Welcome to the group! I do not have a latex allergy but I have heard of a nurse whose latex allergy caused so many resp. problems that she was unable to work. She couldn't be anywhere around latex. I feel lucky that I have virtually no allergies of any kind - not even to poison ivy.
Yes, I used to take care of terminally ill and wore latex gloves. My hands would bleed and get sore and itch. But I can recall as a small child the latex in balloons brothering me. Causing me problems to breath.
It can come with just a onetime event in contact with latex.
I am a strong believer that all latex gloves be removed from shelves.
At some hospitals - when I need spine surgery I am first to go in because after I leave they bring in the latex.
The latest hospital I went to had done away with all latex products.
Stay away from cheap shoe departments. Some of the shoes may have latex. You will notice it as you will not be able to breath coming in contact with the shoes.
If you wear them and not be aware of it you will note that your feet will burn.
Look over all underwear garment tags. Since most underwear still are made with latex bands.
In rare instances, people who are allergic to latex may also react to rubber bands, erasers, rubber parts of toys, various rubber components in medical devices, rubber elastic in clothes, or feeding nipples and pacifiers.
People with latex allergy may also experience an allergic reaction to some foods that contain some of the same allergenic proteins as those in latex. This reaction, called cross-reactivity, can be triggered by bananas, avocados, kiwi fruit, and European chestnuts.
Have you gotten a test yet for this: latex-specific IgE antibody positive
Immediate, or IgE antibody-mediated allergic reactions, are potentially the most serious form of allergic reactions to latex. Like other common forms of allergy, these reactions occur in people who have previously been exposed to latex and have become sensitized (latex-specific IgE antibody positive). With re-exposure, symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, sneezing, and wheezing may occur. Rarely, a person will experience life-threatening symptoms. This severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, and is characterized by symptoms such as shock, severe trouble breathing or loss of blood pressure. If not immediately treated, it can be fatal.
Ihad my IgE tested and it is elevated. I also have been getting Xolaire as well.
Hello and welcome!
I do not have this disability ..yet....but do know other's who have had to leave the field because of it. Fortunately we are latex free but you just never know.
Good luck on your continuing education!
Welcome from another midwife in the group!
I do not (so far) have any problems with latex but with the amount of exposure we all get it's probably surprising that there aren't a lot more of us affected by it. Are you also working right now and does your employer provide what you need in latex-free products? The hospital I work for always ordered special gloves for the nurses and midwives who needed them; now we are close to latex-free in our regular stock items.
Looking forward to talking with you more...
