Hello,
Fairly new here, but thought this may be worth bringing up and also seeking any alike cases. I just had top surgery on the 22nd, and found out I was allergic to latex! I have had surgery about 10 years ago on both of my feet, and also dye hair with gloves on, and the never bothered me. Well, the day after surgery my skin swelled immensely, hiding sutures to my drains, I had to have the strips removed asap, and now I have hives and at least some swelling has decreased. I knew I was "sensitive" to typical bandaids, I just always used the cloth.
This was scary! I had no idea how UGLY an allergic reaction could look. My skin looks like leather, my doctor assures me it's just a serious reaction and I can understand because dermatologists always sigh at how sensitive my skin has been. Has anyone else dealt with this? How long did it last for you? I'm in 7 day (6 actively red and gross!) and it barely losing color but the thickness is decreasing. I also notice yellow specks on the gauze every time I change them. So I assume, tiny blisters are oozing.
So gross, but 'tis life. The first day when my doc. changed my bandages I was so thrilled, it looked great! Now today getting my drains out, I couldn't even act enthused because all I saw was red and she was quite happy with the work. I felt horrible for being so unenthusiastic, but all I see is red red, lumpy skin.
(On a side note: Not on T for officially 3 weeks and it has made me a worry-wort, lol. How quickly E kicks back in!)
She mentioned it had to be latex because of the ace bandages, one form of tape, and then the adhesive on the strips all being catalysts. That's a wee bit uncomfortable to have not known. I suggest anyone going for surgery ask them to test you the day before IF you do not know for sure. =)
Now I just take some benadryl and "let nature take it's course." I'm also going to get one of those allergy tests done sometime soon-- I don't want another surprise allergy anytime soon.
Thanks for any related stories. I tried googling images of like cases-- any surgery photos with allergic reactions, but apparently everyone must think it's hideous! None found!
