National Latex Allergy Network(E.L.A.S.T.I.C.) Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers from 46 state chapters who are 
dedicated to promoting increased awareness of Hevea Natural Rubber Latex Allergy (HNRLA) and the prevention of
future sensitization. This is accomplished through networking and education. In addition, volunteers
offer information and support to those diagnosed with HNRLA, their families, friends, co-workers and
health care facilities. 

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Disclaimer:

All  material is intended for educational purposes only.  Readers are encouraged to discuss medical
treatment and decisions with their physicians.  This site neither endorses nor is responsible for 
any of the products, opinions, or information presented by other sites to which it offers links.
Furthermore, this site is not responsible for any action taken by readers as a result of their 
interpretations of material provided by this site. 
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Lise Borel, DMD,is the National Director/Retired and Debi Adkins is the founder of ELASTIC. 
Without both of them, many of us would not be here today to share our stories. 

TO LISE,
You started a support group
to help us deal with living.
I wonder if you really knew
how much you would be giving.
                                      
You, yourself, have suffered
every single day.
But when I need to call you
you always know what to say.
                                      
You and debi Adkins are angels
from above.
God only loaned you to us
to teach the ones we love.
                                      
Living with this illness
is so very hard to do.
But having a good support team
will help us see it through.
                                      
Learning to live with latex-
you struggle day by day.
But knowing how to manage it
makes it easier along the way.
                                      
So when our job is ended
and our lives have settled down.
I'll take a good long look at life-
feeling safe when you're around.
                                      
So, here's to you, Lise,
my mentor and my friend.
We'll walk this path together
Until the very end.
                            

                                      
                                      
            

Hi. My name is Pat Lawson and I am a Certified Surgical Technologist. 
I also have Hevea Natural Rubber Latex Allergy (HNRLA). I worked in the Operating Room 
from 1975 to 1993.  I was diagnosed with HNRLA in 1995 and due to the
severity of my illness, I was disabled in 1996. Since I can no longer 
work I spend my days providing support, education and consultation 
concerning HNRLA.  This site is intended to provide much needed information 
and steps that can be taken to help the caregiver avoid becoming the patient.



Do you wear latex gloves in the course of your work day? Are you noticing red,
raised areas on your hands when you take off your gloves? Are you experiencing 
periods of wheezing or have a sudden on-set of asthma while at work?  Are you
constantly sick at work but get better on weekends or during vacation time? 
Does it seem like you are always having sinus infections or a runny nose and 
can't get over it? Have you ever experienced swelling of your lips when blowing
up a balloon or after a visit to the dentist? Do you have blisters after removing 
a band-aid or tape? Do you have multiple food allergies that include bananas, kiwi,
avacado, English chestnuts, melons, tomatoes or potatos?  You may be latex allergic
and don't know it. You have found the right place to learn more about latex protein allergy. 


       THE LATEX LIFE

I once had a career, a profession, you know,
there was no where on Earth I couldn't go.
I was busy and smart and right from the start
I knew I loved life with all of my heart.

Then over the years I really got ill-
a strange sickness against my will.
My co-workers said it was all in my head
But many a day I stayed in my bed.

Rubber's the culprit-something you can't see
There's so many places it can be.
You can't take a breath for fearing the worst
Inhalers and medications take up my whole purse.

This illness is something you can't fake-
every joint in your body decides to ache.
I really can't tell you how happy I'd be
If only I could be the same old me.

So don't let latex ruin your career
GET OUT THERE AND FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU HOLD DEAR.
Only you will know if you stay or you go
But don't let the researchers go to slow!!!!!!

Educate your peers and the public too,
Let people know what has happened to you.
Being sick and unemployed is not by choice-
So join a support group and add your voice.

Only by knowledge will they find a cure.
I will be pushing-that's for sure.
Let's stop this needless illness-to you I pray.
That's my mission-to see another day.

By:  Pat Lawson, CST  - 1996

Very first thing I did was ask my doctor for a letter stating I have latex allergy that requires me to carry epi on me at all times. He also put in there I may be carrying a TENS unit and traction equipment. Then the letter states in very large, bold letters that no one can touch my person or my luggage while they have latex gloves on. I make copies of this letter and always carry enough with me for each layover and flight. I also carry an extra in case one should be lost or not come back to me.

First thing I do when I fly is tell the person making the reservations that I have a severe latex allergy that requires me to carry meds on me at all times. I also tell them I have a letter from my doctor stating what I need on my person and in my bags. All airlines have been wonderful about this.

I then ask if the inside of the plane is cleaned by people wearing latex gloves but most of this is done with outside vendors and hard to find out. I have yet to have a reaction on a plane so I would imagine that very little cleaning with latex gloves is used.

When I found out where I am staying I call, write or email (we have a meeting planner who usually does this for me but never hurts to double check.) and ask about latex glove use. I then tell them I would like to speak to a manager and explain about my allergy and how my room needs to be cleaned by someone not wearing latex gloves and I will be bringing safe gloves with me. I always ask if this is acceptable and they always agree to this. I put a clean pair of gloves out (with a tip) each day for the cleaning person and they use them with no problems. In fact, a few times they have come looking for me to ask what type of gloves they are since they do not make their hands sore and red like the latex ones do.

I put latex allergy bracelets, in lieu of proper latex allergy luggage tags, (these are the florescent green ones CETRA carries) on my luggage (next to the nametags) that are hard to miss. I tried the green latex sticker CETRA carries but they were being torn off as soon as I let someone else touch my luggage. Also I have made a latex allergy sticker by using an old tag (has to be stiff and secure) and putting one of the smaller green latex allergy tags on it. The brighter I make it the happier I am.

In my purse or carry on I always have at least two epi pens, my inhalers, any meds I may need in an emergency (such as liquid epi and benedryl) two masks, one Technol with the ear loops and one Filter mask. (Just out of habit.) I carry my copies of my letter from my doctor, non latex gloves in a plastic zip lock bag, my CD player in a plastic bag (just in case someone reaches in before I can stop them), tourniquets, NIOSH alerts, a copy of Dr.. Beezhold's study on transference of proteins to foods and one on children choking and latex balloons.

On the plane there never seems to be anything served except a drink and maybe a pretzel or two so I have no problems there. If it is a long flight I have carried my own snacks on before and no one has questioned it.

Getting to the airport: When I get to the ticket counter, I show my ticket, my ID and my letter from the doctor. I show them my Medic Alert bracelet and tell them the risks associated with my allergy. Usually they do not care but they will listen. I show them my bright green latex allergy tags and that usually catches their attention. I then tell them I carry non-latex gloves in case my bags need searched. I usually have a pair in my hand by this time. If your bags need to be searched for any reason, have them check into what gloves that airline uses. If you try to go stand-by on an earlier flight most airlines will search your luggage. Again, stress no latex gloves and offer a pair of non-latex. Because of the way I pack, they usually do not use gloves at all.

I put my dirty clothes in a bag in a separate suitcase. I always put my "used" panties in a zip lock bag with a fabric softener dryer sheet inside. The agents checking your luggage appreciate this. I try to put things in bags so they can see what it is but not have to take it out and handle it as much.

On to the security gate: I try to tell them about my meds but most people do not want to hear until you have gone through the golden arches (just kidding) really, after you go through the metal detector. You can not have anything in your hands so put a letter in a pocket so it is assessable right away. I then show them my letter from the doctor, explain I am more then happy to have them search my purse and/or carry on. They have asked to see my epi pens and were extremely pleased that the label from the pharmacy was on the case (do not carry it in the box) and the gray cap is intact. Since you cannot have anything in your hands while going through the metal detector I always keep another pair of non-latex gloves in my pocket in case I need to be searched.

After all is taken care of at the security checkpoint on to the gate. There I explain about the allergy and inform the ticket agents at the gate I have needles and where they are located if needed. I also tell them I will have non-latex gloves on me and they are happy to have this info ahead of time. If there is extra time, I will show the flight attendants about my epi, where it is and what to look for if I am not feeling well. I am told this is put into the computer so they have an idea of who I am and what I have with me but I have yet to see it anywhere.

This works well for me. I have never had a problem yet in all the years I have been flying. I stay as far away from gloves as possible, ask at any of the eating places in the airports if they use latex gloves, if they say no, I will eat there. I have seen a few latex gloves in the airport bathrooms and I have asked the people to please wait until I am done before touching anything else and please, please do not take the glove off if I am still there.

That is about all I can think of at this time but sure more will come to me later.

______________________________________________________________________

New to this site.

I am going to add a page to help start a support group in your area if there is interest in it. I would appreciate any feedback you all may have. Please email me at PatNRLA@Hotmail.com with comments, concerns, questions and feedback..

Thanks to all......