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:

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.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Mold Elimination Diet

This is a list of items that contain mold... anything that sits any amount of time is suspect to mold. This includes frozen prepared foods such as frozen diners, pot pies etc. (Veggies and single frozen items are not included ) There is no proof these items have not sat for over an hour before freezing so they are suspect. Deli meats, any type of packaged lunch meat. I found this surprising too... deli meats are the worse as they sit there for days in the deli case.

The following is the list of things to be avoided if you suspect your allergic to mold.

  1. Cheeses of all kinds, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt (including frozen yogurt), and buttermilk.
  2. Mushrooms
  3. Vinegar and vinegar containing foods, such as: Mayonnaise, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, chili sauce, pickles, olives, relishes, Worcestershire sauce and pickled foods.
  4. Alcoholic liquors, especially beer and wine
  5. Any food made with large amounts of yeast, such as: Sourdough breads, pumpernickel, coffee cake, yeast rolls, loaf breads, and doughnuts.
  6. Sauerkraut
  7. Cider and homemade root beer.
  8. Pickled/smoked meats and fish, such as: Smoked salmon, pickled herring, deli foods, sausage, hot dogs, ham, corned beef, or any lunch meats.
  9. All dried and dehydrated fruits, such as : Apricots, dates, prunes, figs, and raisins.
  10. Eat only freshly opened home canned foods less than one year old.
  11. Avoid commercially can/jar vegetables, sauces, juices and fruits. You are allowed any frozen or fresh foods.
  12. No leftovers over 24 hours old.
This is just a list of things that contain mold that mold sensitive people should avoid. In no way should it be a replacement for a doctors care.
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