[Nana RN]

I have posted this message three times now I never see it anywhere or get a response - please help - if anyone knows about a systemic latex allergy please send me a message and I will tell you troubles and ask for advise - Thanks

[sjoe]

Your question is anything but clear. If you want to learn more about latex allergies, try a google search. If that is not what you want, then make your post more direct and specific.

[nowplayingEDRN]

I think sjoe is right. Your question is very vague, Nana. What specifics are you looking to know more about?? S/sx, treatments.....so on and so forth......Google or Alta Vista is a good search engine for medical. Dogpile.com is also an excellent search engine to try.

[Nana RN]

I began work in a PACU/OR after leaving clinical nursing for seven years. On the firt day in the OR I began to itch mainly on the rt ankle - I thought it was the detergent in the scrubs - I was gien permission to take them home and wash them in my own detergent - I developed a runny nose and itchy eyes and the hives on my lower extremities began much worse p taking benedryl - one week later it spread to my chest, forarms, and face - I still went to work where I was seen by the ER doc who started me on prednisone - I seen the allergist the next day - and as it became much worse - heavy chest, hoarse voice and difficlty greathing I was admitted to the hospital for IV meds - BS went to 674! I was there for over a week not getting better and later went home. I was given work comp and began to get better - my legs are still discolored-willnot tan- and will not grow hair and have little sensation - I have a neg ANA abd biospy for vasculitis although the doc still felt it was vasculitis due to the latex exposure - the exposure is systemic not typical. I was seen last weej by a derm doc who stated he knew nothing about latex allergies and looked it up on the internet - he relesed me to work but not in a health care facility - it may be worse next time or even fatal. I itched when I visited my husband in the hospital due to his IV tubing! I do not know where to turn...I contacted an anttorney - but he has not been a huge help - tells you what you want to hear! Here I sit no job, money or insurance since they terminated my job at the hospital - Does anyone know about latex allergies or any suggestions on how to handle this? Please let me know asap! Thanks!

[Noney]

I wish I could help you....
Maybe some consulting work for an insurance company? Telephone triage?
Doesn't sound like you're ever going to be able to work in a clinical enviroment.

[renerian]

When they wondered if I had a latex allergy they drew my blood to check for an allergy? Did they do that?

Mine turned out to be a skin disorder.

renerian

[Nana RN]

I noticed a few grammar errors in my message! Sorry - I mainly meant my allergy is topical (systemic from the masks and poppoingof the latex gloves) Any advice would be appreciated!

[Nana RN]

Yes I had a positive RAST latex test. Does anyone know if the insurance company can help retrain me or settle enogh for education?

[renerian]

Could you do case management? no latex there.

renerian

[Shiva_Las_Vegas]

It seems like you might need to find another lawyer. I believe that if you have been working in healthcare and develop a latex allergy....it's considered a workman's comp kind of thing. Also I believe that the hospital cannot terminate your employment....and that they would have to make accomodations for your problem by providing latex alternative gloves for you to use...etc.

I know I've seen some stuff on that before....I just can't remember where right now. If I find those sites I will post them for you.

In the meantime, you might want to do a general search on Latex Allergy on the interenet to see what all comes up. I think that's what I did. You also might want to check out the OSHA site and do a search for latex allergy there....

Sorry I can't be of more help at this time.....