How DARE you put me at risk of death rather than find a better test for me?
IgE for latex sensitivity was negative, although lab did qualify by stating that results are not conclusive; now, my doctor suggests a skin prick test. I've told him repeatedly that I have Type I reactions; his response was to "assure" me that the testing facility would be prepared to inject me with epinephrine in the event of anaphylaxis. Isn't that a bit irresponsible, stupid, dangerous? I'm 60 years old, in good health except for my recent severe reactions to latex. My answer to this was "No, you can't take that chance with me and then hope you can bring me back from death by injecting me" He insists there is no other way to determine the cause of my allergic reactions. I KNOW this can't be right. So, what other tests are there, AND should I report this doctor to some regulatory commission or other?
aliceanne:
I completely understand you issue. I also have a latex allergy that has sent me into several life-threatening reactions. I was diagnosed several years ago when there were no other standardized testing options other than the RAST testing in the lab. At that time, individual doctors were creating their own serums in their offices without any standardized way to determine the levels of any latex protein that they were planning to inject for allergy testing.
This have come a ways from that as now there are standardized latex testing serums. Guideline suggest that providers first conduct the RAST testing (where blood is drawn & tested in a lab) to determine those individuals who might not survive a true exposure. If that test is negative, the next step is a skin test.
Yes, I appreciate the frustration and fear associated with intentionally agreeing to an injection of a substance that has caused great harm in the past. Fortunately there have been many strides in creating a safer way to conduct these tests. I had to go through the same choices that you are facing now to "prove" my allergy to latex. It was not fun. In fact, it was pretty scarry!
When faced with this issue I did a couple of things: researched the doctor and his latex related background, and did all that I could to calm myself. The way I calmed myself most was to learn about latex allergy, research ways to avoid exposures, and contacted the American Latex Allergy Association (www.latexallergyresources.org). I had a great doctor who completely guided me through the entire experience in an exteremely supportive way.
You might be considering whether you want an official diagnosis. While this is your choice, let me tell you why it was important to me. I have had a couple of surgeries fairly recently in which I would not have been fully accomodated with a latex-safe surgical suite & treatment. I am also entering some medical labs and situations that had I not had a diagnosis, there would be no way to accomodate me and my needs.
Latex allergy does impact my life significantly, but through knowledge and proper diagnosis, I do not have to allow it to control me life. In 1997 when I received my latex allergy and latex-induced asthma diagnosis, I was determined that this speed bump in my life would not control my life. Don't let it control yours. Arm yourself with knowledge, preparedness and a true diagnosis.
Good Luck & Breathe Easy!
Gerri Rivers, AE-C
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