect even a small amount of hCG and let you know for sure. Good luck!
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 23:22
Weirdly, the first person I contacted when we thought Dad did have cancer was my ex-DH as he lost his mum to cancer. He reminded me of a conversation we'd had about his mum, and a statistic he'd read that cancer would affect one in four of us at some stage. We worked out that out of a group of 20 friends of his parents', 13 had cancer at one stage or another. Frightening.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 18:08
I just posted our experience this summer on another thread as it was quite different from previous years. I registered us - me and DS - with our local GP as soon as we got home. I'm pregnant and he has issues with his ears, and we've been here for more than two months, so we needed to be registered somewhere and have medical care. Last few times I've been here it's been a real battle trying to get the office staff to understand we're resident abroad and are therefore treated as private patients and have to pay. Usually the office manager just gives up and tells us not to worry about it. This year, as soon as I'd dropped off the registration forms (explaining we'd need to pay) the office manager called and told me, in a snotty voice and in no uncertain terms, we'd have to pay for our treatment. I was somewhat miffed by her attitude, given that I'd already explained that when I handed the forms in! Anyway, I then had to see the doctor and go for some monitoring at the midwife-led maternity unit at the hospital. When I got there, they'd already printed out the 'overseas visitor' forms for me, including a form asking for payment details. They did give me a booklet explaining the rules to see if I'd be eligible for free care, but I knew I wasn't anyway. The week after, I had to see the consultant and again, when I got there, the midwife asked if I'd filled out the form and arranged payment. It seems - for my local authority, anyway - they're getting hot on non-residents using NHS services. I'm absolutely fine about paying for our treatment as we've lived abroad, and therefore not contributed to the UK in any way, for more than ten years but it's just annoyed me that the staff have treated me as if I've been trying to claim something I'm not entitled to when that's far from the truth. And what really gets me is every time I've seen the midwife or doctor at the local GP since I registered, the reception staff haven't a bl00dy clue what to do with my cash! Re insurance, our policy only covers emergency and not routine care so we can't claim back. And one last thing - according to my surgery you have to be registered temporarily regardless of whether they see you as an NHS or private patient.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 12:34
Ah, OK! Well Asda have good baby offers on at the moment so happy shopping! I am rather disappointed DH isn't flying with us so we don't get his extra baggage allowance, because I could have filled at least one extra suitcase :D.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 12:32
I tested positive 13dpo with DS. I'm guessing with the medical intervention you'll know for sure when you ovulated? I reckon you should give yourself a few more days just to be sure. Fingers crossed and lots of baby dust for you! It must be so frustrating :(.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 12:31
I have five pairs of shorts for you :D and just let me know if you need me order more vests. New Look deliver within 24 hours and we aim to leave here next Friday, flight permitting.
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Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 12:26
Oh, I am so sorry. I hope your mum gets the care she needs now and you get better news soon :(.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 22:27
If you get nowhere and can wait a week, I'm flying back from the UK next Friday and they're about 60dhs in Asda at the moment. Happy to bring one home for you.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 22:26
Sorry I can't help then :(. How about courier? I left my keys at home a few years ago and my parents Fedexed them over to me - it took 24 hours and cost about GBP25.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 19:55
I'll let you know in a couple of weeks! We'll be back at the end of next week after being in the UK since the beginning of July. Leaving here is not going to be fun :(.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 19:52
Yes, they've been absolutely brilliant with Dad. From the first visit to the GP he was in front of a consultant within a couple of weeks, having scans and tests and all sorts, and his GP never failed to call and keep him updated. We can't fault them at all. And I've been having maternity care while we've been here over the summer and that's been great as well (apart from an over-zealous GP who had us all panicking that I had pre-eclampsia again, but I'll take caution over neglect any day!).
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 12:06
And Kelly_C, some aircraft do have microwaves now - although it's probably best not to rely on this. The crew should have spare melamine dishes you can put food in to reheat in the oven too, or could let you use a metal teapot with hot water inside in the galley.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 12:03
If you can't get an extra meal either the flight was almost under-catered or the crew are just being mean! Hope you manage to get something sorted.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 12:01
I'm coming from BHX at the end of next week - would that work? You could mail them down to me registered or recorded.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 00:08
I can well imagine. No doubt we'll have the same issue next year when we fly with DS on a child ticket as baby #2 will be here! We just flew RyanAir to France. It cost us 40 quid to get His Lordship there and back and for that, we got to take the buggy. No cabin baggage, no checked baggage, no nothing.
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 23:47
I was due April 1 but I was obviously the punch-line as I was two days late.
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 23:45
And do bear in mind that you may not have ovulated when you think you did (if you thought you did - many of us haven't a clue). Unless you're charting temperatures or have particularly strong physical signs, you may not know and may have ovulated early or late, which means your period would then be due early or late. I well remember one heartbreaking week pre-charting when I was utterly convinced I was pregnant, as my period was a week late. What didn't click was that I'd moved house that month and was totally stressed out, and had therefore ovulated a week late.