Latex Allergy Links
   
  In 1997, I was diagnosed with a latex allergy. The diagnosis came from my eye doctor, of all places. I had been making water balloons , rubbed my eyes and proceeded to get water pockets on my eyes. For 3 years, I did okay, or what I thought was okay. I had a few reactions, mostly when I went to the dentist, or if I had to go to the doctor. I made sure to tell them I had a latex allegy, so they didn't use the gloves, what I neglected was the powder in the air from the previous patients.
   
  In October, 2000, we found out just how serious my allergy is. I was in a first aid course for my employer, and the question was posed, is anyone allergic to latex. I raised my hand, and the instructors decided not to give me the gloves. They forgot about (or didn't know about) the powder. I nearly became the patient that day. My husband came and picked me up from class, and took me to the local urgent care facility. It was much closer than the hospital. Here, they prescribed an ana-kit (syringe kit), and gave me some Zyrtec to keep on hand for emergencies.
   
  When I had my annual physical 6 weeks later, my physician referred me to a local allergist. She also told me that I need to make sure I am always the first appointment on a Monday for any scheduled appointments, be it the dentist, her, or any other provider I may need to see. The Zyrtec was prescribed daily, instead of just for emergencies, as was an epi-pen.
   
  I met with the allergist 3 months later, I found out just how serious my allergy truly is. I had instant reactions to both of the skin tests he performed. I also found out I had a list of other allergies that were just as severe. I began taking and Singulair daily to help ward off the anaphalaxis.
   
  I have been rushed to the Emergency Room more times than I care to remember. My employer has taken my allergy very seriously. They are taking steps to remove latex gloves from all the schools in the district. They are also making sure that all schools that have a latex allergic individual have clear postings at all the doors. Balloons are not allowed in schools with latex allergic individuals.
   
  Here is a list of links that I have found helpful in my search for information on this deadly allergy:
   
  http://latexallergylinks.tripod.com
  http://www.latexallergyhelp.com/
  http://www.latexallergyresources.org/
  http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band7/b7-2.html
  http://www.latex-allergy.org/
  http://allergy.mcg.edu/advice/latex.html
   
  Some vendors who sell products that are safe for those of us with this allergy:
   
  Decent Exposures
  CETRA Latex-Free
  A.L.E.R.T. Latex-Free school supply
   
   
   
  If you or a family member have this deadly allergy, please feel free to email me.
   
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