I need to hire a car in Houston. Does anyone have a contact or phone number I can call? I am thinking of the Nigerians that run a car hire service which is more affordable. Thanks.

Arriving Houston, I was wheeled past the long scary queue of people to the "disabled" queue. I asked the guy that wheeled me to go. I was concerned about giving a bad impression about my state of health. It took roughly 20 minutes of standing. Got to my turn.

CBP 1: What I came to do:
Me: Medical care, child birth
CBP 1: Where I live and where my husband was:
Me: Lagos
CBP 1: How much do I have:
Me: $7k plus I have more in my bank account here (I had to do some more exchange to increase the $4k I had)
CBP 1: Why I have a bank account here:
Me: Used to live in Houston
CBP 1: Why I want to deliver in the USA:
Me: Had a good expereince with my first child
CBP 1: How far gone I was:
Me: 34 weeks
CBP 1: They allowed you to fly at 34 weeks?:
Me: Yes. The limit is 36 weeks
CBP 1: You know the drill, we do not want you to be a burden to us. We want to make sure you can pay your medical bills. We want to see how much you have.
Me: Ok. I intend to pay all my bills. So you would want to check my bank accounts?
CBP 1: Yes.

Off we went to secondary inspection. Was really tired but I was calm, drinking my water and of course praying because with these people, you can never tell. I was eventually called up.
CBP2: Why are you here:
Me: Medical care, child birth
CBP2: How far gone are you?
Me: 34 weeks (He gave my tummy a good stare)
CBP2: When was the last time you saw your doctor?
Me: Have not seen him yet. But was communicating by email
CBP2: Have you made any payments to the doctor?
Me: Yes, $150.
CBP2: Only?
Me: Yes. I intend to pay fully at my first appointment.
CBP2: Which hospital do you intend to give birth
Me: WHMC
CBP2: How much is your Hospital bill?
Me: Told him ($10k +)
CBP2: How much do you have?
Me: 7k plus some savings in my Capital One account
CBP2: Where do you work?
Me: Bla bla bla

Then he give me the lecture about not recieving any medical aid and to make sure I pay all my bills and have all my recipts the next time I am entering the USA.
And that was it. They did not ask to see the money or any documents. It was a breeze and I thank God!

Wishing you mummys the best o. Just be honest and straight with your stories/answers without lying. They usually have your history.

Thanks to you guys my trip was a success. I got really useful tips from here that I would normally not think about.

Got to the airport 3 hrs before departure. Was in traffic for 1 hr, the traffic started just at the toll gate. Wonder how it would have been if it was a week day. Really do not understand what is going on at our airport. 4 lanes eventaully minimized to 1 lane, plus people leaving the airport cannot connect to arrivals entrance road because the road is blocked and they would have to exit, go and turn around to come back-contributing to the traffic. Do we have to keep suffering like this in this country? Advice is to arrive airport on time, give it 6 hrs if possible!

Entered the airport, went to check in my luggage. I was directed to the fast track/first class lane. The custom officers were nice. I was honest about the food stuff I was carrying, they didn't ask me for money for that. The BA attendant was nice, no fussing when I handed my fit-to-fly letter. I was told to collect and fill the Ebola form (really helpful tip). Filled it out, took it back to them to endorse. Getting to the security check entrance, some guys wearing orange t-shirt wanted to collect money from me so that they can take me thru fast track. Told them I don't have anything. Went forward the the Ebola guys and submitted my Ebola form. After that I courageously ignored the common lane and walked to the fast track, I was allowed!

Got to Heathrow but before landing I asked the air hostess about the wheel chair I requested. She said it will be waiting for me when I arrive. And it was. It was a life saver for me cause in this pregnancy, long walks cause me both belly and back ache.

The Heathrow - Houston leg was super, the flight was not full and luckily had a whole row to myself. I stretched out and slept very well. Thank God!

Coming later is my CBP experience.

ozycy:
. It's been so long I posted here. It's good to see that the thread is growing everyday by day. Just to chip in my thought @ Weaseloo it's been well known that houston is a POE full of drama and pple tend to avoid it or be fully armed. Carrying $4000 maybe number 2 reason why you may be taken to secondary inspection. I had similar experience sometime January 2014 and was delayed for over 8hrs. I had abt $5000 while my doctors letter bill stated abt $8k. Even though I told them I also had $5000 in my card but I think dey really believe in cash at hand. I also know sb dat was sent back for going wt $1k even though she wasn't der for child birth. Si my advice is that if u must go tru houston, you should try as much as possible to carry enof cash as much as u can. Thanks

Thank you.

weaseloo:
What is the least amount to enter Houston with?

My bill is $10k and I have cash of $4K, and my Capital One Debit & Credit Card & my Naira Mastercard. I intend to show them the bank cards at POE. Has this worked for someone before?

shelly23:



If you can, i'll suggest you print the statements for the debit cards showing the balance. For the Nigerian one, just write the dollar equivalent under the naira balance.
As you know Houston is notorious for harassing pregnant ladies (I just think Nigerians in general) and the more money you have, the easier it is to call their bluff.

Thanks for your response. I will go with my statements as well.

What is the least amount to enter Houston with?

My bill is $10k and I have cash of $4K, and my Capital One Debit & Credit Card & my Naira Mastercard. I intend to show them the bank cards at POE. Has this worked for someone before?

weaseloo:
@Phema. A big congratulations! BBB welicome!

@anonymousmum. Na waa o for these Houston POE. My departure is approaching fast and my belle is big! Anyway, I am hoping and praying for a smooth entry. Traveling BA with layover at Heathrow.

@nefertitiram. He really is a God that answers by fire! Congrats! May He see you through this journey to a successful and happy ending. Amen!

Have to make some changes in my accommodation plans. Will like to stay in an extended stay near WHMC. I remember a few people have mentioned InTown Suites. May I ask why please? I was thinking of using Sun Suites but their weekly rate is quite high at over $300 weekly. At this rate I will be spending $1200 for a month. Chai!

Please moms that have used InTown Suites, why the choice and what was their rate like?

I have another question, on your way back to Nija, did you have to carry the baby in a car seat into the airplane? It will be much easier to travel with a sling instead. Please advice.

Still need comments on the hotel issue please.

Sadbrother. You sound obsessed with yourself/skin. You really need to see a psychologist or someone that can convince you that you are perfect. You may not be seeing the perfection but, that is part of your problem.

Quit dwelling on your skin. Accept that you have done more than enough damage to your skin and it is time to leave it alone. No more Googling or visiting the chemist. Enough is enough. The only trip you need o make is to buy Vaseline or Aloe Vera. Both are the best natural things that will help you right now. Give it time to work, just keep applying it and fix your mind on something else.

You really do not want to go down the road of skin cancer. Better start doing the right thing now.

@Phema. A big congratulations! BBB welicome!

@anonymousmum. Na waa o for these Houston POE. My departure is approaching fast and my belle is big! Anyway, I am hoping and praying for a smooth entry. Traveling BA with layover at Heathrow.

@nefertitiram. He really is a God that answers by fire! Congrats! May He see you through this journey to a successful and happy ending. Amen!

Have to make some changes in my accommodation plans. Will like to stay in an extended stay near WHMC. I remember a few people have mentioned InTown Suites. May I ask why please? I was thinking of using Sun Suites but their weekly rate is quite high at over $300 weekly. At this rate I will be spending $1200 for a month. Chai!

Please moms that have used InTown Suites, why the choice and what was their rate like?

I have another question, on your way back to Nija, did you have to carry the baby in a car seat into the airplane? It will be much easier to travel with a sling instead. Please advice.

Justwise, why are you hiding my posts

As I said before, any Jan/Feb Houston bound mamas that would like to hook up can PM me.

@Phema, you are one funny lady.
Learning lots from you! I wish you a safe delivery!!!

Seun:
So all along the problem was just lack of proper diagnosis. It's good to know that travelling out is not the only option.

Thank you Seun! Was going to say that!

I am so excited, have not visited the thread in days. Checked the first page for updates, none since the 19th. Pickabeau!...where are you? Started readin from last page only to see the good news! God is awesome, he is the mighty healer! Wow. God bless all of you for your warmth, and hardwork in this case. May you never lack in Jesus name!
Going off now to go and dance and rejoice.

My goodness! When I saw her stepping on that child, I knew it will leave the child with major damage to her body. Imagine a full grown adult with all that weight, descending on a little child, that is death now. And the child's breathing even changed after that.

Look at me even thinking for the first time about getting a nanny. My mind is made up. Work shall continue after precious baby is old enough to go to school.

justwise:


No mod has access to your email address or can change it, only you can expose your email address to the public like you keep doing here.

Justwise, you clearly do not understand or choose not to.

@all, I won't accept private messages. Please mention me and ask your questions here then.

FADEO:
@weaseloo, I am also looking at my wife going to Houston too for delivery in the first quarter of next year. please i will need you expertise information on a lot of things am concerned and worried about.

Hi, @FADEO Sorry don't accept PMs. Send me an email to DELETED
Nairaland messed up my email address after the tsunami. (Justwise, can you help change the email address from the current one to what I have above please. Just being security conscious and at the same would like to link up with people who might need help.)

As everyone would advise, start from page 0. You will really really learn a lot. If you don't have the time, ask your wife to do so. This thread is very informative and you will get all your answers after reading and many more.
If you then decide to ask me questions about Houston, I would be glad to answer.

dominique:
Please my people let's stick to the topic. It's not fair that some of us have to go through post after post of nothing tangible. Let's not use this thread to sort out our differences. Remember why this topic was created. Any post not related to this topic gets hidden.

May God continue to bless those that have contributed one way or the other to towards the recovery of Dj. Each update from r231 gladdens me as it shows that hope for a full recovery is not lost. We may not need to go the transplant route if tomorrow's test brings out positive result. I believe it will all end with praise by God's grace.

That's why someone is making an effort to put current info on the first page, page 0 so that people who don't have time to go through all the pages can go to the first page to get the recent update. Can't really ask people to stop posting. I mean, this is nairaland.

You are awesome pickabeau1. Thanks for the updates on the first page!!

r231:
UPDATE!!!!


Hameed has been checked in, his vitals taken and he has been seen by the doctors. A specialist was also called in today to attend to him and the specialist asked the hospital to take him to a laboratory in surulere for  the tests but on getting there, the power supply was cut off and their back off generator was not functional so the test would be done on monday while we await the results of the tests being done at the hospital (in house tests).

As you are aware, he did not finish his tests at LUTH and the tests in Eruwa is inconclusive so we can not do much without those results so we need to wait so as to be really sure what is wrong with him to avoid giving the wrong treatment.

He is in safe hands, talking, eating and not in any urgent medical situation and he has also being admitted for close observation.

Someone was asked to stay with him to spend the night and his brother volunteered so he is there with him.

Hameed sends his thanks and gratitude for your graciousness and kindness towards him.


Regards

TeHN
  

Thanks for this update. So happy he is in a proper hospital at least he is being studied daily.

I have a good one.
Driving to Shoprite one day with a friend, gisting and distracted. Almost getting to my destination, one well-dressed light skinned guy flagged me down, holding his ATM card in his hand. I stopped thinking it was someone I or my friend knew from somewhere, the way he stopped me.
With urgency in his voice, he said he was stranded, his ATM card won't pay him and that he need to get his pregnant wife to hospital because she was bleeding. I did not even think. I started looking for money to give him. I found 500 only in my wallet. I think what saved me from giving him more was because that was all I had on me. Driving off, we started replaying his story and concluded it was so false and had just been duped. Well, what can I do? Learnt my lesson since then.

I had an encountered with the same guy weeks later, this time he was at Mobil filling station, knocking at my window to wind down. I was glad I recognised him. I totally ignored him, was too tired to say anything to him that day.

okpismart:
These days the very smart beggars just go and sit near ATM machines, so as you are collecting, you are dropping for them

JUST SAW THIS NEWS AGAIN ABOUT ASUU OOO

ASUU Warming up For Another Indefinite Strike Action
Source: http://.com.ng/index.php/more-news/education-news/item/1344-ASUU-warming-up-for-another-indefinite-strike-action

That is one that I do not even understand. So sitting next the ATM I will come out and give you a minimum of 1k? Beats me. I give sensibly. And sitting next to ATM to beg is just extreme!

Great work guys!

I will like to make a suggestion. Can we use the first page of this thread as a bill board?
Let all vital information (eg account details) be pasted/edited/added to the first page. This is just to make it easier for people to find information they are looking for.

This can also include updates (in one sentence) of the status, progress and final decisions of the arrangements being made. I think it will make life a whole lot easier for all of us.

So I will encourage the first organisers that have posts on the first page already to take this on and update accordingly.

May the Lord bless you all for your hardwork, efforts, donations and sacrifices. I can feel God is behind Hamed and this is a success story.

Please let's not forget cramjones offer to foot Hamed's medical bills. That is if he by any chance goes back to Lagos. Thanks.

https://www.nairaland.com/1987724/djdola-thank-nlders-cramjones#27838624

I had the opportunity to listen to him when he came to Nigeria this year at City of David Church. He was such an inspiration! After his preaching everybody was sober!

He spoke about character, how God's first gift to us: ie his image is character.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. I am sure he is with the Lord in heaven right now. May God's word which he went around teaching be remembered and remain in our hearts. Amen!

To be honest, I am very sceptical about this Abeokuta trip. My cousin died 11 years ago returning from a herbalist/traditional doctor. He had liver cirrhosis which progressed to cancer. My family was restless, insisted the hospital couldn’t do much for him because he was always in pain with his bulging tummy. He got there took the treatment and died on the way back. The journey itself wore him out.

I really wish the best for you djdola. Wish you well, since you have set off.

Please please, reconsider babyosisi's advise. I really think you need a liver transplant.

My people. I think time is of the essence. Him being at home is not good. He should be under watch and if possible undergoing medical tests to find out what is wrong.

@OP do not think about wasting money for now. You need to be under care of health professionals (no matter how useless you think they may be). I think the right person has not looked at your case. I still think LUTH being a teaching hospital should have the right range of professionals. He may need to go with someone to push and make them act fast on his case. I agree that travelling will make his case worse unless of course if he will be travelling in an ambulance which will be suited for the long distance trip.

Please go back to LUTH, let them investigate further. Someone suggested you get attention from a consultant. That is exactly what you need. They should have a consultant that specialises in such a case.

Djdola, you need to get a correct diagnosis. That is the first step, then treatment will follow.

May God bless you all for your kindness and contributions. Did bring many tears to my eyes.
Let us all pray for him that now he has financial backing that he would be treated and will recover.

@OP.

You are healed in a Jesus name.
You are healed in a Jesus name.
You are healed in a Jesus name. Amen! The Almighty God in heaven that opened our hearts will open His abundant mercies upon you and guide you to the right doctors that would treat and cure you. Amen!

lizcom25:
@weaselo: I arrived elpaso ysday and I picked my bag from the baggage session at houston to check in to elpaso. I did without wahala until when I got home since I did not see my bag after the check in for elpaso. The padlock was broken and my bag was well searched and a paper was dropped that my bag was randomly picked and broken to be searched. While they took responsibility and apologise for that, the statement said they wouldn't be responsible for any item missing. I was annoyed ......Thank God no exhibit though I declared the food stuffs I carried

This usually happens especially with local flights. If you have a TSA padlock, they won't break it cause they have keys to them. So you would just see the paper saying your bag was searched. Has happened to me twice before. They claim its random check. Not sure whether to believe them yet.

Glad you landed safely. Safe delivery!!!

anonymousmum:
Mehn I open up this page early momo to see more horror stories, it is well.

We had a story here of a woman whose bag was searched thoroughly , as in in and out, ever scrap of paper was scrutinized, i cant remeber who it was but it was Nairaland pre-tsunami.

Per the phone search, I don't know the legal right for that, definitely feels like invasion of privacy, but when you want to enter another man country, na wetin your eye go see. At best you can fight the case later (if indeed it is a crime) but still, at that very point in time, you are at their mercy.

Sigh.

Her story is still here somewhere. I started reading after the tsunami and I remember reading it.

All these stories are really scaring me. I will be confident and prepare well well for them.

bloggerina:
Hello,
You could check dr huynh also. She's slightly cheaper. As for the hearing test. I doubt that you'd be able to negotiate that further coz that's the discounted price for self-pay patients. Pathology will give you up to 50% discount if you ask. Circ cost varies per doctor. Your ultrasound & pedi costs seem to be on the high side tho. I think you shpuld compare prices with other doctors @ whmc sha. It cld be cheaper than this.
Cheers

Thanks bloggerina.

Has any Houston mama contacted St. Joseph in downtown Houston? I will like to compare whmc with them.
I tried calling them this evening but the women's center close at 4.30pm so my call came in late.

This will continue to be controversial topic because we all face different circumstances in life.

Striking that balance between family and home does not come easy. In fact, it is impossible in most cases. I would say much depends on the woman and her priorities, does she love her home/children more, or her job? Is her career demanding? Is she lucky enough to have a job that gives her just enough time to take care of her family? If she decides to stay and take care of her kids, how easily can she find the befitting job when she is ready to go back? Is the husband willing to support her during this time? Is she willing to be perpetually broke while at home? Ain't an easy decision to give up your job but, like I said it depends on her circumstance and priorities.

But women really do take on a lot: household duties, pregnancy, childbirth, child rearing, wifely duties. I believe God have us the strength to do these things. Work with what works for you and your family and do not look at others. You really can't have it all in life.