----- Original Message -----

From: bettlebugs2002

To: LANTERN@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2004 3:47 PM

Subject: [LANTERN] "urgent-natural rubber latex" case denied because lack of proof

Hello;

I am being denied by WSIB because I reacted starting with a rash and
swelling all over my hands and arms on the second day working at a
hospital.  Previous to this I had never been tested for latex
allergy, or had never had any of the above systems in my life!  I
followed the guidlines and reported it and showed it to my
supervisor, and then to Occupational Health Services at the
hospital!  The hospital found thought it would be a good idea to
find out what was happening so an allergiest appointment was set up.
This appointment was a month later.  In the meantime I continued to
work three to four times a week.  I changed to wearing different
gloves and there was no more swelling that occurred.  The allergiest
tested for ragweed and hayfever and also said I had a very mild
reaction to "natural rubber latex"  He told me to continue wearing
the gloves that did not bother me and I should be okay. 

He wrote me out a slip of paper telling me the gloves I could wear
and told me to give it to my immediate supervisor (so they would
provide me with the proper gloves)  p.s. this did not happen, I
always had to find my own!  I told occupational health about my
appointment.  For the next three and one-half months, I continued to
work three to four times a week, (but I was starting to get
headaches, feeling very sick and weak, like the flu!)  I could not
believe I could be getting so sick!  One day, the hospital calls me
out of the blue, and says Laurie, you have a very serious condition,
and you will only be limited to work in four of our low-latex
areas!  I had worked one shift alfter that, they cancelled all of my
shifts that they had scheduled me for, and never called me again. 
They told me they cannot accomodate me!  Workman's Comp. said they
do not think I could become latex sensitive in a couple of days to
three weeks, and because I am casual on-call I do not have a case. 
Please help.  I am from Canada, I need information on exactly how
long it might or might not take to because sensitised to latex.  I
had run a successful daycare business and have never had such an
illness.  I have two large scars on the top of each hand ( they said
this is dermatis)! Please help, where do I find info that will help
my case.  I am not giving up! Yours truly,
Laurie