As if DD needed one more thing on her plate...latex allergy (help!)

[graygables]

11yo Asperger's, selective mutism DD who has a TERRIBLE infection of plantar warts that is going to prevent her from walking at WDW next month went to the dentist for a routine checkup on Monday. On Tuesday, she was Chip & Dale and the inside of her mouth covered with sores. Wed, dxed with latex allergy and given steroids. Aside from the obvious (medical equipment/gloves, rubber bands, balloons, etc) is there anything I need to be concerned about, esp at WDW and on the Disney Cruise? I did get her a medicalert bracelet and sent in medical forms for the cruise, so they are aware, but I'm just wanting to make sure I have everything covered.

Should I have asked for an epipen? She didn't have any breathing difficulties this time, but BOY did she swell up. :confused3

TIA for any info/advice!

[TwitterMouse]

If she had no breathing problems, then an epipen is probably not nesecary. However, I read that latex allergies can get worse all of a sudden and even when previous contact didn't cause breathing problems, it can turn into that. Not sure though.
Things you have listed are definetly a must. Here's a link that has info on what to watch for at Disney in regards to latex allergies: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/latex.htm

[mrmagicmph]

... dxed with latex allergy and given steroids. ... I did get her a medicalert bracelet and sent in medical forms for the cruise, so they are aware, but I'm just wanting to make sure I have everything covered.

Should I have asked for an epipen? She didn't have any breathing difficulties this time, but BOY did she swell up. :confused3

TIA for any info/advice!

If she had no breathing problems, then an epipen is probably not nesecary. However, I read that latex allergies can get worse all of a sudden and even when previous contact didn't cause breathing problems, it can turn into that. Not sure though.
Things you have listed are definetly a must. Here's a link that has info on what to watch for at Disney in regards to latex allergies: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/latex.htm

Latex allergies can DEFINITELY get worse, sometimes over a long period of time, sometimes over a SHORT period of time. Since she already had swelling & mouth & face involvement, I would STRONGLY urge getting an epi-pen & carrying it at ALL times, along with some benadryl (diphenhydramine). Sometimes you can "get away with" just some Benadryl, but sometimes you might need need to use the epi-pen.

There are plenty of things that can induce a reaction, including a bunch of food that you wouldn't automatically associate with latex. Check that article, it has a fairly complete list of cross reactive foods. There are other latex allergy resources online too, so consider searching "latex allergy resources" too on your favorite search engine.

Enjoy the Magic of your trip, and be careful!

[Michigan]

I have 2 allergic to latex the oldest has almost died 3 times from it.

[Selket]

I agree to get the epi-pen. I always carry 2 with me. My son has a different allergy but I've always been told the next reaction could be far worse. It can't hurt to have the epi!

[tigercat]

If you have a latex allergy you should also stay away from Kiwi fruit.
tigercat

[mrmagicmph]

If you have a latex allergy you should also stay away from Kiwi fruit.
tigercat

Depending on your individual sensitivities, you might also need to stay away from bananas, cantelope, avocado, chestnuts, and even pineapple, among others. However, it does VERY much vary person to person as to what cross-reactivity issues they may have.

Enjoy the Magic, & be safe!

[PatsMom]

Probably not a Disney issue,but when school starts be careful of pencil erasers. When I was doing Girl Scouts we had a scout with a severe latex allergy. Besides having epi-pens at all times, we bought pencils with no erasers - some contain lates and some don't. It was easier to ban them all then to figure it out.

[PoohBear]

Some things I can think of from our trips.

I have had allergic reactions on airplanes (people using erasers nearby and people bringing balloons on the plane.) As a result, I now pre-medicate with Benadryl before flying and I wear a latex free allergen mask.

I am very cautious to avoid any food that for me is remotely cross reactive. But this is not foolproof since one day tomatoes never bothered me then the next day, violent reaction.

I have had minor reactions at some attractions but those were easily treated with Benadryl. BUT the most severe reaction I ever had at an attraction was Lights, Cars Stunt Show in MGM. I had never seen it and I was not thinking. LOTS of rubber smoke from the tires. I barely got out of the exit before I needed my Epi-pen. I will be sure to skip this attraction next time.

I travel with a latex free kit. I have a latex free first aid kit inside as well as some other things, like the masks, gloves, non-rubber elastic bands, etc. You may want to put together a latex free travel kit to suit your own needs. As another poster said, you should search the internet for latex allergy resources.

[mrmagicmph]

Looking at this thread, we have PoohBear, PatsMom, and myself, all having Pooh names or avatars, and we all 3 have latex allergy related problems. I'm beginning to think that Pooh himself must have latex allergies too! :rotfl2: No wonder he doesn't wear pants, too much concern that there might be latex in the waistband??:rotfl:

Anyway, sorry for the severely off topic tangent, but couldn't help myself.

On a serious note, I'm glad to see (& at the same time, sad to see) that this topic is being of so much use to people to exchange latex allergy information.

Oh, & one thing I might suggest for PoohBear, if you've not already done it. You might want to either be extra careful or skip entirely Test Track. The vehicle does have short stops that may cause some burning of rubber, as well as the "hot" room to heat up the rubber and whatever else is floating in the air. Finally, because if they did have to have an emergency evacuation of the vehicle, you'd likely be far closer to the tires than you normally are getting in/out of your normal vehicle. Just things to consider for your own safety.

Enjoy the Magic, & help spread the protection of each other!

[TwitterMouse]

Hmm... I've never considered that Lights Motor Action would cause a reaction. I was debating whether I'd go see this show or not, so I think I'll skip it.
I also really like the idea of bringing a latex-free first aid kit. I ran into that problem at work, I had five bites on my hands (attack of the birds!), and couldn't use any of the bandages because all of them said "packaging contains latex". Grr. Ended up going the whole day with open punture wounds. Not cool.

[mrmagicmph]

From all of the questions and concerns people have had here on this thread, I decided to contact the Reedy Creek Emergency Services (RCES) to just make sure that what I thought I remembered was correct. I've gotten confirmation from the Shift Chief at RCES (who actually looked in their supply closet to make sure that what HE thought was correct, too) that RCES is fully latex free. Now, since I'm also a paramedic, let me say that it remains POSSIBLE, though unlikely, that there MAY still be a COUPLE of latex products that are somehow in their inventory. However, I would put it as being EXTREMELY unlikely.

So, for those who worry about whether they'd need to bring latex free gloves or other first aid supplies, at least as far as their ambulances go, you should be just fine. Now, when it comes to first aid kits &/or the first aid stations in the parks themselves, I don't have the DEFINITIVE answer yet, but am expecting that shortly too. Once I hear, I'll let everybody know here.

Enjoy the Magic, & stay safe!

[PoohBear]

Thanks for checking on that Mrmagicpooh!
I appreciate you checking on that. It does make me breathe a little easier. I have learned the hard way that you still must have your own supplies on hand. I called my local hospital to confirm their latex protocols. They said they had two latex free crash carts on hand always. Twice I was at this ER and both times no one knew where the crash carts were. They had to take my blood without using gloves, a tourniquet or bandages. :eek:
Both times I wrote to the hospital board and the head of emergency services and on my third trip... nope... they still can't find the crash carts. Luckily, I keep mine in the car now so it was not a problem. I was recently talking with a paramedic here and he told me they were completely latex free. He went to his truck to show me the gloves they use and they were powder free LATEX gloves. I will always continue to carry my kit but please let me know what you do find out because it does matter. Thanks again!

[mrmagicmph]

Thanks for checking on that Mrmagicpooh!
I appreciate you checking on that. It does make me breathe a little easier. I have learned the hard way that you still must have your own supplies on hand. I called my local hospital to confirm their latex protocols. They said they had two latex free crash carts on hand always. Twice I was at this ER and both times no one knew where the crash carts were. They had to take my blood without using gloves, a tourniquet or bandages. :eek:
Both times I wrote to the hospital board and the head of emergency services and on my third trip... nope... they still can't find the crash carts. Luckily, I keep mine in the car now so it was not a problem. I was recently talking with a paramedic here and he told me they were completely latex free. He went to his truck to show me the gloves they use and they were powder free LATEX gloves. I will always continue to carry my kit but please let me know what you do find out because it does matter. Thanks again!

No problem at all, PoohBear. If this makes things easier for you, when the Chief was looking in the supply closet, he was reading off what the boxes said (under his breath, don't think he even know he was doing it). Now, I AM a paramedic, so I knew just what he was talking about. All of the normally-latex products that he read off said "Latex-Free" & "Nitrile", which is truly latex free. Now, I do plan to check further, and in fact, I may end up taking a trip over to the lego fire station at some point to see what's new & noteworthy over there (I have had the nickel tour there before, back around 2000 or so) & may be able to report more about whether or not ALL of the appropriate supplies truly are latex free. Unfortunately, I'm a paramedic who can no longer practice, in good part due to the latex allergy, but, I definitely know what I'm looking at, & still maintain a current certification.

Also, as concerns the hospital that you spoke of, may I suggest that you contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PM me if you need additional information on contacting them) and report that facility for its failure to have appropriate latex free supplies for use during an emergency? I can virtually guarantee that a major safety related complaint like that will prompt a No-Notice site inspection of their emergency department to ensure that such supplies CAN be located during an emergency, and will take appropriate action against the facility should such be necessary. Again, PM me if you have further questions about this, but, take my word that this general thing is something that I'm rather familiar with :rolleyes1 and that I do know something about Pennsylvania also.

Anyway, happy to help provide this service, & ask if there's anything further that I can do!

Enjoy the Magic!

[icelady]

I have a severe latex allergy and in 2000 had a episode which I ended up at Celebration Hospital which had a latex free cart ready with supplies, so they were aware of latex allergies back then. I second the stunt car show as I had to leave the area fast when we went to see the show. Also even being in the area is bad if windy as the burning rubber will travel and it is an airborne allergy. Just be careful when eating. All disney owned restaurants use vinyl and you are safe, but what happened to me was we had dinner at LeCellier and the chef came out to speak to us about the allergy and he said they used latex but he would make my steak separate, would not be touched by gloves, but what I did not think about was that all the other gloves being used the airborne latex particles would also end up being on the steak and other food. One bite and I had severe respiratory problems, used an epipen and had to use the 2nd epipen before getting to the hospital. I used a cab to get there, husband had to handle all that as I was unable to even speak due to the swelling in my throat, and thought I was going to die. Always keep an epipen on your person with this allergy, benadryl is also a big thing to carry with you. I understand LeCellier now wears vinyl but am not sure about this. We always flag our dining with latex allergy and the chef visits us. Do not eat there at all if they are using latex, I found out the hard way. Disney is very accomadating with allergies and I always request that no latex gloves be used to clean our room, take vinyl with and leave a box in the room for their use in case all they have is latex. If you would like to pm me I will answer any questions about a latex allergy that I can. Good luck with your trip. Paulette:)

[mrmagicmph]

Just be careful when eating. All disney owned restaurants use vinyl and you are safe, but what happened to me was we had dinner at LeCellier and the chef came out to speak to us about the allergy and he said they used latex but he would make my steak separate, would not be touched by gloves, but what I did not think about was that all the other gloves being used the airborne latex particles would also end up being on the steak and other food. One bite and I had severe respiratory problems, used an epipen and had to use the 2nd epipen before getting to the hospital. I used a cab to get there, husband had to handle all that as I was unable to even speak due to the swelling in my throat, and thought I was going to die. Always keep an epipen on your person with this allergy, benadryl is also a big thing to carry with you. I understand LeCellier now wears vinyl but am not sure about this.

I have received this direct quote from Brenda Bennett, THE food allergy guru at WDW: "Disney does not use latex in their kitchens. However we can't guarantee how food was handled before it arrived to us. We stopped using latex several years ago because we had guests with latex allergies. We use
vinyl gloves in all our food locations."

Is caution still advised/appropriate? Absolutely. BUT, at least it's a significantly positive sign!

Enjoy the Magic!

[alliedogsmom]

Watch out for the rain ponchos. My DD has a latex allergy and we found out that most of the rain ponchos contain latex....this is one we hadn't thought of. Also be sure to check undergarments (waistbands, etc.) to make sure they are covered with fabric if they have elastic in them.

[2angelsinheaven]

Be sure to inform the CM who checks your child into the Lab onboard the cruise of her allergy so they can note it. I saw you faxed in a medical form but a back up never hurts. Also if you have/get an EPIPEN bring one with you, their is an EPIPEN form you can fill out so it can be administered if needed.

[hematite153]

Be sure to inform the CM who checks your child into the Lab onboard the cruise of her allergy so they can note it. I saw you faxed in a medical form but a back up never hurts. Also if you have/get an EPIPEN bring one with you, their is an EPIPEN form you can fill out so it can be administered if needed.

Another 2 recommendations for epi-pens and leaving kids with less experienced people.

You can get epi-pen trainers that don't have needles or medicine in them. If you had one of those you could make sure that the CM in the lab were familiar with how they work and had actually tried them out. (I do think the laws around epi-pens vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. So, you should probably figure this out too. If the CMs won't be allowed to administer it then make sure your DD and siblings know what to do and when to do it.)

If you place a full script in the case with the epi-pen then the person using it doesn't need to remember what to say to emergency services.

I.e. "I have a XX year old girl with a latex allergy. I have just administered XX epinephrine. We are at ________." Etc.

[mrmagicmph]

I heard back from WDW Guest Relations today concerning my original inquiry about latex allergies & the first aid kits/first aid stations at WDW.

What they said was the following:

"Please note that I call a First Aid Location to find out about the them
First Aid Location Kits and Bandaids are Latex Free.


All the balloons in our parks are Mylar and all our food service
locations use an acrylic glove. No latex gloves are used in any food
service area across property. Upon request, our counter and full
service food locations can prepare a meal with plastic gloves.
Regretfully we cannot guarantee that at some previous point in the
harvesting, production or marketing of the foodstuffs or products that
only plastic gloves were used. Please be aware that our custodial cast
members still uses latex gloves in cleaning restrooms, garbage cans etc.

As an exception to our standard policy, guests who have severe allergies
are welcome to bring their own food items with them into the theme
parks. However, picnic baskets, ice chests, and coolers are not
permitted."

Hope this ends up being helpful!

Enjoy the Magic!

PS. Sue and/or Cheshire Figment: Should some of this information perhaps be put in a sticky somewhere here on the board? Just something to think about.

[Schmeck]

They've gotten rid of the latex balloons again? There were posts here a while back about the latex balloons being sold in the parks.

[mellers]

I also have an 11 year old daughter with high functioning autism, so I sympathize. Our daughter doesn't have a latex allergy, but she has terrible eczema so we sometimes have to be careful with laundry detergents, etc.

I think you've covered the bases, but I'd ask your doctor about the epi pen.

[mrmagicmph]

They've gotten rid of the latex balloons again? There were posts here a while back about the latex balloons being sold in the parks.

All I can tell you for certain is that's what they said in the email. I'm heading down to WL in 23 days, 11.5 hrs, but who's counting :lmao: and I'll let people know what I see for myself upon my return.

Enjoy the Magic!

[gamomof2]

our daughter was initially latex sensitive. finally last year we had the IgE blood test done which thankfully was negative. a true latex allergy is a life altering thing. we found out that most generic finger paints and crayons have latex. Crayola makes the only latex free products (our BOE shelled out good money for her class to have name brand paint and crayons). There is latex in most carpet, in the plastic seats the children sit on and in the rubber stoppers that are on the feet of the tables. Most shirt arms have latex in the bindings, most underwear has latex in the elastic. We are cautious to limit her exposure to latex but thankfully we now know - symptoms or not - that she doesn't have this allergy.

[Schmeck]

Be aware that there is natural latex and synthetic latex. Isn't it only the natural latex that causes the reaction? Not that anyone should take any chances, but, for example, latex paint is made with synthetic latex.

There's a thread about Wendy/Peter Pan running around EPCOT, and they have latex balloon swords. Don't know how old the video on youtube is, though...

[jamesmommy]

Do they make mylar balloons that are clear? I know they still sell the mickey ear balloons inside the clear balloon. I saw them at the park yesterday. I assumed they were latex, but I admit I am not experienced with latex alternatives.

Also, when typing out this post I went looking to see what the above balloons are made of (I couldn't find anything), I saw a post on allears reminding folks that the "washcloth" figures Mousekeeping sometimes leave usually contain at least one rubberband, so that could be a potential problem too.

[icelady]

I too wrote to Brenda Bennet after reading about the balloons and this is what she said,"I talked to Dave Johnson from Rubio Arts and we do still sell the balloons she mentions below, the latex ones inside the clear plastic bubble. He told me the reason they put them in the clear plastic bubbles is to protect people who have latex allergies....I didn't know that. He did say that the company they puchase the balloons from have a process where they cook them for a period of time in hot water to drive out the proteins so they aren't as potent as other latex balloons which do not go through that process. Hopes this helps,Brenda"


Now I know the clear bubble is not plastic but apparently a latex balloon that has been cooked. The less proteins the less of a reaction but to me latex is latex and need to be avoided when you have a life threatening allergy. I am glad to see that they are attempting to lessen the amt of latex but if seated in an enclosed area such as a bus or restaurant, I personally don't want to be seated near one due to the exposure. This answer I received was very helpful and I am thankful that someone was willing to look into the question.

Paulette:dance3:

[Cheshire Figment]

I too wrote to Brenda Bennet after reading about the balloons and this is what she said,"I talked to Dave Johnson from Rubio Arts and we do still sell the balloons she mentions below, the latex ones inside the clear plastic bubble. He told me the reason they put them in the clear plastic bubbles is to protect people who have latex allergies....I didn't know that. He did say that the company they puchase the balloons from have a process where they cook them for a period of time in hot water to drive out the proteins so they aren't as potent as other latex balloons which do not go through that process. Hopes this helps,Brenda"


Now I know the clear bubble is not plastic but apparently a latex balloon that has been cooked. The less proteins the less of a reaction but to me latex is latex and need to be avoided when you have a life threatening allergy. I am glad to see that they are attempting to lessen the amt of latex but if seated in an enclosed area such as a bus or restaurant, I personally don't want to be seated near one due to the exposure. This answer I received was very helpful and I am thankful that someone was willing to look into the question.

Paulette:dance3:
Based on what you said in paragraph one, your comments in paragraph two appear to indicate you are still confused.

In the double balloons, the inside one (the Mickey with Ears, for example) is "cooked" latex. The outer (clear) bubble is plastic. So contact with the outer balloon is safe. The only problem may be if the outer balloon bursts and then the inner balloon is the latex one.

[hematite153]

I too wrote to Brenda Bennet after reading about the balloons and this is what she said,"I talked to Dave Johnson from Rubio Arts and we do still sell the balloons she mentions below, the latex ones inside the clear plastic bubble. He told me the reason they put them in the clear plastic bubbles is to protect people who have latex allergies....I didn't know that. He did say that the company they puchase the balloons from have a process where they cook them for a period of time in hot water to drive out the proteins so they aren't as potent as other latex balloons which do not go through that process. Hopes this helps,Brenda"


Now I know the clear bubble is not plastic but apparently a latex balloon that has been cooked. The less proteins the less of a reaction but to me latex is latex and need to be avoided when you have a life threatening allergy. I am glad to see that they are attempting to lessen the amt of latex but if seated in an enclosed area such as a bus or restaurant, I personally don't want to be seated near one due to the exposure. This answer I received was very helpful and I am thankful that someone was willing to look into the question.

Paulette:dance3:

My interpretation of Brenda's information was different from yours. I thought she was saying that the balloon INSIDE the plastic bubble was the cooked latex and that the plastic bubble was not latex, but rather a type of plastic in order to protect people with latex allergies from the balloon inside it.

Hmmn...I cannot even picture these balloons at the moment so I don't know if one interpretation should be obvious over the other. But, I do know that I won't go near food cooked on a grill that has chicken cooked on it. (I get really scared when I tell people that I'm allergic and they say, "don't worry, we'll cook it over here in a clean spot" and I can actually see the chicken just inches away.) So, I can certainly understand your concerns about riding a bus with latex balloons.

[hematite153]

In the double balloons, the inside one (the Mickey with Ears, for example) is "cooked" latex. The outer (clear) bubble is plastic. So contact with the outer balloon is safe. The only problem may be if the outer balloon bursts and then the inner balloon is the latex one.

Ah ha! Someone who knows. Thanks Cheshire!

[icelady]

I took it to mean that the outside ballon has been cooked to reduce the latex proteins from the latex balloon inside. The outside is not plastic but a latex balloon from what I understand. I am not trying to argue but just stating how I took the email. I know this can be a sticky subject and do not want to post anything to start a problem. Paulette

[mrmagicmph]

I'll be going down to WDW in 16 days, 11 hrs or so. I'll plan to email Brenda for more information, including, if possible, if there's someone down there in person I can get better information about the latex balloon issue from. I suffer from a Type I latex allergy and have had to become a fair "expert" on the issue, for various reasons. So, the best I can offer is that I'll try to look into it further and report back to everyone here.

Enjoy the Magic!

[graygables]

Just left WDW today. We purchased a balloon and it is plastic outside/latex inside. I did ask and the CM assured me that the outside is latex free. It has a hard seam on the sides which would indicate to me that it is, indeed, plastic. DD is fine with it.

She was, however, VERY upset (as was her 8yo sister) that there were TONS of super-fun balloon animals lined up at OKW and they couldn't have any of them. :(

[mrmagicmph]

I also got a reply from Disney today to my inquiry about the balloon within the balloon that we've all been talking about lately. They followed up directly with the balloon vendor (& I have appropriate follow-up emails if needed if anyone else has any questions) who clearly says that the outer balloon is indeed plastic & completely latex-free. The inner balloon is a latex balloon. The inner balloon is "cooked for a certain amount of time to remove some of the potency of the latex."

Hope this is helpful. If anyone needs any other questions answered regarding latex balloons as Disney, let me know, I'll be happy to follow up with the vendor directly if desired.

Enjoy the Magic & stay safe!

[icelady]

Thank you for the follow up on the balloon. I misunderstood the post and am glad that I was corrected. I am really impressed that the outside is plastic and again thank you for the follow up. Paulette:thumbsup2

[Schmeck]

Now, they just have to be careful when inflating the latex balloon inside the plastic one, so that they don't touch the outside of the plastic with hands that have be handling the latex balloon.

[mrmagicmph]

Thank you for the follow up on the balloon. I misunderstood the post and am glad that I was corrected. I am really impressed that the outside is plastic and again thank you for the follow up. Paulette:thumbsup2

Always happy to help!

Now, they just have to be careful when inflating the latex balloon inside the plastic one, so that they don't touch the outside of the plastic with hands that have be handling the latex balloon.

True enough. Still, it's better than "average", though not perfect, yes.

Enjoy the Magic!

[momof2n2]

I'd get an epi pen.
I've had a ton of them for DS#1 and never used them for his allergies, Praise the LORD, but I'd rather have it and not need it than the alternative. :(

I'm sorry for your little girl.