latex allergic canal gal sal

Frustrated and Angery

2011-06-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Latex allergy is a very serious, life threatening allergy. I have learned to refer to it as a rubber allergy. people understand rubber. when they hear latex, they think of only gloves and condoms.

I have a very dear friend living an hour away from me with latex allergy and now mast cell disease(from having such severe allergic reactions). She has anaphylaxed and been on life support in the ICU and in the ER.

Two years ago began a very terrible time for her that began with storing an open container of pool shock(pretty high chlorine) and having a chemical burn in her respiratory system. After that there were many minor reactions for her, but also three very serious ones that needed a call to 911. I was on the phone with her during each. I actually called 911 myself for two of them. I had to talk her into using her epi-pen for all three and coach her through it. One of the symptoms with severe reactions will be really bad confusion, almost euphoric, and sounding drunk. Reasoning can be difficult wit the one reacting.

She is a nurse who also became allergic because of latex glove use at work. Because she became disabled, she decided she would do her best to be a great stay at home mom. She has three children who are all very involved in many activities, all going in three different directions. She was being the perfect mom. However, she did this at risk of her own health, taking benadryl with symptoms, napping, then drinking lots of coffee to drive her children to sports and dance. She really was being casual and living right on the edge with exposures until she had serious reactions that involved hospital time.

About a year ago she lost her husband. She became very careful with exposures, getting pushed to ask for help transporting her children to activities because being the only parent it was so important for her to be alive for her children.

Well, time has passed and she's begun to get out socially. It's great, but not when she begins having a reaction with a serious exposure, takes benadryl, takes a nap, and then goes out on a date. She has become so casual about her allergy and health again. I'm really angry but don't know how to address this with her. She has become a sister with all both of us have been through, but I'm afraid of losing that relationship if I really speak up.

Any suggestions you have might help me.

Sal

Anger and Frustration

2011-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have been advertising on ebay and the local Pennysaver for the washable feminine pads that i sell. It has been frustrating with no phone calls. I sew an excellent product that I have been using myself for 2 years. I recently offered this for sale. It is a very green product, cost effective, convenient, and healthier than disposable sanitary pads. There is no natural rubber latex in them. Most disposables contain latex. Two friends have suggested that I start a website for this. I don't want to go really big, but I may have to do this. At this point in time, I have received no phone calls from the local ad and no purchase from ebay. I also used Craig's List. This has gotten to be very frustrating for me. Just now I received a phone call from what sounded like a young man. The call was bordering on obscene. I told him he obviously didn't want to make a purchase, and hung up. I have received calls like this long ago. They are still unnerving. I am a nurse, unable to work any longer because of a life threatening allergy to natural rubber latex. I have had sexual harrassment from patients and coworkers. This isn't something to get use to or be comfortable with. I also get angry that some people have nothing better to do because their brains are the size of peas. Their IQ is about 5. Now I wish I had told the caller to get his rocks off with someone else. I think this call has helped me to make my decision. Sal

Summer Vacation

2010-09-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderful summer. In spite of my allergy, I've actually managed to have single vacation days. I haven't had a vacation in a number of years because of natural rubber latex allergy. I'm unable to attend my nephew's wedding next month in southern Indiana because of progression of my allergy. This just tears me up.

To compensate, I planned a few trips within an hour of home. But it all started with a 3 day fishing tournament between my neighbor & me on July 4th weekend. We did have family members included in this, and a separate youth tournament. Well, we got creamed; didn't even want to count the number of fish they caught. It was a great 3 days of fishing on & off. Yes, I would do it again.

Next was a trip to Chimney Bluffs State Park by way of Fairhaven. The country is beautiful with many farms, a lot of apple trees. I found several books on the Erie in a gift shop. I'm really serious about soaking up as much history about the canal as I can.

The bluffs were just awesome. It was an overcast day, and we did have some rain while we were there. The bluffs are spires in the sandy cliff that are sculpted by Mother Nature's wind and water. They are always changing. I have seen them from the water, and they are truely magnificent. We didn't take the path that goes above them because of the weather. We created the senior path, straight to the picnic tables with our carry in lunch. The wind from the lake felt so good. All of this was created by the glaciers. It gives me goose bumps.

Next on my schedule of planned exposures was touring the Lois McClure while she was docked in Palmyra. I was on her 3 years ago. She returned for the World Canals Convention in Rochester, NY. It was a beautiful day, and being a weekday, the crowd was small. The Lois is a canal schooner with the ability to navigate lakes and the canal. She is a replica of the canal schooners used in the 1800's to transport produce and goods across the state. The Erie was a boon for shipping, decreasing time and cost. The crew volunteers to navigate, and have to be quite adept doing so. They share all kinds of information about her so they need to be very knowledgable as well. I love this ship and all they tell me about her. Now, she navigates the canal with a tugboat. Back in time, mules or horses would have pulled her.

I just can't get enough or learn enough about the canal. Living here has certainly urged that need. I do feel like I had an Irish ancestor who helped to dig. I haven't yet visited the small cemetary up the road with Irish workers who died from smallpox and malaria.

Next trip is to a cruise in Lockport going through the locks. I believe now there are 2 locks. Originally there were 5. They are still there; called the "flight of 5". It goes through the lowest point of the escarpment to reach the Niagara River which is fed by Lake Erie. Rte. 104 goes below the escarpment. There is a highway that follows along the river at the top of the escarpment to Niagara Falls. There is also escarpment on the Canadian side of the river. We won't be cruising far beyond the beginning rocks of the escarpement. I just had to add what I've seen up there from living in Tonawanda and visiting all those sites way back then.

So far, I have been able to do these short trips, something new for me. I think I am learning how to schedule my exposures so that i fall short of reactions. We are entering fall with closed buildings which may change my situation. The best I can do is avoid.

Sal

Loss

2010-06-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

A very dear friend, soul sister, lost her husband Memorial Day morning. What happened with him medically wasn't something resolved with her CPR. So many losses with patients never prepares me for my own losses of loved ones. It's the Lord's choice when He takes us, not ours, but sometimes it just seems so unfair.

Sal

2010 Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Gee, what do I say? This is a holiday weekend. After 25 years of working holidays at least half the time, I still had no feeling for holidays, all of them. Now I finally do. But I spend my time alone because natural rubber latex allergy is so limiting. At least I do have Casey to keep me company, and she really does.

A good thing is that I've been on a new, to me, antidepressant that seems to have started working already. It hasn't stopped the down times in late afternoon and evening yet, but I know it will get better.

I had a lovely campfire last night, first for summer. Casey doesn't like fire so she went into the house. It was very noisy here thru the afternoon and evening til just before dusk. The Frey farm across the canal looked like Watkin's Glen with all the RVs and tents. It sounded like it too with all the dirt bikes and 4 wheelers racing around the field. It's been quiet today. Someone must have complained. I don't blame them. All the noise took away from the beauty of the canal and the peaceful time that many were here to enjoy. I'm so glad that all can enjoy the serenity down here.

Many boats have been going back and forth today enjoying the weekend and wonderful weather. Sometimes the boaters point to my house while passing by. I have a hard time keeping it all up and I'm still behind, but I love those compliments. I almost expected to see jaws coming out of the water, but he can't because he's already in my little pop up pool. :) Ken, my pool boy, sits on the top step of the ladder. Can't have a pool without a pool boy.

Because of a dear friend suggesting it, Casey now has the run of the backyard while I'm out with her. She loves it. I guess after almost 9 years I can trust her to leave the "sneak out spots" alone. I am so very lucky to have such a character for a companion.

I continue to workout at Curves Macedon even when I can't always go d/t reactions elsewhere. It's fun, there's great networking, I meet new woman who may become friends, and my energy level has improved a lot while I'm thinning down. This place has been a blessing for me.

Time to go fishing in my backyard. :) :) :)

Sal

Holidays

2010-04-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's a lovely Easter Sunday here, as I sit homebound for the 3rd day. The last 2 were loaded with benadryl from a reaction beginning on Fri., right after I finished with my prednisone taper from a reaction that I couldn't get out of for a week. I know I have progressed with the disease of natural rubber latex allergy.

Because of this, I have missed 2 social functions this weekend. I rarely have social functions to go to, and, it never fails. I can't make it to them.

Holidays have never really meant a lot to me because as a nurse I worked half of them for 25 years. No one ever made their holiday plans around my work schedule. That includes 2 ex-husbands and their families. I pretty much became immune to holidays. I do have several that were my big favorites that I could participate in somewhere after I finished at work. I think I'll just list all that I can because I'm in a fowl mood, maybe withdrawal from the prednisone.

New Year's Eve-balloons are always part of the decor anywhere. Then in restaurant/bars, latex gloves are used for food service. Well, I usually sleep thru midnite anyway.

Valentine's Day-It does help to have a valentine, but I find I gift myself better than they ever did. I can't eat chocolate. :( I know from contacting Hershey's that they use latex gloves in the manufacturing plant. I'm learning from others that most chocolate makers use latex gloves.

St. Patrick's Day- a super day for an Irish lass. I always went out to celebrate! I'd dress in funky green clothes & take along my green food coloring for my beer. One year, I even went to South Hadley, Mass. They paint the center line green. The parade is 4 miles long. There is more everything in that parade than Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade. Every once in a while you go into the bar to refresh your drink, & warm up if need be. The whole parade route is a party, long after the parade has finished. The 2 very Irish bars that I would go to use latex gloves. The one right around the corner always has balloons. Now I just stay home & cook corned beef & cabbage. This is a huge dissappointment for me. Last year, my big few minutes out was to Wal*Mart with my Irish cap.

Easter-no chocolate says quite a bit right there. I've heard from 2 friends who already know I'm stuck at home. No one else has called, not even my out of state family.

All summer holidays I'm better off here. I would be reacting to the rubber from all the road traffic & road construction. Besides which, many people are out on the canal & the pathway. My friends tend to migrate here as well.

Halloween-another big fave is now a nightmare for me with rubber in masks, grease paint, the decorations. I use to dress up when I lived in the trailer park, not wise. I worked out a costume with sheets to be a ghost, but it still didn't filter out the latex protiens. No children come by where I live now. I don't even decorate, too much rubber exposure.

Thanksgiving-everyone is going somewhere. I do cook a nice turkey.

Christmas-I am allergic to my artificial tree, but I still put it up. The day is a family day: that's where everyone else is.

After 13 1/2 years with this, the dissappointments seem to get worse instead of better. I just can't let it roll off my back.

Sal

Falling of the Plateau

2010-03-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking my vehicle to the dealership, if you can call it that. The pleasure, I mean. The engine light was on. I couldn't fix it with oil, antifreeze, or transmission fluid. They plug your vehicle into the computer to find out what's wrong. That is an immediate charge of $89. Why? They don't have to spent 2 hours looking for the problem. Then they don't have the part, but they can get it. Also, along with the fee for the sensor, there is a list of things my vehicle needs that will total $2,000. I decide to just do the air sensor. It won't take too long, so I decide not to have them shuttle me home.

Alas, the trip starts going downhill fast. They are inflating gigantic balloons near the waiting room. I try to wait outside, as I have done before, but the temperature is 32o. It won't hit 50o for a couple of hours. I spend my time in the service area next to the pile of tires, no chair to sit on, but I can lean against the wall a lot while I read. also, for my enjoyment, it's all windowed so I get "free" entertainment watching all the mechanics working in their bays. I can't figure out whose working on my van, but the guy in the next bay is snapping his latex gloves on & off . My hood is open. The airborn rubber protiens have become hitchhikers on my engine. I end up spending 4 hours there because the part was only available at the furthest dealership.

The hives are popping up in my mouth, and my driving is poorly focused as i drive home. I'm having a reaction. Of course. I can't stay much longer than 15 minutes in any public place. i'm usually homebound for 2 days with a reaction and stoned on benadryl, even tho' I know it can take 3 days to recover. Well the 3rd day, I was still in the reaction. The 4th day I had to cancel an important fun day for me. (Latex Allergy allows me about 3 of those a year and not necessarily the ones most important to me.) The 6th day I get some groceries. I'm still reactive or I'm rebounding. After 7 days stoned on benadryl, not getting out of the reaction, I am frustrated with my whole life and what I can't do. On the 8th day I hold the benadryl and get into the doctor's office for a script for prednisone.

I haven't mentioned all the anger, frustration, feeling like crap, and the revelations about what I can no longer do that have gone through my mind this past week. I do know in my heart that this disease is progressive. There is no textbook about NRLA, just those of us who have it.

Sal

Long and Short Strides

2010-03-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have actually done a bit of turnaround from last post. i made more changes than I thought I would. I'm up to 6 glasses of water a day. I'm eating some green salads. i found dressing that's spritzed on to salad to decrease the amount used. It is good. I would soak my salad before in a pool of dressing.

I started drinking shakes for breakfast. I haven't been a breakfast eater for years. The Curves shake is very good. I'm also using the Special K high protein. It has a little more fat, carbs, & calories than The Curves, but it's convenient when on the run in the morning. I'm beginning to shop for different foods. I'm reading the nutritional labels. Before, I was looking at the extra ingredients, checking for what I need to avoid.

I read the introduction to my neighbors program for ThinWithin. It looks like a gentler way for me to manage my meals and manage some weight loss. I'll be using that program as well.
they rate meals on a scale: 0 is really, really hungery, 5 is full, and 10 is compared to Thanksgiving dinner. I've already figured out that my qt. square containers have 2 servings. Before, I was finishing off the whole container in one meal. I've had less midnight snacks this week.

The visit to the allergist was good. My PFT's (pulmonary function tests) have improved. He is just as pleased as I am that I'm exercising 3 days a week. I haven't done walking on days between yet. I did know I had pushed too far. A bad reaction on tuesday that I'm still having trouble recovering from has kept me on benadryl for 5 days now, even with homebound days.

I have started my Curves journal, even tho' I haven't really begun phase 1. It helps to affirm positive changes I've already made. I'm also following theskinnyonline blog for extra support. Lisa has gone thru far more than me in weight management. Her words are loving and forgiving, very soothing for me.

Because I'm so reactive right now, I've only been to Curves on Monday this week. I did know when I began that I would run into limits, albeit scheduling my trips out of the house to limit rubber exposures, just having an allergic reaction and remaining homebound, or beginning to react in Curves. I don't want to give up Curves if I can manage it. The socialization and positive atmosphere help me so much. Right now is a super busy month for me with lots of doctor appointments scheduled in with the places I need to go.

Sal

More Than I Can Chew

2010-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

The last several weeks have been very busy for me. I've been helping very good friends(3) thru serious health issues along with support group moderating, a couple of medical appts. each week, and scheduling in my curves workout 3 times a week, along with grocery shopping, and trips to the drug store without overdoing my rubber exposures each day.

This past week, I've been learning more about organic foods and checking them out in the stores. i've begun learning about the hazards of PBA in our canned foods since the 50's, and also found in some plastic storage containers. This is worse than food handled with latex gloves, and it's also approved by the FDA. I joined Weston A. Price Foundation, my local chapter, and began learning more about nutritionally dense foods(not found in the grocery store). This is what organic foods are, pasture raised, no hormones or antibiotics; essentially safe and very nutritious food that all of us should be eating.

I came across a website while googling for locations of accessable spring water. Well, I drove around town to check out one that had been pointed out to me a number of years ago. I couldn't find it. I think the access was closed. The other may be a possibility. It's 200 years old and overgrown with brush. It may not produce all the time. Then I wonder, how do I learn how to safely access or get the spring active again? It just came into my head. Maybe the DEC can help me with this one.

On Thursday, I spend to long picking up extra groceries to donate to my food pantry. The lines at the checkouts are too long, so I use my rescue inhaler while in line and take my benadryl before i leave the parking lot. This is safer because I'm only a few minutes from home. The rest of the day is strung out on benadryl every 4 hours.

On Friday, I should be homebound and on benadryl, but first I go to get measured and work out at curves. I had signed up for Saturday class for weight management. Then I go home and continue with benadryl every 4 hours for another strung out day. I began having hives in my mouth. This isn't cool, it's really a systemic reaction, but doesn't go any further. Whew, no need for an epi-pen and call to the allergist. By my exposure rules, I should stay homebound on Saturday.

I went to the class anyway. I was ok in there for 1 1/2 hrs. Yippee! But as I read what I need to be eating for weight loss, after I've gotten home, to figure out a new grocery list, I start slowly going into the meltdown that almost became major. I was still having trouble on Sunday when I went to check out organics in a different grocery. I had decided that I was going to chunk down my approach to this diet, but I was still getting anxious. I got the organic butter I wanted to make my own ghee and a few other things. One bag and an immersion mixer was $80. Yikes. On the way home, I prayed for help and guidance.

The answer came. Chunk it down. My activity level has increased with working out. I'm forgetting that I'm disabled. I'm forgetting that I'm scheduling everything so I can just fit my workouts in with buying groceries, picking up prescriptions, doctor appts., tests, and trying to manage my home(which I'm way behind with). I'm also forgetting how old I am. I'm not ancient, but I'm not 20, or 30, or 40 either. I'm not giving up, I just need to watch my times outside home more carefully. I need to stop testing to see how many exposures to rubber I can have and then end up calling 911 and ending up in intensive care on a respirator for a few days.

Sal

health care and the cost

2010-03-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

i've been away for a bit. learning about organic foods, spring water, and BPA(nasty stuff).

at the moment, i've just finished a letter to go to numerous government officials. we elected them to take care of our issues. i certainly hope they will earn their paychecks doing the best for us. i have shared an important issue with them that goes right along with health care. it's billing for health care. we pay into health insurance and medicare so that we can receive good(i mean excellent) health care.

excellent health care is debateable. from my career as a nurse, i do know when ill people aren't even receiving adequate care. i'll talk about that another time.

what is really bugging me right now is inappropriate and erroneous billing for health care. maybe the erroneous billing was meant to happen to receive maximum payment; reduce the loss financially. the prices charged for tests, care, and specific monitoring are outrageous. who set those prices? i can lay in a bed in the ER code room for 3 hours d/t a lab error and be charged to medicare & me $13oo. this total doesn't include the ER doctor or the radiologist. i was on a cardiac monitor, with an IV site available, and pulse oximetry(monitoring oxygen level in the blood, a clothespin thing on my finger) with the crash cart right there in case my heart stopped beating, but not a body in site most of the time. yes, medicare & i got to pay for that lab error.

my big beef has to do with improper billing. the hospital wants as close to what they charge for a health care service as they can get. my allergist is supposed to be paid thru the hospital for his services. the hospital does the billing for this office because this office is a part of the hospital's business. my bills for this are supposed to be covered by worker's comp., but the hospital has billed & received payment from medicare & comp. they also repeatedly bill me for the slack. they haven't corrected this problem in a year. i am in the process of pursuing a solution further.

what really concerns me are the people, not in health care, who are billed improperly and have no idea that they should question the bill.

sal

Reason

2009-12-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

I've been neglecting my spot here way too long. A lovely angel named Miriam gave me a big nudge. Many things have been happening; too much to post about right now.

I will say that I'm keeping my focus on the reason for the season, the birth of the Baby Jesus.

Sal

The Erie Canal and Me

2009-07-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

Susan and Latex Allergy

2008-12-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

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

Contemplation

2008-12-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

Natural Rubber Latex Allergy & Coping

2008-07-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

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

Food For Thought

2008-06-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

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

Long Winter

2008-03-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

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

Thanksgiving Blessings

2007-11-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

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

West Nile Virus and Latex Allergy

2007-10-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

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

A Deep Look

2007-10-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

As I get older, maybe wiser, I know my life gets shorter. I've had some close calls with allergic reactions. My friends have as well. Last week I had a day where I couldn't do anything without having difficulty breathing. I began my steroid taper. A latex allergic friend suggested taking mucinex, too. What an improvement, very slow, but an improvement.

All this got me to thinking more than usual about the last years of someone's life, anyone or mine. I read the obits weekly, but as a nurse, I have always done that. I slowly find more people I know in there. Maybe I should give this up, but many times it reminds me to value every minute I have here.

I was checking estate sales last night, looking through all the pictures for two different sales. Both sales were similar, reminding me of life in the 50's. There were many religeous figures for each, showing a very devout wife. Both had tons of barware and bar memorabelia showing the husband side of their lives. The one I didn't go to also had a collection of Playboy. The old black and white tv in a blonde console with knobs and dials was featured at one.

As I looked through all these pictures last night, something began nagging at me. I'm not sure what it was. It could just be taking prednisone for a week. Steroid therapy, even for a week, can change mood and eating patterns.

I have been whittling down some of my stuff, but still have a long way to go.

I went to one sale today, not the Playboy sale. :) :) :) I saw lots of sales on the way that I thought I would stop at on the way home.

The woman who died had outlived her husband, but everything was there. Nothing had ever been thrown away or given to others. The bar was in the basement just like when I was growing up. This one had a wet bar which must have been added later. There were furs and lots of women's clothing in the basement and filling every closet in the house. Some still had sales tags on them.

I found 2 irons and 2 ironing boards. There were 3 tables of costume jewelry in the livingroom, many duplicates that were still on the cards. There was a quart size ziploc filled with women's watches. Halloween decorations filled a folding table in the basement. Christmas decorations had a table in the basement, and every closet had at least 3 boxed iluminating figures. There were Christmas decorations on what had originally been the breezeway, but was now enclosed.

The whole sale was pretty overwhelming for me. I could tell others were having similar feelings. We weren't having fun. It was very quiet. Conversations were going on, but no one was joking like what usually goes on during a sale.

I recognized myself in this woman. I had my days of being a shopaholic and buying at least 2 of everything. I recognized having clothing that never had the sale tag removed before it was passed on to someone else or donated. It's been a long time since I did that, but once in a while I do buy something that I will never wear. I still have my collections and stashes of fabric, yarn, and dolls.

Already, there was a long dumpster sitting in the driveway of this home. When I left, I just couldn't stop at any of the other sales, even though they were garage sales.

When I go, I don't want that. It's time to whittle faster. I need to sew, knit, or give it away to someone who will use it way sooner than I will. If it can go on EBay, it will go there.

I remember hearing if it doesn't get used in 5 years, it's time to get rid of it. I think that needs updating. If I haven't used it in a year, it should go.

I also think I'll take a break from estate sales and just stick to moving sales.

Sal

Popcorn Lung

2007-09-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a wonderful summer, but not without allergic reactions and benadryl. No epi-pens used, so I guess that's a plus.

It seems like more and more we all learn about the usual things becoming detrimental to our health; butter, cigarettes, alcohol, fat, mosquitoes, ticks, sex, ect. The list goes on and on.

Well now it's popcorn, specificly Orville Redenbacher and Act II microwave. I love Act II!!!
Consumers and factory workers are at risk according to an article you can find at http://cbs13.com/health/health_story_247182329.html

The diacetyl in the butter flavoring is approved by the FDA, but needs to be reduced to the extent possible by the manufacturer.

Well, we all know the FDA approves a lot of things they shouldn't, like latex gloves in food service. From my point of view with latex allergy, I don't want to see latex in anything. Sounds like a good reason to write to the FDA again. I would love your help. Karl Klontz, M.D. is the person to write to about your opinion or reactions to foods handled with latex gloves.

Sal

Adventure of the Day

2007-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

I just love living on the canal. I never know what the day will bring to me here.

Yesterday friends came over to go swimming. It's hotter today, so I hope they come by again. I will be in the pool when I am done here.

Some awesome yachts have been going through today. Wednesdays seem to be the day they usually come through. I haven't been able to catch where any of them are from because the dinghy is usually secured covering the name and location.

Speaking of dinghys, my neighbor down the way went by in one with a motor the other evening. It was obvious that she was very uncomfortable in such a small boat. They looked like newlyweds when they are actually grandparents. And he looks like Paul Newman, so I really do enjoy seeing him. Well I've digressed.

The specialty today was the GoodYear Blimp. I'm not really friendly toward rubber companies, but I always love it when I get to see the blimp. It always seems low enough that I can reach out and touch it. I think it really has more to do with the size of it. I think the last time I saw it was way over 10 years ago. The PGA was holding the Open at Oak Hill Country Club, and it hovered around Rochester for a few days.

Today it had the digital sign reading something about supporting the USO and referring us to USO.org. I haven't checked the site yet, but sure will do so. Until I played with the picture I took, I hadn't noticed the American Flag flying proudly behind. Check it out.

Sal

Balloons!!!!

2007-07-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

I held off for 2 weeks to take my vehicle to the dealership for my free oil change and inspection because of all the latex balloons tied to the new and used cars for sale in the lot. I gave myself a good pat on the back for watching out for that.

I drove into the dealership yesterday and all the balloons were on the pavement with most of them totally deflated. I just patted myself on the back again. I was doing a great job keeping myself safe from all those latex proteins. After all these years, I can stay on top of exposures.

I checked in with a new person working in the service department. He had no idea about latex allergy, but my account stated no latex gloves. I told him I was waiting for my vehicle.

While walking past the parts department & cashier with the half wall exposing the mechanics bays, I noticed new rubber floor runners. I almost made it to the waiting room when I saw all the latex balloons waiting to be tied to the vehicles for sale. They had been blown up, were up at the ceiling, and had their ribbons, or whatever, hanging from them to attch them to the vehicles.

Oops, time to go outside for an hour or so waiting for my vehicle and pray that I wouldn't have a reaction. I did try to accomplish a couple of errands after that. My mistake, I'm now homebound on benadryl again.

Life is truely a challenging experience with natural rubber latex allergy.

Sal

Woodchuck War

2007-07-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

I come here often just to check the miracle that I'm here. I haven't had much to write about. Been busy weeding and mulching my flower gardens. I'm finding that some of my flowers aren't coming up any more. I have had moles in the past which could explain this.

This year, my problem is a darn woodchuck who has decided to live under my house. He's using the bunny entrance from last winter. I bought a used Havahart trap at a garage sale, just the right size for him. I didn't know how to set it, so I just placed it over the hole. All that did was make him dig under it leaving me with a bigger hole in the lawn. This was after I'd placed rocks in the hole. Well of course he dug around those.

I sprayed with an animal deterrent. That didn't stop him. Casey is now very aware that he is around. One afternoon, she was jumping out of her skin while watching for him. She knew he was somewhere in the lily clump near his hole.

I made a call to Farmer Mark to help me set the trap. He brought dried corn on the cob for bait. I told him I was ready to dynamite the entrance. The night before, I heard him under the opposite side of the house trying to make a second entrance. It sounded like he was going to break down the bathroom wall. He couldn't make it through the flashing lining the foundation on that side.

The Havahart does work. I caught my neighbor's cat in it. I've reset it with lots of peanutbutter on crackers. He knows I'm out to get him. He's still avoiding the trap. It's beginning to feel like a war zone here.

He showed up in the backyard yesterday. When I went out, he headed for the canal. I told him to go over to Sue's house. Didn't he head right over there. I'm begining to think his IQ is higher than mine. It's that, or Mother Nature didn't like something I did.

Sal

Another Reaction

2007-06-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sitting here homebound, I am working hard to stay positive.

The last couple of days I've been in too many places. The pollen count has been high for quite a while, which in turn means the rubber dust is high. I have been going to 2 places each day to run errands. I guess I will need to cut back to only 1 a day for a while.

Yesterday I was in Wal*Mart for ink cartridges. Then I was off to the grocery store with my computer list of items in geographic order. I'm sure I was in there longer than my 15 minute limit. I began having symptoms before I was finished shopping, so I really moved to finish and get out of there.

By the time I got to the cash register I knew for sure. The mind fog had set in. I let the cashier know I"d been in there too long, & she helped me pack my bags quickly. I have learned to make a point of letting someone know when I'm beginning to react, if I remember to do it. That's how bad the mind can get with a reaction.

I'm also slowly understanding calling it rubber and rubber dust gives a much better picture to others of what my "problem" is than if I call it latex. Others see rubber all over. They have no idea when it's called latex just how many items in every day life have latex in them. Over 40,000. There is no way to escape natural rubber latex exposure totally. And yet the prime treatment is avoidance, along with inhalers, Benadryl, epi-pens, and steroids. The worst place to go to get the highest exposure is the hospital and the ER.

When reactions occur, it is so easy to belittle ourselves. We think we should have seen it coming. But none of us can forsee the future. We talk about an exposure glass, like a glass of water. When it becomes full from exposures, it overflows, meaning reactions just start happening. There is a cumulative effect from exposures.

This has given me a brilliant idea, even loaded up on Benadryl. Diabetics can test their sugar level. A thermometer is used to check for a fever. How about something to measure mast cell count or histamine release to check on how full our glasses are?

Toothpick Dilema

2007-06-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's getting into corn on the cob season here. Right now it is still shipped in. The way the weather is going, our fresh farm market corn may be late coming in.

With corn season comes the need for a very important table accessory, the toothpick. These were a very important tool when I was growing up. They were so important, they were kept in a special holder. They were never put away in the cupboard after every dinner, but maintained their rightful spot on the picnic table. We only ate at the picnic table through the summer.

We always had a separate plate of oleo to roll our corn in. That was placed next to the toothpicks before each dinner. Dad even taught us the proper way to roll our corn through the oleo. We couldn't run it through with it's full weight, but had to roll it with just the lightest touch so we wouldn't waste the oleo, and it would last longer. Life was so simple then.

Becoming an adult is not an easy task. Then we have to face the toothpicks that were always just there.

Do I buy flat or round? Mom and Dad didn't teach me this important stuff. Well, I began with flat. That was a big mistake. They would break between my teeth with part of the pick stuck there. I had 500 of them, so I just had to deal with 500 before I could change to round. I couldn't just throw them all out.

Then the flavored toothpicks came out. oooo, cinnamin was great. The taste was so good, but not after a meal. These toothpicks were made for chewing on half a day. Well, it sure didn't look good for a girl, even a tomboy, to be chewing a toothpick.

Toothpicks came out in multiple colors. I bought some before I even thought, compulsive shopping. Who wants to use those and have their teeth become blue, or green? Those did make it into the garbage.

Ok, so I only use round toothpicks. You know how difficult it is to open a box of toothpicks. For the first time in a very long time I opened a box of 800 being ever so careful. I remembered with dread everytime I opened one of those boxes. This time would be different. I'm old enough now to have complete control over the toothpicks. Really!!!

I opened the box ever so carefully on the side. I couldn't find an easy opening. There was an easy open that came apart after I opened the side of the box. Jeez Louise, it happened again. There were toothpicks everywhere.

There were toothpicks all over the floor in no easy order to pick them up all together.

What fell all over the counter was in the same dissarray as those on the floor.

None of what was still in the box were lined up.

What was on the floor hit the garbage after numerous attempts to get them all at once. What was on the counter was put into the holder til it was full. This was a time consuming process. Then there were the picks that were still left on the counter.

Have you ever noticed how what ever is left of those toothpicks will not fit into the box? I gave up to the toothpicks. They went into a ziploc bag instead.

The whole time I was cleaning up this mess, all I could think of was how important it was that, as a child, I learned how to play pick up sticks.

Memories-Indy

2007-05-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Whew, busy time. Here I am taking time out because the race is on rain delay. I have always loved the Indy 500, even before I really was exposed to racing. Every Memorial Day Weekend, it was the sign for me that summer was going into full swing. Jim Nabors sang "Back Home in Indiana", someone announced "gentlemen, start your engines", and then there was the exciting sound of the engines running, the race, the crashes, the winner, and the milk. Mario Andretti always seemed to be the favorite choice. At least, that is the name I remember.

My first real experiences with racing were with go-karts. I learned quickly how to help in the pit, just from watching. This is the least expensive racing, but still costly. It has changed a lot since I was there in the 80's. My favorite races were on dirt, not asphault. I was able to watch stocks and sprints. I loved going to the fairgrounds in Canadaigua on Saturday nights to watch the stocks on dirt. The fried dough was great, but better with each lap as the dirt flew into the bleachers and onto the fried dough. I could never tell if I was crunching on sugar or dirt.

I was very fortunate to be able to go to "the Brickyard". It was way back in 1990 for pole day, the first day of qualifying. Another nurse I worked with got my excitement going even more before I went because she had been there.

The track is actually in Speedway, not Indianapolis. There are small homes there all around the track. I can remember my anticipation in Speedway as we drove bumper to bumper and still most of the time. The other drivers were cordial, and we would joke, asking, "where is the race track?" We had the radio going with reports of what was happening in the pits. I really was hoping to see Paul Newman, but he walked through the pits while we were stuck in traffic.

Entrance was cheap back then, and you could sit where ever you wanted. Parking was on the infield, not outside the track. We could walk through the pits, we could walk into the garage. All the mechanics were dressed in very clean white overhauls.

The trophy is just awesome with each winner's head molded into it. I have no idea, but it seems like they never run out of room filling up that grand trophy. I did get to see Rick Mears, this was the year after his ankles were injured in a crash the previous racing season. I could also see the change in his nose from after burns in another accident. He's still just as handsome.

We left after everyone else because we cooked dinner on a camping stove while waiting for the heavy traffic to dwindle. On the way out, I was able to get a security guard to sell me his shirt, maybe for way more than he paid for it, but I still get to wear it every year during the race.

It's so exciting this year because there are 3 lady drivers. Milka is out now. I'm really rooting for Danicka. She's in 3rd while they are still drying the track. I want to see the race continue.

Because of my latex allergy, I am no longer able to go to these races. I was angery when I first realized this. It was another big loss in my life. I've overcome that now. I can be just as excited watching, listening, and having the wonderfull memories that I have. I can still smell the gas fumes. My neighbors always seem to go away on this great day, so I can turn the volume up to the top and feel like I'm right there.

Sounds like the race may get underway again. I sure hope so for Danicka. I just heard, 45 minutes to go, drying the track. Sure hope that gives a good amount of time with some daylight.

Sal

Canal Open

2007-05-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Haven't been here in a while. The weather has been so grand that I've been working hard in the yard cleaning up and doing new plantings. I'm not as fast as I was a few years ago, but it certainly doesn't stop my dreams for my yard and gardens. The pollen count must be high which would also indicate that the latex dust in the air is high. The eyes wear tearing so badly today, I had to take the benadryl which really slows me down. But I push on doing what I can.
The bird population has increased with more of them arriving for the summer. It's time to get the hummingbird feeders out before they show up and buzz us for food. The canal is full now, and the boat traffic from the locals has been heavy. One of the lockmaster cruise boats went thru yesterday. The out of state boats should be going thru any time now. It is such a welcome sight. One of the skulling teams has already been thru. They just amaze me with their concentration and coordination.
The walkers, joggers, and bikers have picked up tremendously along the towpath in the last few weeks. This is another very welcome sight. I need to brush up on how far it is to the next marina and the next lock. Occasionally I get asked that from walkers and boaters. Wow, I've become a travel agent. :)
I haven't taken time to fish yet because of heavy duty yard work, but I have been checking my bait trap. I haven't caught anything yet. That's ok. There are worms in the fridge. This is just such a glorious place to live. I am very lucky to be here where I am.
Sal

2007-04-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

The water still hasn't risen to regular level yet. It has in all other parts of the canal. It's still down from the Pittsford to Macedon lock to help with flood control. With all the rain, the land is really oversaturated. It may be up within another week. It usually is in time for opening day of pike and walleye on the first Saturday in May.

One of my neighbors just couldn't wait for the water level to come up. I took a picture of him with his daughter and his two grand nephews rowing along and having a super time. I just loved seeing them out there. When a person lives in 315 area code, just about anything is ok. We're just a bunch of rednecks. But that's for another time.

If I get the energy level up, I'll do the same with the kayak. The canal has been calling to me for a couple of weeks to get something in that water and paddle, row, or electric motor thru the water. My boat is right side up now. I've bailed several times due to rains. This is pretty funny in itself. Bailing by hand or pump doesn't come frequently enough for my little 12 footer with some of the boat wakes and rain. Why last year it actually sank twice. Seriously hoping not to do that again this year.

Sal

Virginia Tech

2007-04-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

I suppose I have a lot to say about the tragedy that happened. I am so sorry for the young people lost and their families. I'm praying for them along with all those who were wounded.

I can't listen or watch the tv. I've seen enough tragedy. It sickens me that people still kill each other for whatever reason in schools, on the streets, and in war. Life is difficult, but it shouldn't be this way.

Sal

My Latex Allergy

2007-04-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Pardon me already. I can't figure out how to publish from my drafts yet. I wrote this on the 11th.

Well this sure is an issue all the time for me and countless others. It reeks havoc for us, or we can just let it roll off our backs. That is easier said than done.

Sometimes it just has to do with how severe the problem can be.

So many of us with natural rubber latex allergy have so little control over our lives. With over 40,000 items in every day life containing natural rubber latex, we have no way to control exposures. We have no way to control reactions. There really is no where we can go without an exposure and usually a reaction.

Many times we will appear to others as anxious, crazy is a more explicit description. Many people including doctors have told us we are stressed out or it's all in our heads.

Some symptoms include hives, swollen eyes and/or lips, difficulty breathing, constant coughing, mental confusion, wheezing, visual changes, no breathing. There are so many more. My brain is lacking at the moment. Don't worry, I'll probably list some others in a different post.

These reactions can not be conjured up in our minds. A rash does not occur from in your mind. A rash does not occur from being stressed out from Christmas shopping for gifts for 2 people.

If you had any of these symptoms, your body would alert you to fight to survive, just as ours do. The fight to survive comes from the feeling of imminent death.

Anxiety is an important warning signal. Wouldn't you get a bit anxious if death was right there for you?

The sad part is that doctors don't always understand this. I guess it's just up to all of us to educate them. It's the only way to change it.

Sal

The Estate Sale

2007-04-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am tired from today, but for me it was productive and so much fun. An estate sale and a household sale in one day. Wasn't sure I was going to make it to the second one, but I did.

It's spring, and the sales are just begining in spite of snow flurries a few times today. Here I am weeding out my own extra stuff, but I'm getting more from other people's stuff.

The background at the first house was that the woman who died was 100 years old and died in her sleep. I believe that she and her husband came over from Checkoslavakia or Russia. The husband must have worked at Kodak. There were very old brownie cameras there that were before I had mine.

I don't think they came from Russia. That was a time when people couldn't leave the country. You can jump in here at any time. I do believe if people tried to leave Russia, they were quickly moved to Siberia.

I could almost see this woman's life story in front of my eyes. She took great care of all her posessions. There were some old large paperdolls in such excellent condition. All of her old dolls were there, porcelain I think.

Her doll house was there, very old, but in such great condition. I couldn't afford it, but just seeing it brought joy. It had been hand made from wood, complete with all the furniture. Tiny china plates and silverware were set on the round dining room table. All the tiny porcelain dolls were there, including the baby in a stroller. As I looked and touched I could feel what a delight these things brought to her as a child because I was experiencing delight just seeing them.

There were framed photos of ladys probably in their twenties. I found myself fantasizing about her life. She must have been very well read from all the books in several rooms on a very wide variety of subjects.

She was a cultured lady in Rochester. There were several lovely evening gowns in one of the bedrooms that she could have worn for concerts at The Eastman Theater, social functions, and charity events. She and her husband could easily have gone to social events at George Eastman's home(a mansion) on East Avenue.

Although their home was in Brighton(not low or middle class), they were probably in the upper crust of Rochester society. She could easily be in the social circles of Susan B. Anthony and Kate Gleason. She may have attended lunches at the Linsey's mansion(part owner of Sibley's) on East Blvd.

I did have the privledge of caring for Mrs. Linsey in her home for several days. There was the impressive stairway where the hostess could make a grand entrance with a small library at the top of the stairs. There was also a back stairway with an elevator for the servants use. Several bedrooms were in the back and upstairs for live-in help. I did hear of a ballroom in the basement, but I wasn't comfortable trying to find that.

I've just gone off on a tangent, but this is my site, so I can do that. I'm sure I will again and again. I love to ramble, and I'm having fun.

Sal

I Made It

2007-04-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

What a special gift to be here and share my thoughts and feelings with anyone who wants to hear them. I have always had a lot to say. Just ask anybody. Ask me a question and my answer will always be at least 10 minutes long. Now I will make up for all the years growing up when I was told to shut up. Such fun!!!
I plan to share so much here. I will talk about latex allergy(natural rubber latex allergy or NRLA) and how it has and is affecting my life. To be here now in this place is really a miracle. There were times I really expected my life would finish out as a bag lady, now they are called homeless. Here I am living in a safe home on the Erie Canal where there is always something cool to see every day. The best place to sit in my home is at the kitchen table in front of the picture window that faces the canal. I have a bird feeder out there close to the window where, if I sit still, I can really see the birds up close. A downy woodpecker has been visiting daily for over a month now. She's pretty bold and will let me move a little while she's out there, so I've named her Miss Whoopee. She probably doesn't hear me, but I do talk to her and tell her how beautiful she is. Guess what! She's not a miss. A couple of weeks after she arrived, hubby showed up. He's Mr. Whoopee, and he's pretty much a wimp. She can chase him off the feeder in a heartbeat, and she doesn't hesitate to do so.
There is a blue bird house in the back yard that is occuppied by different sparrow families every summer. New York is known for it's blue birds. They are the state bird. But they seem to be living somewhere else. There are blue bird houses all over the state to get them back here, but we never see them. Two weeks ago, I saw my first one ever. He was checking out the house. Unfortunately, the very next day a sparrow couple moved in. I had no idea that the bird realestate can be just as competitive as people realestate.
The hikers and joggers have started along the towpath, so spring really is here. It's so good to see them again. The canal was supposed to be filled by April 1. The week before, we flipped the boat. I store it on the beach when the canal drops for the winter. I'm still waiting patiently for the water to rise. I watch every day so that I know when I need to go out and tighten up the lines on the boat. I still can't find the oars. They may have floated off the last time the boat sank, and I just didn't realize it. But then if I cleaned out the garage, they could be there, a task I'm not jumping to do. Once the canal is up, boats will be coming thru from everywhere. I've seen them from as far away as Washington State.
Life here is beautiful and oh so social for someone whose socially isolated like me. I am truely blessed.
sal