If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

My body must be changing or something. Since having dd nearly 2 years ago, I have been having/noticing reactions to foods I've never before reacted to.

I grew up with really bad hayfever, I guess maybe it was only a matter of time. :shrug

I have hayfever-like reactions to bananas now. Sometimes to avocado and kiwi, but not as strong(yet?). I know they are related to latex allergy. I react to other foods too(peaches, dried apricots, peppers sometimes, oranges sometimes, and watermelon Jolly Ranchers), but that is a different post.

So here's my questions.

1. Clothing-Are there supportive or sexy bras out there that don't have latex in them? Elastic has been bothering me--itching where it is in contact with my skin. I guess this pertains to other clothing, too.
2. Should I quit using my Keeper and get a Diva instead?
3. If you don't mind my asking, if you are TTA a pregnancy, how do you deal with birth control? I know there are non-latex condoms out there, but they are $$$. I am also allergic to spermicides and pills aren't on my list of options anymore. Maybe it's time I became more diligent and educated about this Taking Charge of Your Fertility thing. :shifty

4. What other things should I be watching out for?

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

We're not absolutely sure, but it appears that our daughter might be allergic to latex. My grandmother was highly allergic to latex so it would make sense. The first thing we noticed with DD was that she broke out in a terrible flaky red rash all across her bottom when eating apples daily and drinking diluted apple juice. Once we removed apple juice and apples (we went to pear juice) he rash healed immediately. After doing some reading we discovered that the composition of protein in apples is almost identical to the chemical make-up of latex so the body sometimes thinks you're ingesting latex. She's never been tested, so I can't say with confidence that's what it is. But it is suspect since she had a grandmother who is highly allergic to it.

Let us know what you find out... :hug2

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

I'm not super knowledgeable about latex allergy, but interested just because ds has super sensitive skin and breaks out in blisters from bandaids and such (maybe just hte glue, I dunno). I also thought I had a sensitivity to latex but I think it's just the spermicide on condoms as switching to the ones without spermicide seems to have taken care of the issue.

I would say though, if you're having that much sensitivity that even though the Keeper is natural gum rubber that it might be good to consider switching to the silicone cup just to reduce your exposure. :think If you are happy with the fit of the Keeper, I'd get a Mooncup because the DivaCup is shaped slightly different and fit some women differently. :)

HTH, and good luck...

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

Thanks for that link! I was searching for a comparison and that link is just what I was looking for!

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

um...uk or us mooncup? :shifty :bft

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

UK Mooncup is what I use and love (and it's just like the Keeper my mom had) :)... I'm actually kinda annoyed with Keeper for using the same name with a space in it. It's really confusing to people.

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

okay that gave me a headache :shifty

Deanna

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

Sorry! :lol I guess I'm annoyed by the whole thing because I've had my Mooncup for 4 years and then along comes the "Moon Cup" and it confuses people. Trademarks and such aside, I think Keeper should have chosen a different name for their Moon Cup since the (UK) Mooncup was already being sold and known as the Mooncup. :sigh

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

I'm allergic to latex. It's no fun. I'm also allergic to spermicides. There are only two brands of condoms that we've found that we can use that are latex-free and spermicide-free. We used one of them (one was bad...kept coming off :blush) Yes, they're expensive, but worth it. DH, of course, hated them.

I cannot eat bananas either, they make my lips and mouth itchy. The dentist forgets and uses latex gloves, and I'm an itchy, red mess for a week. I can't blow up balloons for my kiddos... :mad

We had to choose between condoms and NFP for our birth control. We used a combo. If I was not fertile, we went without. If I was even thinking about being fertile, we used a latex-free condom.

Bras are a tough option...I seem to be okay if the elastic is encased in the fabric of the bra. Same with what my family calls "underhoozles." So long as the elastic is encased, I seem to be fine.

When I delivered my son, the hospital was overly zealous. I was put in a corner room with big signs all over the doors saying "LATEX ALLERGY!" lol...I felt like such a freak. Be prepared that sometimes you have to deal with the allergy. I got a root canal, and they did not have a latex-free dam. They had tried to get them before my appointment, but couldn't. I just had to deal with it, and take Benadryl.

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

Hmmm. I was just reading this cuz i'm nosy, not because I suspected I have a latex allergy, but I have an itchy rash along my bra line, and bananas make the roof of my mouth burn. Would those be symptoms?

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

Hmm...could be I suppose. My mouth doesn't burn really, but the roof of my mouth and my lips feel itchy. :shrug

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

:giggle and thats why it gave me a headache like they couldn't think of a diffrent name :scratch

Deanna

Re: If you're allergic/sensitive to latex, come in here, k?
 

bananas for me are definitely itchy

Apricots, on the other hand, cause a burny closing-inny type feeling. :shrug