I went to the allergists Friday in order to try and help find what foods I am allergic too. I made it through the airborne allergens tests and the fruits. The Doctor stopped the test.. I started having a reaction. He didn't think I was that allergic to stuff... he assumed it was all asthma. Which it was not... the breathing tests showed i did not have asthma. The rest of the food testing has been put on hold until my reactions are more under control. It is suspected that other things, such as my severe mold allergies may be causing the others to be worse. So we are working on eliminating the mold from my diet and in 4 weeks I have to go back and see if the reactions are not as frequent or at least not as severe. I have been put on several different medications and they seem to be helping last nights reaction was no were near as bad as previous ones. No inhalers were used and no benedryl was used. I did take atarax, only 1. I only needed to lay still and rest, the next morning I had some congestion but that was it.
I am going to post some things I am allergic too and the Mold elimination diet in the hopes others may be able to follow it and seek some relief. There are things that contain mold that I had no idea.
My allergies.... just the first half of the test:
Molds
Dogs
Cockroach
All Trees
Plantain
Nettle (which is good to know as its used in many many herbal and homeopathic remedies, as well as plantain)
Grass - all of them
Dock - Marsh Elder
Dust mites
Raisins (mold content)
Cheese (mold content)
Grapefruit
Oranges
Lemon
Lime
Tangerine
Apple
Almond
Pear
Cherry
ok there is the first part ... I will create a new post for the mold elimination diet.
Introduction
I have a Natural Rubber Latex Allergy, i was diagnosed with it 9 years ago. At that time I didn't really think much into it or how it would affect my life so dramatically. If i knew then what I know now I may have been able to prevent it from developing from what it was, a simple skin rash that itched to what it is now... full blown anaphylactic reactions. I know some do not know what anaphylaxis, in short it is the body reacting upon itself to rid itself of a deadly allergen. The following link explains in detail what anaphlaxis is and how it effects the body. Anaphylaxis-Wikipedia
There are two different types of latex allergies, Type I and Type IV. Type IV is the most prevalent. It consists of contact dermatitis, redness and itching. It is easily taken care of by washing the affected area with soap and water. Type I is not as prevalent, yet is the most dangerous. It can be deadly if proper medical attention is not. Some of the symptoms of a Type I reaction are:
- polyuria
- respiratory distress
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- encephalitis
- fainting
- unconsciousness
- urticaria (hives)
- flushed appearance
- angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, neck and throat)
- tears (due to angioedema and stress)
- vomiting
- itching
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- anxiety
It is possible to have both types of reactions, I do. while it is rare it does happen.
I have experienced all of the above except the encephalitis. With the use of various medications I have been able to control the reactions, in the event they do not work I carry epi-pens with me everywhere I go. I wear a medical bracelet and very vigilant over what I come in contact with. There is no cure, shot or anything that can help, only avoidance of latex containing products will offer any kind of relief. Repeated exposures will make the reactions worse... eventually the only thing that will work will be epi-pens and trips to the emergency room. ( at a latex free hospital. Which are out there, just have to vigilant in finding them)
That is why I have created this blog in the hopes that even one person will be able to successfully live with this allergy. I am quite sure things would have been different for me if I had known all of this in the beginning.
I have experienced all of the above except the encephalitis. With the use of various medications I have been able to control the reactions, in the event they do not work I carry epi-pens with me everywhere I go. I wear a medical bracelet and very vigilant over what I come in contact with. There is no cure, shot or anything that can help, only avoidance of latex containing products will offer any kind of relief. Repeated exposures will make the reactions worse... eventually the only thing that will work will be epi-pens and trips to the emergency room. ( at a latex free hospital. Which are out there, just have to vigilant in finding them)
That is why I have created this blog in the hopes that even one person will be able to successfully live with this allergy. I am quite sure things would have been different for me if I had known all of this in the beginning.
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1 comment:
I learn some new stuff from it too, thanks for sharing your information. Allergy Relief
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