₦airaland Forum

rodeo0070:
Wow! Well this is coming late. I have the track if you still need it. Call me on 08053168031 or 2710B3A6. Love the song very much fa!

Please do you still have the song?

Please do you still have the song?

Thank you too. It isn't limited to sub-lets. This lady rents other apartments which she lets out for pregnant women from Nigeria, I got to meet one of her tenants who had a worse experience than mine. Some of them come up with very unfair/ unfavorable conditions or fail to live up to their responsibilities once you ve paid and moved in. They turn out to be the landladies from hell; at least from about 3 cases I have heard. I think the best bet is to be as independent as possible. Accommodation could be cheap/affordable in Houston; as little as $650/700 per month for a 1 bedroom apartment) unfortunately getting one on your own as an outsider is very difficult. Hence most people resort to such arrangements or airbnb (less risk of dealing with cunning/complicated Nigerians) and Intown Suites. This still doesn't undermine the fact that there are many good and straight forward (Nigerian) hosts out there; I ve heard testimonies. I wish you luck.

On Ladee1, would have been nice to give an excuse. It's been approximately 8 months now. The last I heard of them, they were working towards settling there, meaning they are comfortable. I am not vexed, just very disappointed.

debby516:
Thanks for the feedback. Your account is why i am not staying in one room lease out of an apartment with an existing family, i cant shout jare. My people, I am still looking for a 'self-contained'/'mini-flat' accommodation in Houston oooooo, pls biko. I ve checked airbnb tire. pls help if u know of any. Thanx

On Ladee1, no vex, continue to do good, who knows wat she is passing thru, not defending her though. Was she not the one with a 24k hospital bill for twins

ladeonas:
please anyone know an airline that would allow twins with just ONE adult?

i.e pay for extra seat for both babies or one of the babies?

I traveled with my twins and had my aunt to help. The checks and processes at the airports...catering for the two on a long journey....the journey itself... you just can't. And I'm sure you ll have at least a hand luggage.Please don't even entertain that thought because aside breaking down, you ll make a spectacle of yourself.

Hello House. I just stopped by to check after a long while.

I must say again, this platform was very helpful to me prior to my journey to Houston and during my stay there early this year.
I had my babies in Houston late April Though I had them earlier than planned (was directed to the theater during a weekly routine doctor’s follow-up), I had a safe delivery, they were healthy babies, and every subsequent documentation turned out to be a smooth process. I came back home almost a month later, it was one of the happiest days of my life lol, I never appreciated being home that much haha! I missed home. In all, I had a very pleasant experience with my doctor and the hospital back in Houston. Transportation was a tad bit of a challenge as for some reason I couldn’t use my Nigerian dollar card for uber which seemed to be the most popular way to get around town. Unlike other places I had been to, the transport system in Houston wasn’t too friendly (and expensive).

Accommodation/my host however turned out to be one of the most horrible experiences I ever had, details of which I do not wish to replay or for anyone. Our experience with her can be used to write a book lol (my aunt joined about 3 weeks to our departure). I must admit she was kind in the beginning till I paid my last rent and transportation which she unapologetically failed to live upto. What disappointed me the most was, my attention being drawn to her using my pictures and those of my babies publicly for her birthing/accommodation adverts without my knowledge. It took my family and I threatening her before she pulled them down. She happens to be a Nigerian lady (nurse/health worker with one of the popular hospitals here, don't know what to believe anymore) who I met through a helpful nairalander during my search for accommodation here. Now I won't be surprised if it turns out that she sent me the message/recommendation herself as it turned out she was an ardent follower of this thread.

In all, I have learnt a lot from this platform and my trip and will still like to say thank you to; Chibertha,Babatwi,Flowers for kind words and especially DerinDee who patiently answered all my questions, you were very helpful. Likewise others who I can’t name or recall who gladly shared very helpful information here. I coincidentally ran into a few nairalanders during my stay there but never linked names to faces.
My babies are 6 months old now and are the most beautiful, bubbly big boys

I will be glad to answer any questions through PMs while I am less busy as my hands are almost always full (asides work, you know why).

I have also got to mention that ladee1 on the thread sent me a PM requesting that I help get some drugs from home to Texas promising to refund my money, I did, they picked it up and promised to bring my money ...till date, even after a reminder. The amount isn’t significant but I expected that a kind gesture from a total stranger will impose a burden to live upto a commitment. Such people deter others from helping those in need.

Wishing everyone a very pleasant evening.

Esosawura:
Morning @jessemama. No I don't plan to move. I've got family in San Antonio so I'm staying there. Plan on getting an apartment close to my edd day. Sumtn near HNWM. Then I'll return back to San Antonio afterwards...its better for me. Cos from my research, San Antonio hospitals are wayyyyy to high and above my budget

I have the same plans of moving closer. If you ll be here soon and find anything close to the hospital, please let me know and I ll do the same.

Cuteaidomo:
Hello emerald,pls does the doctors fee include lab tests and scans? Also, are there any other bills involved? What accommodation are you using that's close by? Cos I'm presently torn between elpaso and Houston. Thanks

Yes it includes lab tests and scans. For anesthesia;$750, epidural; $450. I think pediatrics will only be sent after you ve been discharged. I suggest you call and ask for a breakdown.
For now I got a sub-let 25-30 mins to the hospital. I have no ideas about accomodation that are closer.

Shawbabe:
Proves your Dr no be jazz man. You were worried about nothing.

Hasty fingers? Unsolicited opinion (as usual).

Mrsc22:
Thanks for sharing. I am houston bound in 2weeks. I am thinking of using JFK as POE. Also please how many weeks gone is still ok to fly. Thanks.

Apparently different airlines have different policies. For Turkish (as at the time I left) you ll need a 'fit to fly' if you are between 28-35 wks with a singleton and 28-31wks for multiples. After that you can't fly with them.

Vivicious:
Hi Titileps,am considering HNWC. Pls kindly pm on details u have using the hospital and Dr Xydas esp.the paediatrican fee. Thanks.

Dr Xydas fee is 2000 for virginal and 2200 for CS.
HNWMC costs 2000 for virginal and 3500 for CS. You pay the hospital a bit more if it's a multiple preganancy.
It appears that you can only have the ped bill after you ve been discharged.

olajay5:
Hello people,

Thank you for sharing information and correcting one another on this forum. Please which is the cheapest line one can use in Houston? A friend need to buy a SIM card that offers cheap calling rate within US and to Nigeria as well as good quality/cheap data? Thank you for your anticipated response.

I did the same research and the popular opinion/suggestion was Lyca. There's a $29 monthly plan that includes 100min calls to Nigerian mobile lines and unlimited to Nigerian landlines. You can confirm from their website.

Like most people will say; This is me giving back to where I got from.
I came to Houston late last week.
At the airport in Abuja I was made to do their own form of fit to fly. They say that's the only one they recognize. It costs 2k.
Flight from Abuja to Istanbul was about 6hrs. There was a 6 hours stopover. At that point I was tired and asked for the wheelchair I had requested for while booking my ticket.
I was glad I did because the distance to my departure gate was far.
At this point I was asked for my fit to fly certificate from my doctor.

The flight to Houston was about 12hrs. I was lucky I had a row of 3 seats all to myself to sleep and toss around.
Got to Houston past 7pm. Below is a summary of the Q's& A's/cross examination at the POE. Of course not verbatim. I'm sure 1/2 people can deduce lessons from same.

At the 1st CBP desk.
CBP;what are you here for?
Me; For my maternity leave.
CBP;I can see you declared that you ve food?
Me;Yes
CBP;Pls wait over there, someone will come get you for further clarification.

I was taken to where I believe is the secondary screening. There were about 10-15 people waiting, including a Nigerian couple. Some looked worried. I tried to look as calm as possible. At this point you are not allowed to use your phone.
Was called upon by a black lady CBP official.

Her;what are you here for?
Me; My maternity leave
Her;what does that mean
Me; holiday I am entitled to before and after I put to bed.
Her; so why don't you just say 'child birth'.
Me; Because even though it includes childbirth, I will be staying weeks before and after as explained.
Her; And why does it have to be here?
Me; (I didn't mince words) For a better life for my baby and better medical care.
Her;How long are you staying?
Me;8-9 weeks, depending on how things turn out.
Her;So why did you state 2 weeks and that you were headed to Washington when you applied for your visa in January?
Me; Then my mind wasn't made up as I was in touch with many doctors for a different reason.
Her; Are you saying you did not know you were pregnant in January? If not why didn't you disclose so?
Me;Of course I was aware. However the intention was to seek medical care for a condition I was diagnosed with as at then. I renewed my visa via drop box, so there would have been no way I would have disclosed that I was pregnant.
Her;So at that time you didn't intend to come and give birth here?
Me; I did entertain the thought, but as at then, my diagnosis was of primary concern, till recently when I made up my mind.
That's why I rescheduled my flight and doctors appointment severally before making a decision.
Her; How long gone are you?
Me;XX weeks
Her; Do you have a medical report from your doctor?
Me;I searched and couldn't find it. (She went ahead..)
Her;Have you been in touch with a doctor?
Me; Yes. Gave her the correspondences.
Her;And how much will it cost you?
Me; Between $XX -$XX (she confirms in the correspondences)
Her; How much do you have on you?
Me; $XX
(She asked to count it)
Her;Where did you get the money you ll be relying on?
Me;My earnings.
Her;What do you do?
Me;XXXXX
Her;Is your husband coming?
Me;No
Her;Why?
Me;Because he will be busy at work.
Her; Does he have an existing visa?
Me; No he doesn't.
Her; Where will you be staying?
Me: With a XXXX at XXXX (she took it down)
Her; Can I have a phone no?
Me; I gave her.
She asked me to sit. Went in and came out in minutes. Called me over.
Her: (while stamping my passport)..just make sure the next time you come you have proof of payment for as much as you ve stated will cost you as medical bills.

I collect my passport and head to the Agric. Section.
In a friendly manner they started asking me whether I had indomie and some kind of Nigerian soups that even I don't know.
My box was searched and my yam, indomie, tuwon shinkafa and knorr cubes were seized.

Then I was directed to a last stand. He asked all over again what I was here for? which hospital? and counted my cash again. I was discharged from there.

And that is a summary of my experience the Houston POE.

It isn't easy/practicable to read from part 1 to 5 to get all the info one needs depending on so many factors, so on this note I will like to appreciate all those who were kind enough to answer all the questions asked by the JJC's like me on the thread. While a few who ve been here longer were uncouth and sometimes disrespectful in their responses (it doesn't take anything to communicate without being rude or not to respond at all), some were so kind to not only answer questions and give guidance but also gave words of encouragements.

I wish everyone the best.
Thanks once again.

Shawbabe:
Yes sweetie. Oya bye na...it's not by force to want me to engage u. In fact you are so right. Hope this settles it. Good.

Look who's talking. The same person who jumped to respond to my post. If you can't handle the heat stay out of the kitchen and stop lying and whining around in a bid to stay relevant.

Shawbabe:
Aunty you no see where I write "nearing airline "?
Don't worry about explaining again. Na simple concern wey you raise. Moral of the story, don't let what other folks say about getting sent back move you. You are different from those 2 cases, be prepared and have faith. You go pass the border safe and sound. Finish.

Madam, since it appears you can crack a joke but not assimilate one I took it upon myself to do some explaining. I am not complaining, neither am I worried.
The morals to you is: 1. don't crack a joke if you can't take one. 2. you can make a point without cracking a dry joke out of it, or better still, don't respond if you don't want a response in return.

Shawbabe:
Oooh really? I thought Drs now stand at borders checking passports.

Nope I got you loud and clear. U probably lost the humour. Dr wey write two fit to fly certificates for his 2 patients and them send them back. My joke is the Certificate carry jazz once una carry the paper reach airline or him himself want una to come back and deliver with him. It was a joke.

Come'on?! Aren't you the one who's lost the humour? The joke is that the Dr doesn't determine who gets sent back. He was only advising me out of concern, it's no news that POE's are tougher than they used to be; 2 random patients being sent back at this point in time isn't strange nor a fault of his.

chibertha:
My dear arrange yourself well and go ahead.
Don't fear because of the negatives you hear.
Let me tell you what I heard before I left
1) my doctor said they won't fly you at 37 weeks
2) A Pastor in church said his wife was denied when going the second time after having their first baby
Etc etc
I just told them thanks and went on doing my research
I didn't even know of this thread then
What I did was read every part of the US embassy website to arm myself
Also I did my research on airlines to get the one that can take me at 37weeks l even printed the page and took along.
I got to the states POE was
What are you coming to do
I said to put to birth
I was told the normal you are not entitled to any government facilities pay all your bills and bring your receipts next time you come to this country.

It was when I put to birth and from this thread latter I understood why my pastors wife was denied entry. She took Medicaid for the kid and collected food weekly until she returned. No be she find trouble?

All I am saying is your case will always be different if you listen to people outside this thread you will be afraid to go for it.
Good luck.

Its best to stay positive. Thank you for the encouraging words.

Shawbabe:
Well, since you're worried, call the airline and cancel your ticket. Just have your baby with the oversabi DR. At least your worries will fade away

Maybe that Dr na jazz man so his certificates carry jazz. Lol I'm kidding oh

You must ve interpreted 'doctor' to mean 'CBP official'. They mean different things. Just joking too.

Flowers:
No need to be scared once you have done your homework well you will be fine

Thank you.

Babatwi:
No need to panic, you don't know the kind of issues the women that were sent back had and how prepared they were. guess you have read and digested this thread,just pray,follow the recommendations here and go prepared.All the best!

You are right. Thank you.

Hello Nairalanders, I am scheduled to leave for Houston next week so I thought today was a good day to see my doctor before my departure and to request for a 'fit to fly certificate'. The doctor was like 'hope you are fully prepared'. That he had 2 of his patients whom he had given such certificates within the last 2/3 weeks denied entry and returned. He said he didn't ask them for details of why but one of them had already had 2 babies in the US.
Now I'm worried and scared as it appears this Trump motivated rigidity may have made things tougher.

Please I will appreciate any help/suggestion(s)

emerald274:
To mothers who have used Oakbend in the past; Please can you kindly suggest affordable accomodation in that axis? Preferably ones with easy/ cheaper transportation to oakbend.
Any form of guidance will be highly appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation.

To mothers who have used Oakbend in the past; Please can you kindly suggest affordable accomodation in that axis? Preferably ones with easy/ cheaper transportation to oakbend.
Any form of guidance will be highly appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation.

Horlatoks:
Have you gotten an accomodation yet.?.

Not yet. Still working on it.

Amiableada:
please sorry to bother you. how long did your drop box appication stay before they called you for an interview? i am asking because i submitted my application over two weeks ago and i am yet to hear from them

Though I wasn't called for an interview, mine took about 8 days before it was ready. Perhaps they tend to scrutinize those that have travelled to give birth more than those that didn't.
I think the duration it takes has nothing to do with whether you filled the form by yourself or used an agent.

Is there a way all interested in shared accomodation in Houston can organize for a shared apartment to save cost?
And can those familiar with accomodation in Houston please give us suggestions?

I'm likely to use Oakbend (I wish there were other cheaper options) but I should be in Houston on the 27th of this month. I am still searching (blindly) for accomodation. Will really really really love to share in order to save cost.

zitaspears:
Pls is anyone in houstoneed that is using HNMC and Dr Xydas
I am interested in sharing accomodation because I don't want to be bored and of cause to also reduce costs. I will be travelling in March 2 and arrive March 3. Pls guys let's hook up

Hello, I amrelatively new here and yet to figure out how to post or respond to messages (I hope this works). I however requested to send you a mail.Will like to chat on the accomodation sharing.