Guest guest Posted May 31, 2002 Report Share Posted May 31, 2002 Hi Sharon, My girls aren't allergic to latex, but I usually ask at blood draws and when they're hospitalized for staff to use non-latex items because people who have frequent medical procedures are at increased risk of developing the allergy. There are non-latex alternatives for just about everything; there's just no excuse for a hospital to use latex gloves, bandaids, etc. if there's any question about whether someone is allergic--in fact, some hospitals have gone non-latex across the board. It's better for the staff, too; they're the other at-risk group. Some hospitals also won't allow latex balloons (both because of the latex and because they're a choking hazard when popped). I understand your concern about the MSBP, but latex allergy is a really big deal. People can die of it. And the more exposure a person gets, the worse the allergy gets. There's no reversing it. Limiting exposure is the way to keep from getting it and also the way to keep it from getting worse in someone who already has it. Do you know for sure that Isabelle is alergic to latex? If not, there is a blood test any of her doctors can order. BTW, if you search on latex allergy, there are web sites that list products that have latex and alternatives that don't. Hope this helps, -- Mom to: Emilie (15), cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, suspected mito with many autonomic symptoms Kaitlin (15), cerebral palsy, asthma, a few autonomic symptoms Ian (20) migraines ....and wife to Tim, who has a heart of gold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2002 Report Share Posted May 31, 2002 Hi Sharon, My girls aren't allergic to latex, but I usually ask at blood draws and when they're hospitalized for staff to use non-latex items because people who have frequent medical procedures are at increased risk of developing the allergy. There are non-latex alternatives for just about everything; there's just no excuse for a hospital to use latex gloves, bandaids, etc. if there's any question about whether someone is allergic--in fact, some hospitals have gone non-latex across the board. It's better for the staff, too; they're the other at-risk group. Some hospitals also won't allow latex balloons (both because of the latex and because they're a choking hazard when popped). I understand your concern about the MSBP, but latex allergy is a really big deal. People can die of it. And the more exposure a person gets, the worse the allergy gets. There's no reversing it. Limiting exposure is the way to keep from getting it and also the way to keep it from getting worse in someone who already has it. Do you know for sure that Isabelle is alergic to latex? If not, there is a blood test any of her doctors can order. BTW, if you search on latex allergy, there are web sites that list products that have latex and alternatives that don't. Hope this helps, -- Mom to: Emilie (15), cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, suspected mito with many autonomic symptoms Kaitlin (15), cerebral palsy, asthma, a few autonomic symptoms Ian (20) migraines ....and wife to Tim, who has a heart of gold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2002 Report Share Posted May 31, 2002 In a message dated 5/31/02 9:36:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time, tyandsharon@... writes: << I was wondering if any of the other kiddos (or adults for that matter) react to latex. Isabelle has been getting progressively worse with each hopsitalization. She breaks out really badly from any tape contacting her skin. She also has trouble with latex gloves and balloons. >> When had a reactive arthritis about 5 years ago, he also started to react to tapes, bandaids. Then, about 4 years ago, during dental surgery, he got all red/inflaammed in his throat where they had placed the latex dental dam. So, we don't have anyone use latex gloves, tourniquets, etc. around him anymore. He also started breaking out in a red rash from the latex/rubbery type floats at the community pool. He has not shown any reaction to balloons, but he hasn't been around them much. Don't let the MSBP thing have you react in fear, just be informed...let your doc know about your concerns, and let him/her list it as a possible allergy. Dena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2002 Report Share Posted June 1, 2002 Colby has very reactive skin. It is a big strange medical word that I don't remember, but his skin reacts to even a stethascope. He breaks out in a rash at the drop of a hat. I always no when his brothers have hit him, because of the red skin, so they can't say I didn't do it. ha ha. Three boys in the house and mine like to fight all day long. It's always someone elses fault. Sorry to get off the subject, but I agree with whomever spoke earlier about being exposed to latex a lot, sometimes do go on and develop a reaction. Colby's ped says nothing to worry about. mom to Colby 12, COX IV, LCHAD, ADHD, Chad 14 healthy, Caleb 9 also healthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2002 Report Share Posted June 1, 2002 Ronan has always been very sensative to any of the tapes or adhesives. Once when he was in ICU for two days, they had the ECG lead stuck to his chest. When they removed the leads, a layer of skin peeled off too!!!! So far they are not calling it a latex allery as the gloves and balloons etc do not bother him, but I believe tape reactions and latex reactions are related. (I also am very sensative especially to elastoplast bandages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2002 Report Share Posted June 1, 2002 Hi Sharon, I don't know if latex allergies are necessarily mito related. I have a severe latex allergy which became apparent after the birth of my third child. It is quite common when you come into contact with latex a lot. I had next to no contact with it though so it is a bit rare for me! I carry an epipen (adrenaline) in case of anaphylactic reaction. Donna (mum to Lochie undiagnosed mito 7/20/00 - 7/20/01) Latex Allergy > Hello again, > > I was wondering if any of the other kiddos (or adults for that > matter) react to latex. Isabelle has been getting progressively > worse with each hopsitalization. She breaks out really badly from > any tape contacting her skin. She also has trouble with latex gloves > and balloons. I was just wondering if anyone else has this problem. > I am going to ask her genetecist about it but honestly I am afraid > that I will be accused of MSBP after that list of " symptoms " was sent > around and included allergies. > > Thanks in advance, > > Sharon Fisher mom to Isabelle and Rebekah > > > > > Please contact mito-owner with any problems or questions. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2002 Report Share Posted June 1, 2002 Sharon, I have an allergy to latex also. I can't have any tape on me or use latex gloves, etc without getting a bad rash. When I have blood drawn, I have the tech put this " tape " on that looks kinda like an ace bandage but stiffer. Its usually bright pink. It doesn't seem to bother me. As for the MSBP, I have decided that I am not going to let ignorant people dissuade me from treating my child. Yes it is scary to be accused, but my daughter is my number 1 priority. Kids have allergies. Adults have allergies. Requesting latex free materials hurts no one and is probably quite common. When had surgery this past year, I had a whole list for the surgical staff. Their eyebrows raised and they ignored me until the doctor blasted them for using lactated ringers even after I said no. They were ignorant and ignored a parent who did know and they paid for it and hopefully learned their lesson. I refused to back down and kept safe even with the questions. I don't think we have a choice. Until mito is recognized as a disease by everyone, that is what we have to do and hope that the medical world doesn't come down on us. I hope this helps. S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 18, 2002 Report Share Posted November 18, 2002 Hi , I would assume that you're going to be wired post-op, if elastics are made from latex? In that case, you'll need lots of recipes for variety in your liquid diet. Check out the recipes section of http://www.geocities.com/orthognathicinfo/ I do recall a member here using almond oil on her lips post-op. You can find that at a good health food store. They may be able to help you with non-petroleum based lip balms. Hope that helps, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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