1	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / General Chat and off-topic / Hope everyone is doing well  on: Yesterday at 20:40:13
Started by Teddy | Post by Teddy
Hi All   Hoping this message finds you all keeping well. I have not been on forum for a while as not been keeping too well. I have various health problems but have discovered a lump on my throat. Like an adams apple and not so good being a lady.   A friend noticed this lump and said I should get it checked out so I have been back and forth to hospitals and now attending ENT specialist. A lovely man. So apparently I have a thyroid lesion. They did an ultrasound and I have to go back (not yet got return appointment) but should be October sometime to ensure it has now changed or grown. If there are any problems they will do a biopsy at the next scan.   This is related to my thyroid problems and it has given me a nice husky voice not so nice to have a swelling in my neck though. It is annoying not painful just annoying.   Keep you all posted if I get any news about it. Lovely ENT specialist and he told me not to worry and I will not worry as he is not worried. So that is good news.   Hope everyone is doing well and nice to be back on the forum.   Take care all   Teddy

2	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / General Latex Allergy Discussion. / Re: Contraception/Pregnancy  on: Yesterday at 20:33:58
Started by Imogen | Post by Teddy
Just been to my local hospital and they proceeded to do some blood tests so I asked them to ensure the band they put on your arm was latex free. The reply was oh yes we are totally latex free.   Then at the end of the tests my arm was bleeding and would not stop they were about to stick micropore which does not suit me not because of latex I don't think and guess what   they then tried to put on a latex plaster   So much for totally latex free.   I don't think so.   I live to tell the tale.   Hope everyone is well.   Take care   Teddy

3	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / General Latex Allergy Discussion. / Re: Where did you see balloons  on: Yesterday at 14:50:40
Started by LASG Forum Administrator | Post by Lesley
Hi all   I have written a formal letter from LASG stating all the Health and Safety responsibilities etc re Latex Allergy to; Nestle, McDonalds, Boots, Phones4U, Sainsburys, Clinton Cards, B&Q, The Salvation Army, Frankie and Benny's, The Body Shop. BHS, Superdrug, Debenhams, Holland and Barrett, HMV, NEXT, Cancer Research, Waterstones, Birthdays, Dreams, NatWest, Thompson's Travel, Focus and the Children's Society and will now send letters to Thomas Cook, Comic Relief, Pizza Hut, IKEA, Edinburgh Wool Shop, Shoe Zone, Halifax Bank and Shell Garages.   I have had a few positive results the best being from NEXT. Some others are just sending the letter to the relevant person, so as usual that may be the bin, but we'll keep on keeping on.   The most disappointing has been the Olympic committee which has systematically ignored 3 contacts including one directly to Lord Coe! Very annoying, but I will keep going.  Regards to all Lesley LASG

4	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / Introduce Yourself / Re: Hello  on: Yesterday at 09:05:39
Started by Imogen | Post by Mel_P
Hi Imogen,   Welcome!  Just read your comment about tropical fruit.... I am allergic to latex and pineapple and have found out that there is a protein that is comment to both plants.... interesting that your family are experiencing these allergies... might be worth you avoiding these fruits too.   Melanie

5	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / General Latex Allergy Discussion. / Re: Vaccinations  on: 03.09.10 at 21:11:26
Started by Chantelle | Post by Tami
yea i had same problem.  they sent me 3 reminders saying to book yet i had already done it.   An i had my appointment today  after waiting since feb! an that was only as they had a cancelation!.   good luck with it all Tami

6	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / Useful Web Sites / Re: Latex free balls  on: 03.09.10 at 19:55:56
Started by 1964apple | Post by 1964apple
Hi Richrd said that all the balls branded masterplay are latex free with the exception of exception of FB506. I ordered basket balls, volley balls, netball, football and some soft play balls. I didn't go into the balls likely to be used by primary schools, however, I am sure Richard would help if you give the company a call, it took about a week to get back to me with the answers.   Meg played with all the balls before I took then to school and was fine with them. Richard was very helpful, hopefully it won't be a problem in the future as Meg started latex desensitization in March and may be somewhat improved by Christmas. When I have information as to how it is going I will start a new subject and let everyone know!     Good look with the balls   Chris

7	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / General Latex Allergy Discussion. / Re: Vaccinations  on: 03.09.10 at 17:35:36
Started by Chantelle | Post by Chantelle
Update - we are now waiting to see an allergy specialist.  The comments seem to be now what type of latex allergy she has rather than if she has one.  Not sure what changed that!   She saw the GP about a couple of things and was refered.  She's been advised not to have vaccinations until she has proof of her allergy as then they have to track down safe versions.  She's due everything a 3/4yr old needs as she is a bit behind with them.   Sadly though nothing has come up on the choose and book system.  We had to phone to ask to have an apointment sorted but it means waiting for an apointment to be sent.  It is now weeks later adn we have just had a reminder letter to get the apointment sorted!!! We're phoning again.

8	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / Useful Web Sites / Re: Latex free balls  on: 03.09.10 at 17:29:17
Started by 1964apple | Post by Chantelle
Brilliant - Thanks for that.  I will let Jacinth's nursery / school know.   Is there any chance you can clarify what balls are latex free though please?  I have just looked on the site and they have the bobbly balls and the 'pom pom' balls and I am sure these had latex.   http://www.bishopsport.co.uk/product.asp?strPageHistory=search&numSearchStar tRecord=41&strParents=0&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=3769&btnProduct=More+Details for example has them. I'd looked into that sort of toy and seemed to find that all of them involved dipped latex! There also seems to be plenty of tennis balls which I thought were latex too!   Sorry to ask but the headteacher says he will only buy latex free from now on so I need to stear him in the right direction.   (I have e-mailed the company!)

9	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / Complaints about businesses / Re: TESCO - LATEX BALLOONS AT CUSTOMER SERVICE  on: 03.09.10 at 17:23:18
Started by ndj | Post by Chantelle
The same at out tesco's.. They said they thought it was something to do with the deal they have with the national lottery company.  They have to do certain promotions!

10	Latex Allergy Sufferers Forum General Topics / General Latex Allergy Discussion. / Re: Contraception/Pregnancy  on: 03.09.10 at 13:06:07
Started by Imogen | Post by Lesley
Dear Emma   At last I have had a proper response from Durex re the Avanti product from a colleague on the LASG medical advisory panel. He has had to wait to receive the information from them. I hope that it is helpful   Kind regards Lesley Fudge VC LASG   “All Durex® condoms meet and exceed the appropriate standards worldwide and Avanti BareTM is no different. The physical test properties of Avanti BareTM condoms are in line with the requirements of ISO 4074:2002, the internationally-recognized standard for natural rubber latex condoms, but there is currently no international condom standard specific to synthetic condoms. Avanti BareTM condoms are manufactured from synthethic polyisoprene and are suitable for use by natural rubber latex sensitive users*.  The condom is strong, stretchy and has a soft and natural feel. Results of a randomized crossover clinical trial showed the condom, when used correctly, provided an equivalent level of protection to latex condoms. The trial was designed to comply with the recommendations of the FDA guidelines for clinical testing on synthetic condoms (Testing Guidance for Male Condoms Made from New Material 1995). *Dermatological testing shows that Durex® Avanti BareTM condoms have minimal potential for induced delayed hypersensitivity (also called "Type IV allergy" and "allergic contact dermatitis"). Some people who are sensitive to natural rubber latex may also have a sensitivity to these condoms.”   The key comment is that their in-use trial showed equivalence to NRL condoms when used properly. I don’t know if  the trial  has been published but guess not since no reference is provided.   From my own experience of the properties of the material I would expect that if the user tore the product it would be immediately obvious since tear resistance of synthetic PI is low once a tear has been initiated. With NRL the tear properties tend to be discontinuous or “knotty”, meaning that a tear may be less obvious. Again, in my personal opinion, efficacy should be equivalent to NRL provided that any failure is addressed promptly by the use of the morning after pill for example. Also of course the contraceptive pill provides no barrier protection against infection so I would think use of any condom would be advisable if this is a potential concern