Hi new here

[nikJo]

hi, I've known I've been allergic for a long time to latex, but the allergy has been getting worse, I'm now allergic to some latex protein containing foods. I finally managed to get a RAST test done and have been told over the phone this morning that its a moderate posative result. He wasn't able to tell me what this meant, I have to wait for a senior member of the ocupational health team to be on duty to advise me. I have tons of questions though..

1. Does this mean it is a definate diagnosis of a type 1 allergy? (I have all the symptoms)
2. Should I be wearing a medic alert bracelet?
3. My allergic reaction has never affected my breathing, but could it worsen?

I'm also worried now about my job,. I work on a hospital ward.. what if they now do a risk assessment and decide its not a safe place for me to be??? my minds whirling.. anyone enlighten me or reassure me )

I've also been referred to a consultant for a skin prick test.. but that could be months away.. to see just 'how' allergic I am.

[AnnaB]

Surely through your hospital this should be fast tracked for your job. Skin prick tests are easy and results fast while your there.

[nikJo]

you would think so! theres a hospital policy on staff with latex allergys, but I've asked 3 times to be referred to occupational health for a rast test and its taken me persisting and quoting the trust policy to get referred. My main argument is that all sterile gloves on the wards are latex, and I need an official diagnosis so the trust can justify the extra cost of providing me with non latex ones. I manage using non sterile vinyl at the moment but obviously can't perform sterile procedures. Now that I have a posative result maybe things will be speeded up. The hospital as a whole is very good on being as latex free as possible, but theres still a lot about and I worry about my allergy continuing to get worse. I had the blood test taken 4 weeks ago and I've had to chase occupational health for the result. Noone seems to be taking this that seriously. I get rhinitis, urticaria, intense itching, on occasions swollen lips, and extreme fatigue when I have a reaction. I've developed an allergy to certain fruits, apples in paticular. I've reacted to marigolds, latex medical gloves, car tyres, balloons, elasticated cuffs on clothing, etc etc. A dentist once removed latex gloves before working on me and washed their hands, didn't put any gloves on and I had a reaction to whatever latex proteins remained on their hands, swollen lips and tongue. It has never affected my breathing thank goodness, but I feel a bit lost and could use some guidance if anyone else can give any.