Kazakhstan

[andyrrc]

Hi All

Not posted much for a while as it has been a bit of a crazy time with the move but I thought I would give an update🤔

Arrived last week after some time in the UK following my departure from the Middle East. Spent a nice time just chilling out.

Atyrau was at first glance a bit primitive- small airport with virtually no facilities that I could see. The road from the airport into town was quite pleasant and it was a short trip. Staying in the Marriot Apartments - Not bad but a bit old and definitely Soviet Style. The city itself is small and to be honest there really is not much to do here. I get to cross from Europe into Asia and back each day as the border is just outside the Marriot, a bridge across the river marks the boundary.

The people seem nice and the office is not bad - time will tell for everything as I get settled.

Biggest change is in my physical symptoms and boy are they big.

Before my heart rate did not drop much below about 80 and now I am seeing rates of below 70 and even as low as 65bpm.

My breathing is better and my energy has increased a lot. Still notice the tightness and still have mucus issues but feeling way better than before despite the oil refinery very close by.

Still not sorted out a doctor or anything else and a bit worried about the meds availability. But I guess I could get private prescriptions from the UK as I will be back every 6 weeks.

Well enough for now, I hope everyone is feeling as well as they can and that all of your treatments are working.

Andrew

[mrsmummy]

It's nice to hear from you andyrrc .

[Dedalus]

Sounds quite positive overall. Hope things work out well for you and you find a good physician to help with your medical problems. Good luck with everything Andy.

[andyrrc in reply to Dedalus]

I have my doubts about a good pulmonary doctor))) Low economy, low wages(for locals) and not many (if any) hospitals only seen or heard of two medical centre's so far - lots of pharmacies though but not sure what they actually have in the way of medications.

But you are right so far not so bad, just need to find something to do on my one day off as not allowed to drive - company policy😂

[Dedalus in reply to andyrrc]

Doesn't your private insurance company have lists of medical professionals in each country Andy? At least you're back in the UK every 6 weeks so you can always see consultant here as a back up. Take care

[andyrrc in reply to Dedalus]

Yes it does - unfortunately the closest is a 5 hour flight away from what I understand ))) but I will survive. The closest insurance medical facility is one of the medical centre's here but the standards and capabilities are far below standard(for us westerners) and the method of treatment for the more serious issues is to fly to europe)))

[Dedalus in reply to andyrrc]

Oh oh!! Not great, but I suppose that's the trade-off for being able to live and work in these great locations.

[andyrrc in reply to Dedalus]

So true - currently I get to have breakfast and lunch in Europe and then dinner in Asia each day. 9h the hard life of an expat)))

[Dedalus in reply to andyrrc]

That's hilarious and amazing!!!!!

[cofdrop-UK]

NIce to see you back Andrew with your very interesting posts. Hope you get sorted from the medical point of view and of course with work. Not allowed to drive - that’s a bummer. Wishing you well.

Cx

[Caspiana]

Hello Andy, 👋

I am so glad you are doing okay, and actually more than okay!! Your breathing is better you say? That is marvellous news. Less pollution? Better air? Anyway, I am very happy to hear it. I think it will all settle down once you are there awhile.

Please take good care of yourself. Please let us know how things go.

Sending warm wishes,

Cas xx 🍀🌱

[Hidden]

Do youstill have your GP in England Andy. If so you can collect your meds every six weeks. They can give two months at a time.

[andyrrc in reply to Hidden]

Unfortunately since I am non domiciled non resident and have been since 2009 officially I am not entitled to NHS services. Hence a private prescription may be needed, which is ok.

I may actually be able to buy over the counter here as I could in ME and Russia. Very little restrictions except for antibiotics and some other items.

[Hidden]

Hi Andrew

Wow 😮 I bet it was hectic..

Sounds like things are a bit primitive, I expect you can ask other expats where they go and what they do about medical care. I usually contact the embassy or consulate and get info about approved doctors and dentists but I am sure you know all about that travelling as you do.

Glad you are feeling better at least.

Wishing you well in your new place x

Fran

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Hi Andrew - great to hear from you and to continue finding out about other countries from your posts. An interesting contrast I would imagine from the wealth of Dubai to the comparative poverty of Kazakhstan. Hope you can get the medical support if you need it.

[jackdup]

Glad your move went well and even more so that your health has improved somewhat.

[Ergendl]

Great to hear from you. Glad your new surroundings are improving your health so much.

[Shirleyj]

Good to hear from you, glad your breathing has improved. Try and sort your meds out though, just in case. Take care x

[mskpjb]

Wondered where you were Andy. I bet you enjoyed your break in the UK seeing the green, green hills of home. Hope your health improvement continues, Sheila x