Frustrated and Angery

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

Reason

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

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