thompson1 | ExpatWoman.com
 

thompson1

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Latest post on 02 February 2015 - 23:01
Hi Thompson1 As far as I am aware Safa School does not have a secondary school. Year 7 places are highly sought after as there are quite a few primary schools that do not have a secondary school so their students are all competing for limited places. Horizon International is a relatively new school but I have a friend with children there who is quite happy with the school. Regarding the helper, do you mean a housemaid type helper or a school based helper? All schools have to have a nurse in place and schools are generally well used to coping with students with epilepsy. For Horizon International there is housing (villas) close by in Umm Suqeim 3 or Al Sufouh. Are you looking for villas or apartments and what is your budget like? The Springs is a cheaper area with terraced villas not too far away. edited by plum2 on 02/02/2015 Hi plum2, sorry I meant safa comunity school. It would be a villa, budget around 200
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Latest post on 02 February 2015 - 23:00
Hi Thompson1 As far as I am aware Safa School does not have a secondary school. Year 7 places are highly sought after as there are quite a few primary schools that do not have a secondary school so their students are all competing for limited places. Horizon International is a relatively new school but I have a friend with children there who is quite happy with the school. Regarding the helper, do you mean a housemaid type helper or a school based helper? All schools have to have a nurse in place and schools are generally well used to coping with students with epilepsy. For Horizon International there is housing (villas) close by in Umm Suqeim 3 or Al Sufouh. Are you looking for villas or apartments and what is your budget like? The Springs is a cheaper area with terraced villas not too far away. edited by plum2 on 02/02/2015
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Latest post on 02 February 2015 - 22:59
Thanks ladies, I have emailed both schools, I meant a helper at home a qualified nurse to help me keep an eye on the children or left in sole charge for babysitting, I would only feel happy with somebody who was very confident in first aid.
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 21:56
Hi I suggest you call them. I think they are having a few problems with admissions to say the least! I know my friend has got her kids in for september year 5 and year 2 so they may have places but be quick. Otherwise best to just turn up there. Call the reception number if you cannot get through to admissions they normally track them down to speak to you. Thanks! I will give them a call, good news about your friend being offered places though.
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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 15:29
Hi, I have emailed the school three times to enquire about school places but I haven't heard anything. I don't suppose anybody would know about availability? I just don't know why I have had no response at all, a little off putting really. Thanks ladies.
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Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 01:14
Hi, my daughter has had Keppra and is on Lamictal here now. She sees Dr. Al Fahad at the Neuro Spinal Hospital and we usually get the prescription filled at their pharmacy. The pharmacist has to contact the insurance company for approval (ours is Oman Insurance) before he dispenses but they always give authorisation - what, are they going to say no to medication for such a serious condition??! You may be able to buy it over the counter I'm not sure but it is very expensive here. Good luck with your move! It's quite scary how all children react so differently to the meds, my DD is also very tired on the Keppra even more concerning is how the meds effect her memory and concentration however her sezures are the grand mal but they are well controlled now. That's wonderful news that your daughter has been seizure free for two years. How old is your DD? AlbyCinya can I ask why your Daughter came off the Keppra ? Is it not available in Dubai? Hi, my daughter came off Keppra as it was making her very, very tired and it didn't control her seizures particularly well. She's been on Lamictal for almost 4 years now and is hopefully having her dosage reduced from this month as she's been seizure free for over 2 years :) Keppra is available in Dubai. Good luck with everything. edited by AlbyCinya on 03/02/2014
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Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 01:09
Hi, my daughter has had Keppra and is on Lamictal here now. She sees Dr. Al Fahad at the Neuro Spinal Hospital and we usually get the prescription filled at their pharmacy. The pharmacist has to contact the insurance company for approval (ours is Oman Insurance) before he dispenses but they always give authorisation - what, are they going to say no to medication for such a serious condition??! You may be able to buy it over the counter I'm not sure but it is very expensive here. Good luck with your move! AlbyCinya can I ask why your Daughter came off the Keppra ? Is it not available in Dubai? Hi, my daughter came off Keppra as it was making her very, very tired and it didn't control her seizures particularly well. She's been on Lamictal for almost 4 years now and is hopefully having her dosage reduced from this month as she's been seizure free for over 2 years :) Keppra is available in Dubai. Good luck with everything. edited by AlbyCinya on 03/02/2014
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Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 01:08
Have you ever heard of medical nutrition therapy called ketogenic diet for children with epilepsia.It is amazing and big in UK. Some of them recover from seizures completely. Although part of me thinks in UAE the state of medical nutrition therapy is somehow not as developed Yes Nenechka I have heard of it and read up on it, unfortunately 8 years old DD is such a fussy eater and the diet has to be followed so strictly that I don't think we would get the results we needed, I would think about it fir when she is older though so thank you for mentioning it.
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 02:31
I was on Epilim (depakote) for a while in Dubai. had rotten side effects thought. Now on lamictal, which agrees with me far better! No idea about buying over the counter, have always had both drugs on prescription. What does sometimes happen though is that the whole country runs out..... my pharmacist has been very good about sharing out limited stocks (though this does mean you have to go back and get the rest once the latest shipment has cleared), ringing round other pharmacies etc, but would advise keeping an emergency back up stash just in case. Good luck. Thanks sandfly! It's interesting what you say about the Epilim, sadly my DD is quite a different child since she started on the Epilim! can't wait for her to be weaned off it to be honest, just praying she will be okay just on the Keppra.
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 02:29
Hi Thompson1, hope all goes well with your move to Dubai. I have an 8 year old daughter who takes Keppra and Ethosuximide for her petit mal type of epilepsy. The Keppra is very easy to come by in Dubai - we buy it easily from our local pharmacy, Arabella (at the Spinneys in Umm Suqeim 1) by prescription from the doctor which cost we then reclaim from our medical insurance company, Allianz. By contrast, the Ethosuximide is very hard to source - only City Hospital supplies it and sporadically at that. Sorry, can't comment on Epilem. Bring 3 months' supply with you, together with a doctor's letter explaining why you're carrying it and a prescription. That should give you plenty of time to source a doctor here. I would recommend Dr Kayed of City Hospital - he's very good with children. Let me know if you need any more help. Thanks Mrs Merlot, this is useful info, hopefully she will only be on the Keppra by the time we come out. :)
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 02:27
Hi Thompson1, hope all goes well with your move to Dubai. I have an 8 year old daughter who takes Keppra and Ethosuximide for her petit mal type of epilepsy. The Keppra is very easy to come by in Dubai - we buy it easily from our local pharmacy, Arabella (at the Spinneys in Umm Suqeim 1) by prescription from the doctor which cost we then reclaim from our medical insurance company, Allianz. By contrast, the Ethosuximide is very hard to source - only City Hospital supplies it and sporadically at that. Sorry, can't comment on Epilem. Bring 3 months' supply with you, together with a doctor's letter explaining why you're carrying it and a prescription. That should give you plenty of time to source a doctor here. I would recommend Dr Kayed of City Hospital - he's very good with children. Let me know if you need any more help.
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 01:27
Bumping this as I would be very interested and so would my 8 year old DD as I think she thinks she is the only child in the world to have epilepsy :(
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Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 16:33
Hi, my daughter has had Keppra and is on Lamictal here now. She sees Dr. Al Fahad at the Neuro Spinal Hospital and we usually get the prescription filled at their pharmacy. The pharmacist has to contact the insurance company for approval (ours is Oman Insurance) before he dispenses but they always give authorisation - what, are they going to say no to medication for such a serious condition??! You may be able to buy it over the counter I'm not sure but it is very expensive here. Good luck with your move! AlbyCinya can I ask why your Daughter came off the Keppra ? Is it not available in Dubai?
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Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 16:30
That's really helpful, thank you ladies. By the time we come out she may well just be in the keppra (levetiracetam) hopefully this will be available. :)
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Latest post on 02 February 2014 - 12:53
Hi ladies, it looks like my DD,s and I may be moving to Dubai in the summer. My 8 year old DD has Epilepsy it was diagnosed last summer. My question is can we get Epilim and Keppra and how does it work? Do we just buy it from the pharmacy or get it through the doctors? Does anybody know regarding insurance if we would face any problems at all. Many thanks ladies.
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Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 13:51
Bump :)
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Latest post on 29 January 2014 - 20:55
We may be interested in this school for September, do you know the exact location of it. Is it near JVC at all? Many thanks!
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Latest post on 29 January 2014 - 02:10
Thanks plum2, that's quite a choice, will be looking for years 4 & 5 so hopefully we will be in a a chance.
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Latest post on 26 January 2014 - 23:12
Irish dolly, can I get your email, we are probably not coming out until the middle of august but I would be very interested in some tutoring after school for both of my girls (8&9) My email address is [email protected] Many thanks!
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Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 00:26
He works for a IFC company called fund advisers, give him a call he is very knowledgable.
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Latest post on 23 January 2014 - 19:17
Hi, contact Nick on 0566941189 great guy.
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Latest post on 05 October 2013 - 16:54
Thanks for your replies! It sounds lovely, we are not sure yet where DH will be based, it's good to know about the medical centre as my youngest DD has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy. Yes we would only consider moving if school fees and housing were paid. What is driving like over there, easier than here I am guessing (hoping) Are the schools over subscribed like here? The greenery sounds lovely.... One of my concerns is that we would be bored there, is there plenty to do?
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Latest post on 04 October 2013 - 21:12
Thanks so much ladies. We started the medication and the side effects have been interesting to say the least but hopefully they will settle down as her little body gets used to them.
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 23:13
Hi ladies, I posted a few days ago asking for advice on my 7 year old DD taking Epilim for her Epilepsy, well she hadn't had a seizure since the 16th of July however she had another on Sunday s she has started medication today. Currently we are in the UK with my DH working in dubai, we were thinking of joining him but now I'm not sure. How would it work with my 7 year old having Epilepsy, insurance flying ect, any advice would be hugely appreciated
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Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 00:58
Thank you so much for the replies ladies, it's great to hear everybody's positive experience, you never know what life is going to throw at you. I am interested in getting a second opinion on her diagnosis but as the EEG did show up some abnormal brain activity it is more than likely that the diagnosis is correct. We will probably start the Epilim in a few weeks after our next appointment. Thanks again ladies.
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 16:51
Thanks for the replies ladies, just been offered places in year 3 and 5. Let's hope it is all up and running for September it looks like it is going to be a great school! :)
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 16:00
Hmmm, we are needing year 3 and year 5, I have had it confirmed that years 5 and 6 will be mixed. Hopefully we will hear soon. Thanks!
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 14:54
Hi ladies, just wondered if anybody had actually been offered a place at Victory Heights school yet? If so how long after the assessment did it take? Many thanks! :) edited by thompson1 on 21/04/2013 Anyone?
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 13:19
Hi ladies, just wondered if anybody had actually been offered a place at Victory Heights school yet? If so how long after the assessment did it take? Many thanks! :) <em>edited by thompson1 on 21/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 14:03
Hi Thompson1, I have friends who live there who say its a really nice area to live and very family friendly. I personally think its a nice area. Deliveries shouldn't be a problem as you have motor city nearby and lots of places know about VH so they will deliver. I think as a con some people say the community pools are small. Sounds goo, think its best to go for a villa with a pool then. Thanks!
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Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 12:32
Hi, thinking of leaving the palm for Victory heights due to schooling mainly. Can you tell me the pros and cons? Can you get delivery easily do you know? Many thanks! Small bump for the weekend ladies :)
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 18:45
Hi, thinking of leaving the palm for Victory heights due to schooling mainly. Can you tell me the pros and cons? Can you get delivery easily do you know? Many thanks!
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 12:55
Hi, thinking of leaving the palm for Victory heights due to schooling mainly. Can you tell me the pros and cons? Can you get delivery easily do you know? Many thanks!
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 12:49
CP we are the same, I would only move it we are moving to be able to walk/cycle to school otherwise I would stay.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 12:48
HinTDB, if nursery s are the same as schools then I don't think you will be able to get your money back as you haven't given any notice. I was told by school even if they did 1 day of the new term then I would have to pay a full term X2 children so I told them the day before school started then we were not charged the term and got our security deposit back, not sure if it is the same as school though. I would try what you can though.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 11:56
Hi, if the landlord is up to date with their payments then it should be free for you, just make sure they have paid the fee and they can prove to you they have then you will be fine. You have to show all paper work to the office in building 3 they then issue you with your access cards, can take a while but you will get temp cards while you are waiting. The only building you have to pay for your self is building 7 as it is a separate company. Once you have your cards you can use any pools except building 7.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 11:53
Thanks Pickachu, I agree with most if what you have said, now we will have to wait to hear from the schools.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 11:52
It's not something anyone else can answer for you... All i'll say is from our own perspective, I would choose any option that keeps the family together - children need both parents and having a father working away puts extra stress on everyone... my experience of UK schools where I live is that our Dubai schools are way better.. Lots of to-ing and fro-ing would be very unsettling for my children - we go home twice a year for holidays and that's fine but I wouldn't want to drag them between much more than that... For me personally I get more out of my life here in Dubai and my personal preference would be to stay here, much as I love going home when I do.... My husband's choice would be as little time here living on his own as possible... Thanks Pikachu I agree with a lot of what you say, now we will have to wait to hear from the schools. But only you can know what's best for your family.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 11:50
It's not something anyone else can answer for you... All i'll say is from our own perspective, I would choose any option that keeps the family together - children need both parents and having a father working away puts extra stress on everyone... my experience of UK schools where I live is that our Dubai schools are way better.. Lots of to-ing and fro-ing would be very unsettling for my children - we go home twice a year for holidays and that's fine but I wouldn't want to drag them between much more than that... For me personally I get more out of my life here in Dubai and my personal preference would be to stay here, much as I love going home when I do.... My husband's choice would be as little time here living on his own as possible... But only you can know what's best for your family.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 10:53
Miss the nice big apartments, the views, the close swimming pools, the bars at the shoreline, no traffic in and out, 2 mins away from the Atlantis, easy to get a taxi, the list goes on I now work less hours and in Dubai, my company is very flexible so i can work around the nursery situation also i would hope to get a place in the nursery on the palm...? Hmmm yes I would miss the sea, the nursery here looks great!
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 10:47
Hi KH, I have had three delivers first two natural and the third a request section, my reasons for my request section was I had only delivered 18months previously and I had a very unpleasant "natural" birth, it was very fast like yours, although physically I was fine, physiologically I was a wreck. So I opted for a section and for me it was the best decision ever, I enjoyed it and felt so much better mentally afterwards, yes there was pain, I had a lively 18month old to look after and that was also a lot of lifting I had no help. He sit is a major operation but at least you can sit comfortably afterwards, if you have some help with your older child then even better, if I do have another baby I would choose another section again. Best if luck within you decision, if you want to chat more let me know and I will give you my email add :)
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 10:05
we moved out of the Fairmont residents before the hotel opened and the park was finished Main reason was nursery places for my little girl and not being able to take her and pick her up from a nursery if it was not within walking distance for my nanny as we both had crazy working commitments, Also it wasn't very easy to get to the shoreline before the park was open, We now wish we had stayed where we were will be moving back to the palm as soon as current contract ends Oh really? What do you miss about it? How will you manage the nursery run? My girls love it but if we stay it would probably mean a very early start and the school bus.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 10:01
It is a difficult choice, and as already said one only you can make. My heart would tell me one thing and my head an other... Good luck with whatever you decide... This is exactly what's happening at the moment with the decision, there does not seem to be a right or wrong one, in the UK I find life easier, never get bored the girls are having a high standard of education and before I get jumped on I feel I can say that as my eldest DD is 8 and has been to 5 different schools between here and the UK (all entirely our fault sort of) and now we have got it right as we all know in Dubai you can't often get the school you choose but the one that can offer you a place. However I know being together as a family is so so important especially when the children are young.
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 09:52
From the perspective of a child who was sent to boarding school because my parents worked overseas I would say don't. And as a parent in the same postion I would always choose to keep the family together. Thanks Di@DXB thats very interesting to hear! <em>edited by thompson1 on 18/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 09:50
I can only tell you wat I would do, which is #4. My priority would always be being with each other and spending as much as possible time together. In the end a loving family defines any child, more then any school will ever be able to provide. Thanks Oopsiedaisy yes that's my preference so far!
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 11:36
Thanks, just had an email, year 3 and 4 42k 5 and 6 45k, about average for Dubai?
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 10:56
Hi, does anybody know what the fees may be roughly? Many thanks!
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 09:20
Ive been looking too at the school in VH, it is apparently going to open in september. We are still in the UK but attended the open day at the Els club when we on a scouting trip and it looked good. We've been looking at villas on VH too, this website is quite good. the only frustrating thing is that on all the sites they don't have that many pics. You should be able to get a nice 4 bed for 200-240 (by the looks of things!). I have been dealing with an agent for the Ranches who has offered to put me in touch with her colleague who covers VH - let me know if it would help to get this for you. Villa search: http://www.propertyfinder.ae/en/rent/dubai/properties-for-rent-dubai-sports-city.html?t/9-13-16/v/265-5-4 Best of luck! Maybe we'll see each other / meet in person if we can both get our kids in the VH school! Their email address [email protected] Thank you, yes a contact for VH would be great, how old are your children? When do you think you will make the move?:)'>
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 20:26
Ive been looking too at the school in VH, it is apparently going to open in september. We are still in the UK but attended the open day at the Els club when we on a scouting trip and it looked good. We've been looking at villas on VH too, this website is quite good. the only frustrating thing is that on all the sites they don't have that many pics. You should be able to get a nice 4 bed for 200-240 (by the looks of things!). I have been dealing with an agent for the Ranches who has offered to put me in touch with her colleague who covers VH - let me know if it would help to get this for you. Villa search: http://www.propertyfinder.ae/en/rent/dubai/properties-for-rent-dubai-sports-city.html?t/9-13-16/v/265-5-4 Best of luck! Maybe we'll see each other / meet in person if we can both get our kids in the VH school! Their email address [email protected] Thank you, yes a contact for VH would be great, how old are your children? When do you think you will make the move?
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 20:25
Ive been looking too at the school in VH, it is apparently going to open in september. We are still in the UK but attended the open day at the Els club when we on a scouting trip and it looked good. We've been looking at villas on VH too, this website is quite good. the only frustrating thing is that on all the sites they don't have that many pics. You should be able to get a nice 4 bed for 200-240 (by the looks of things!). I have been dealing with an agent for the Ranches who has offered to put me in touch with her colleague who covers VH - let me know if it would help to get this for you. Villa search: http://www.propertyfinder.ae/en/rent/dubai/properties-for-rent-dubai-sports-city.html?t/9-13-16/v/265-5-4 Best of luck! Maybe we'll see each other / meet in person if we can both get our kids in the VH school! Their email address [email protected]