My name is Julie and I live in AR. I have recently been suspended
from work due to latex allergy, severe type I. I am "suspended"
with pay for now, until my allergy results come back from the
allergist. I have been waiting over 3 weeks for the results and am
about to go CRAZY wondering what is going to happen to me. What if
the tests come back negative for latex? Then what??? I have had
respiratory reactions to latex for 1 year. It started about 2 years
ago with just a severe rash on my hands after wearing latex gloves
and then went to the rash and respiratory problems, then to only the
respiratory problems which has progressed to anaphylaxis over the
last year. My first severe respiratory reaction was to a latex
tourniquet I used to draw blood from one of my patients in the ICU
where I work. My unit has taken all the latex out and no one is
supposed to bring latex into the unit. My last reaction was to an
artificial lung, which is just like a BALLOON, that was brought in
by the director of Respiratory Therapy. UGHHHHHHH!!!!! Anyone have
any advice for me on what steps to take next???? Please help.
jmpiratenurse@...