I have really been away too long. I've been dealing with so much stuff that I don't want to deal with. Right now, it's the social isolation. I would like to change that term to social deprivation because that is what it feels like to me now.
Summer has begun, but temperatures are below normal, & many days we are having rain. It's not just a whole day of rain, it's on & off all day long.
To be more positive, our association here has purchased a grader. The potholes are gone, & the towpath(road) is better than it's been in years. The end of this month when the big group of bikers ride thru, they will love it.
This week, the canal is closed from Palmyra to Newark. A barge sank at lock 29 in Palmyra about one month ago. They have been trying to raise it & finally closed & drained part of the canal. Wide waters in Port Gibson has the lowest water, I think, that they've ever seen. The water level isn't routinely lowered every winter like the rest of the canal. I may have to take a short trip to see what's going on, maybe get a good picture or two to share with you.
I've been mailing out many copies of The Rubber Tree Bomb last week & this one for my friend Katie. I hope she does well with them & helps a lot of people. That's what she wanted to do.
Sal
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Susan and Latex Allergy
Hello Susan,
I have only just read your comment on my blog. I'm hoping that you will get this. I haven't figured out how to respond personally to comments.
You certainly were in a dilemma back in July. I'm so sorry I didn't respond sooner.
The best place to go to learn more about natural rubber latex allergy is www.LAForum@yahoogroups.com . There are great files at the website and a very supportive group of people who can help you with practically all your questions along with coping with this. If you choose to join, I know it will be helpful, just mention Sal in your application. I'm one of the moderators now, but I use my real name in the group.
I'm praying that we find each other.
Sal
I have only just read your comment on my blog. I'm hoping that you will get this. I haven't figured out how to respond personally to comments.
You certainly were in a dilemma back in July. I'm so sorry I didn't respond sooner.
The best place to go to learn more about natural rubber latex allergy is www.LAForum@yahoogroups.com . There are great files at the website and a very supportive group of people who can help you with practically all your questions along with coping with this. If you choose to join, I know it will be helpful, just mention Sal in your application. I'm one of the moderators now, but I use my real name in the group.
I'm praying that we find each other.
Sal
Contemplation
So much has been happening in all this time; many changes. Summer was too short.
Hit 60 in September. Now I say what I want, but can't do all that I want.
Dealing with hearing loss, testing, the frustration of missing a good deal of conversation, more social isolation, and the cost of hearing aids that aren't covered by health insurance. Hearing has become a luxury for me along with many others who have developed hearing loss. Average price can be $2,800-$3,400 each. High end aids can be $4.000 each.
I'm researching The Lion's Club and VESID for some financial assistance with this. I will have to do a loan, but help would be very good at this point. There is a bill in Congress that you can find at www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org that would certainly be a help to all of us. You can tell them your own story. Right now, there is no health insurance that covers hearing aids. Hmmm, maybe our President Elect Obama can help us with that, too.
My calender for the last 10 weeks looks like I've got quite the social life. No, it's all been doctor appointments, blood draws, and even a trip to the ER. This all has to do with hearing, natural rubber latex allergy, high cholesterol, osteopenia(not quite osteoporosis), new allergy testing, and the dentist. This is the joy of being older, I guess.
I did have a great time at the cookie exchange, tho'. I actually started baking again, and I've had the fun of delivering heaping plates of cookies to people who help me every day. You can have some, too, but only if you're local.
With a possibly life threatening trip to the ER, I had time to think about the support that was lacking from my significant other. What an eye opener. I ended that relationship. I think it was withering, well it was. At least I didn't wait til after Christmas and have him give me presents.
I'm listening to Christmas music now and thinking of having a wonderful time in Maine with family and their close friends who have become my friends. There will be singing, lots of laughter, maybe a game of Scrabble(dear bil cheats), a few walks, and a trip or two to The Goodwill Store. We may see a couple of movies, we will eat lots of good food, and most important, we will honor just what Christmas is about. Without the birth of Jesus, we might not be here.
We may not have everything we want or the life that we each chose, but we all do have so much about ourselves to rejoice in.
Sal
Hit 60 in September. Now I say what I want, but can't do all that I want.
Dealing with hearing loss, testing, the frustration of missing a good deal of conversation, more social isolation, and the cost of hearing aids that aren't covered by health insurance. Hearing has become a luxury for me along with many others who have developed hearing loss. Average price can be $2,800-$3,400 each. High end aids can be $4.000 each.
I'm researching The Lion's Club and VESID for some financial assistance with this. I will have to do a loan, but help would be very good at this point. There is a bill in Congress that you can find at www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org that would certainly be a help to all of us. You can tell them your own story. Right now, there is no health insurance that covers hearing aids. Hmmm, maybe our President Elect Obama can help us with that, too.
My calender for the last 10 weeks looks like I've got quite the social life. No, it's all been doctor appointments, blood draws, and even a trip to the ER. This all has to do with hearing, natural rubber latex allergy, high cholesterol, osteopenia(not quite osteoporosis), new allergy testing, and the dentist. This is the joy of being older, I guess.
I did have a great time at the cookie exchange, tho'. I actually started baking again, and I've had the fun of delivering heaping plates of cookies to people who help me every day. You can have some, too, but only if you're local.
With a possibly life threatening trip to the ER, I had time to think about the support that was lacking from my significant other. What an eye opener. I ended that relationship. I think it was withering, well it was. At least I didn't wait til after Christmas and have him give me presents.
I'm listening to Christmas music now and thinking of having a wonderful time in Maine with family and their close friends who have become my friends. There will be singing, lots of laughter, maybe a game of Scrabble(dear bil cheats), a few walks, and a trip or two to The Goodwill Store. We may see a couple of movies, we will eat lots of good food, and most important, we will honor just what Christmas is about. Without the birth of Jesus, we might not be here.
We may not have everything we want or the life that we each chose, but we all do have so much about ourselves to rejoice in.
Sal
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Natural Rubber Latex Allergy & Coping
Some days I just feel so alone. I live alone, except for Casey, my pride & joy & the greatest company.
I can't even remember the places I went to on Thurs., Fri., & Sat. in this Benadryl blur. I did go to a garage sale. The others were drive bys. I know I have been in Wal*Mart a couple of times. I had been in Lowe's earlier last week. The exposures to natural rubber latex mount up in my exposure glass to overflowing.
I do remember finally reacting on Fri. afternoon after spraying my shrub clippers with WD-40. It contains carba, thiuram, & mercapto mix, all chemicals used as accellerators in the manufacture of latex gloves. Initially, I was only allergic to these chemicals & had only topical or skin reactions. Now I'm getting into severe systemic reactions from these chemicals. Actually I have before. They are also found in disinfectants & insecticides.
I had to cancel company coming on Sat. & again on Sun. while still feeling the effects of the reaction & the Benadryl load in my system. Sun. I held my Benadryl til I could go to the drug store to pick up my allergy meds.
Mon. I picked up the rest of my allergy meds, mainly rescue meds., including epi-pens. Stopped at Wal*Mart to pick up a couple of things & chatted too long. My problem tire needed air. The rubber from the compressor tubing & my tire got me. It was down 15 lbs. of pressure & very noticeable. It's time to replace the tire!!!
So I'm here, homebound for a couple more days. I do need to pick up other meds tomorrow, but will do this at the drive up. Not going anywhere else tomorrow & praying that I won't need to keep the benadryl going tomorrow.
I fight the effects of the Benadryl, still trying to feel functional, but doing mindless tasks that do accomplish something. The feeling of worthlessness keeps popping up no matter how hard I try to stay positive. I only share my thoughts & feelings with people in my support group online. They are the only ones who totally understand this terrible allergy. My close friends are learning more & more, especially when I use the rubber word rather than latex. It seems to help them understand much quicker what has gotten me into trouble again.
This isn't the life I chose, nor did I ask for it. It is a challenge, sometimes a draining challenge, but in many ways I've become a better person for it.
If you are reading this post, you are very welcome to contact me or go to www.LAForum@ yahoo groups.com to learn more.
Sal
I can't even remember the places I went to on Thurs., Fri., & Sat. in this Benadryl blur. I did go to a garage sale. The others were drive bys. I know I have been in Wal*Mart a couple of times. I had been in Lowe's earlier last week. The exposures to natural rubber latex mount up in my exposure glass to overflowing.
I do remember finally reacting on Fri. afternoon after spraying my shrub clippers with WD-40. It contains carba, thiuram, & mercapto mix, all chemicals used as accellerators in the manufacture of latex gloves. Initially, I was only allergic to these chemicals & had only topical or skin reactions. Now I'm getting into severe systemic reactions from these chemicals. Actually I have before. They are also found in disinfectants & insecticides.
I had to cancel company coming on Sat. & again on Sun. while still feeling the effects of the reaction & the Benadryl load in my system. Sun. I held my Benadryl til I could go to the drug store to pick up my allergy meds.
Mon. I picked up the rest of my allergy meds, mainly rescue meds., including epi-pens. Stopped at Wal*Mart to pick up a couple of things & chatted too long. My problem tire needed air. The rubber from the compressor tubing & my tire got me. It was down 15 lbs. of pressure & very noticeable. It's time to replace the tire!!!
So I'm here, homebound for a couple more days. I do need to pick up other meds tomorrow, but will do this at the drive up. Not going anywhere else tomorrow & praying that I won't need to keep the benadryl going tomorrow.
I fight the effects of the Benadryl, still trying to feel functional, but doing mindless tasks that do accomplish something. The feeling of worthlessness keeps popping up no matter how hard I try to stay positive. I only share my thoughts & feelings with people in my support group online. They are the only ones who totally understand this terrible allergy. My close friends are learning more & more, especially when I use the rubber word rather than latex. It seems to help them understand much quicker what has gotten me into trouble again.
This isn't the life I chose, nor did I ask for it. It is a challenge, sometimes a draining challenge, but in many ways I've become a better person for it.
If you are reading this post, you are very welcome to contact me or go to www.LAForum@ yahoo groups.com to learn more.
Sal
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Food For Thought
A dear friend who also has latex allergy recommended a website to help me buying food at a more inexpensive price than I can even get at Wal*Mart. I didn't look into it for a month, when she told me again that I should.
I finally went to the website for Angel Food Ministries. I was checking everything out there. I found a church nearby that I'm familiar with that participates in this. Each month I can order a main box of food that is assorted food goods. The meats and some of the veggies are frozen. The main box is $30, but amounts to $50-$70 worth of groceries. All foods are labeled, so if I need to track down a manufacturer about latex glove use, I can do that. This is restaurant quality food.
Then there are 3-4 special boxes with choices of meat, chicken assortment, a grill box, and sometimes fresh veggies. These are usually $20, occ. less. There is no application. The only qualification is that you like to eat.
This is going on around the USA. Not all states are participating yet. This is the first time in years I have been able to eat steak, T-bone, rib eye. A main box is figured to be enough for a family of 4 for a week. It's about enough to feed a senior for a month. There is no limit to the number of boxes you can order, but you do have to order a main box to be able to order the specials. Each month the menu changes. You can also use food stamps for order payment. They will help you to see if you qualify.
Everyone who I have passed an order form to has used it and been very pleased. Just some food for thought. It helps all of us.
Sal
I finally went to the website for Angel Food Ministries. I was checking everything out there. I found a church nearby that I'm familiar with that participates in this. Each month I can order a main box of food that is assorted food goods. The meats and some of the veggies are frozen. The main box is $30, but amounts to $50-$70 worth of groceries. All foods are labeled, so if I need to track down a manufacturer about latex glove use, I can do that. This is restaurant quality food.
Then there are 3-4 special boxes with choices of meat, chicken assortment, a grill box, and sometimes fresh veggies. These are usually $20, occ. less. There is no application. The only qualification is that you like to eat.
This is going on around the USA. Not all states are participating yet. This is the first time in years I have been able to eat steak, T-bone, rib eye. A main box is figured to be enough for a family of 4 for a week. It's about enough to feed a senior for a month. There is no limit to the number of boxes you can order, but you do have to order a main box to be able to order the specials. Each month the menu changes. You can also use food stamps for order payment. They will help you to see if you qualify.
Everyone who I have passed an order form to has used it and been very pleased. Just some food for thought. It helps all of us.
Sal
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Long Winter
It seems like it's been a long winter. I've had some really good new things to keep me occupied and busy. This is a good thing because the latex allergy has become worse. I'm reacting sooner to less exposure. Well, I had some good time; I expected the allergy would get worse. I've been finding really fun things to do at home.
I'm still knitting preemie caps for a local hospital. Unfortunately the yarn store moved back to NYC. So now, I just mail them to the hospital. I wrote a letter to go along with the last batch of caps. I haven't heard back, but will continue with this. They are such fun to knit, and they don't take long. Then there's the ever increasing yarn stash here.
I continue to declutter. By the time I get done, it will be time to start over. I look at so many things that I'm not using. It's better for someone else to have them to use, read, wear, or watch.
I received a food dehydrator for Christmas. Once I began playing with that, I couldn't contain myself. I have been drying everything, even making jerky. It's the most expensive time of the year for fresh produce. I've been drying apples, tomatoes, celery, spinach, and so many more foods. My friends believe that I will burn out the motor by Easter. I think the first 2 bunches of celery were reduced to about a cup. It's so good in soup tho', almost tastier than fresh.
Then I found out about making my own dog biscuits for Casey from a net friend at LAForum@yahoogroups.com Got a recipe to start with and then just took off with it. Of course Casey helps a lot with Quality Control and supervision. Her favorite is liver and peanut butter, but she also really likes the cheese and bacon. No more store bought for her.
We baked so much that the propane bill went sky high. Well it was that or the quickley rising cost of oil. We did the last batch in the dehydrator, and them came out just as good. Now Casey wants to write her own cookie book. She won't stop bugging me about it, so we started writing. I type while she tells me what to say. We haven't gotten to the actual recipes just yet. We are still testing those we like. We have also suveyed the neighborhood with samples to get their opinions. Needless to say, they all love anything we give them. :)
I found a new yarn shop even closer to me than all the others. It's wonderful with yarn, roving, spinning wheels, looms, and classes. There is so much that interests me, I know I will learn a lot and probably make some new friends, which is always a good thing.
I also found out about a doll, new to me, who I have to have. She is arriving shortly thru ebay. Amanda deserves a special post, all her own, so that will have to wait. Can't wait to start sewing clothes for her.
It has been a long winter, but good things have been happening. I think during all the other seasons, we get so busy, we don't take time to see a lot of new opportunities. I'm so thankful I found these.
Sal
I'm still knitting preemie caps for a local hospital. Unfortunately the yarn store moved back to NYC. So now, I just mail them to the hospital. I wrote a letter to go along with the last batch of caps. I haven't heard back, but will continue with this. They are such fun to knit, and they don't take long. Then there's the ever increasing yarn stash here.
I continue to declutter. By the time I get done, it will be time to start over. I look at so many things that I'm not using. It's better for someone else to have them to use, read, wear, or watch.
I received a food dehydrator for Christmas. Once I began playing with that, I couldn't contain myself. I have been drying everything, even making jerky. It's the most expensive time of the year for fresh produce. I've been drying apples, tomatoes, celery, spinach, and so many more foods. My friends believe that I will burn out the motor by Easter. I think the first 2 bunches of celery were reduced to about a cup. It's so good in soup tho', almost tastier than fresh.
Then I found out about making my own dog biscuits for Casey from a net friend at LAForum@yahoogroups.com Got a recipe to start with and then just took off with it. Of course Casey helps a lot with Quality Control and supervision. Her favorite is liver and peanut butter, but she also really likes the cheese and bacon. No more store bought for her.
We baked so much that the propane bill went sky high. Well it was that or the quickley rising cost of oil. We did the last batch in the dehydrator, and them came out just as good. Now Casey wants to write her own cookie book. She won't stop bugging me about it, so we started writing. I type while she tells me what to say. We haven't gotten to the actual recipes just yet. We are still testing those we like. We have also suveyed the neighborhood with samples to get their opinions. Needless to say, they all love anything we give them. :)
I found a new yarn shop even closer to me than all the others. It's wonderful with yarn, roving, spinning wheels, looms, and classes. There is so much that interests me, I know I will learn a lot and probably make some new friends, which is always a good thing.
I also found out about a doll, new to me, who I have to have. She is arriving shortly thru ebay. Amanda deserves a special post, all her own, so that will have to wait. Can't wait to start sewing clothes for her.
It has been a long winter, but good things have been happening. I think during all the other seasons, we get so busy, we don't take time to see a lot of new opportunities. I'm so thankful I found these.
Sal
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thanksgiving Blessings
This year, fall has been difficult for me. Since Labor Day I have been on 4 prednisone tapers to get out of rebounding reactions to latex. I've also been painting the outside of my house which seems to be intolerable now unless I wear a mask.
I seem to react now to less latex exposure than I have in the past. The reactions seem worse, or it's just harder to recover from them. I've begun reacting at estate sales. That isn't fun. At least I was able to make some nice purchases each time.
I had a bad reaction to Kilz paint, even using it outside. I've been ok with Dutch Boy until the Kilz reaction. Then one day while I was cleaning a super dusty corner inside, I began reacting. I've really been living in "cottage mode" for too long. I now own 95 particulate masks to filter out the latex proteins. I just have to stop being so stubborn and wear them.
I have found that many of my friends in LAForum have been way more reactive this fall. We've all tried to figure out why. The best answer seems to be so little rain. The other answer could be we are getting worse. But we don't like facing that problem. Well, I don't. For me, it has become a bit depressing with shorter days and heating bills coming in now.
I have been praying more, not just for myself, but others as well. I began knitting preemie caps to go to local hospitals. This is giving me a great outlet to give back to the community again, and I just love to knit. My favorites are the smallest caps.
As I plan for Thanksgiving, I can't help but reflect on my blessings. Since the cold weather set in during my last prednisone taper, I am feeling much better. I've made the decision to stop smoking. I haven't stopped yet, but there are 2 ashtrays left after having 5. I no longer smoke all the times I get up during the night, and there's no smoking in the bathroom. That has been a habit for years while I got ready to go to work or for the day.
Again, I'm cooking all day long on Thanksgiving. I love doing that, and I do it even if I will be alone. I do have a friend coming over. There may be a few more. I love to pick at the leftovers for several days. Then comes turkey soup.
I seem to be spending more time already reflecting on my blessings. Roof and food come first. The companionship of Casey when I'm stuck at home makes such a big difference. I'm paying bills before they are due. I have wonderful family. Even though they all live out of state, we always keep in touch. My friends should be included in my family. They are all very wonderful and supportive people. Then I have all my wonderful friends in LAForum.
It's only Monday. Just think of all the other blessings that may come to mind by Thursday. We are entering into the holiday season when there is kindness to others that should happen all year.
Sal
I seem to react now to less latex exposure than I have in the past. The reactions seem worse, or it's just harder to recover from them. I've begun reacting at estate sales. That isn't fun. At least I was able to make some nice purchases each time.
I had a bad reaction to Kilz paint, even using it outside. I've been ok with Dutch Boy until the Kilz reaction. Then one day while I was cleaning a super dusty corner inside, I began reacting. I've really been living in "cottage mode" for too long. I now own 95 particulate masks to filter out the latex proteins. I just have to stop being so stubborn and wear them.
I have found that many of my friends in LAForum have been way more reactive this fall. We've all tried to figure out why. The best answer seems to be so little rain. The other answer could be we are getting worse. But we don't like facing that problem. Well, I don't. For me, it has become a bit depressing with shorter days and heating bills coming in now.
I have been praying more, not just for myself, but others as well. I began knitting preemie caps to go to local hospitals. This is giving me a great outlet to give back to the community again, and I just love to knit. My favorites are the smallest caps.
As I plan for Thanksgiving, I can't help but reflect on my blessings. Since the cold weather set in during my last prednisone taper, I am feeling much better. I've made the decision to stop smoking. I haven't stopped yet, but there are 2 ashtrays left after having 5. I no longer smoke all the times I get up during the night, and there's no smoking in the bathroom. That has been a habit for years while I got ready to go to work or for the day.
Again, I'm cooking all day long on Thanksgiving. I love doing that, and I do it even if I will be alone. I do have a friend coming over. There may be a few more. I love to pick at the leftovers for several days. Then comes turkey soup.
I seem to be spending more time already reflecting on my blessings. Roof and food come first. The companionship of Casey when I'm stuck at home makes such a big difference. I'm paying bills before they are due. I have wonderful family. Even though they all live out of state, we always keep in touch. My friends should be included in my family. They are all very wonderful and supportive people. Then I have all my wonderful friends in LAForum.
It's only Monday. Just think of all the other blessings that may come to mind by Thursday. We are entering into the holiday season when there is kindness to others that should happen all year.
Sal
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
West Nile Virus and Latex Allergy
I recently spoke with a dear second cousin, finding out what her mom, my cousin, was up to. My dear second cousin, Lucy has a very busy work life in Chicago. Several years ago she was bit by a mosquito at a picnic in a Chicago backyard. She suddenly became so ill that she required hospitalization for two weeks because she had come down with West Nile Virus.
She continues to work now, but has some effects resulting already from West Nile. She has totally lost her hearing in one ear. Her ankle and foot motor skills are lacking in one foot so that she walks with a sloppy gate. That foot has become numb. This woman works in a corporate job.
I spent some time in a west nile support group hoping to learn things that might help her. The most that I learned & shared with her was to join the group. The doctors knew very little about what problems she might have.
This is so much the same with natural rubber latex allergy. I let her know how little the medical community knows about either and how little the medical community will recognize either. She knows that I am there for her, just as I am for any of you with either of these.
You can go to LAForum@yahoo.com or google the support group for west nile. I can't remember the addy, but found them that way. They are an awesome group that don't realise how much in the beginning they are with this. After 15 years or more, we are still having severe difficulties getting natural rubber latex allergy recognized in the medical community, workman's comp, & SSD. We are also finding more medical problems that certainly seem related to the allergy.
Sal
She continues to work now, but has some effects resulting already from West Nile. She has totally lost her hearing in one ear. Her ankle and foot motor skills are lacking in one foot so that she walks with a sloppy gate. That foot has become numb. This woman works in a corporate job.
I spent some time in a west nile support group hoping to learn things that might help her. The most that I learned & shared with her was to join the group. The doctors knew very little about what problems she might have.
This is so much the same with natural rubber latex allergy. I let her know how little the medical community knows about either and how little the medical community will recognize either. She knows that I am there for her, just as I am for any of you with either of these.
You can go to LAForum@yahoo.com or google the support group for west nile. I can't remember the addy, but found them that way. They are an awesome group that don't realise how much in the beginning they are with this. After 15 years or more, we are still having severe difficulties getting natural rubber latex allergy recognized in the medical community, workman's comp, & SSD. We are also finding more medical problems that certainly seem related to the allergy.
Sal
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