Latex sensitivity and cross-reactivity with food
Ten years ago I had a unilateral nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and augmentation of native breast--two different Allergan silicone implants (both are on recall list). I have had a latex sensitivity for 30 years triggered by a latex diaphragm. If any latex is on my skin for more than 10-15 minutes I get a rash that lasts for 3 days or so.
For the past 18-24 months, I have noticed burning on my tongue when I eat certain foods. It started with walnuts - intermittently. Then that got worse and now I can barely eat one walnut. This has progressed to other foods: avocado, kiwi, banana, strawberry, watermelon, eggplant, figs. This used to be intermittent but now I react all the time. I found out that there is something called "cross-reactivity" and "latex food sensitivity". I have stopped eating all foods that I notice cause this reaction on my tongue.
I have no other symptoms. I haven't talked with my doctor yet but I wonder if there is a connection with having implants for the past 10 years? Or is this coincidental?
Anyone experience this?
Comments
-
Are the implants latex? I don't see how it would be related, however, after my lumpectomy I started having waaay more skin allergies than before. I reacted to the dermabond (shudder), and the miaderm during radiation. I developed a sudden allergy (wheal and flare type) to the TB test they do in your arm after getting them for 20 years working in healthcare and having no problems. These were bad allergies...severe rashes that derm referred to as being "allergic to the allergy," sending rash distant places like my earlobes. Itching so bad I nearly went to the ER to ask for a sedative (but derm came to the rescue with a wonderful steroid shot). She is still my hero for that 3 years later lol.
Since then I have also developed a new adhesive sensitivity, but only near the radiation field. I can put bandaids on my legs, but chest or back rashes up badly.
My point for sharing is that I was never an allergic person before cancer. I think something in surgery (? Anesthesia) sensitized me or switched something on.
-
Hi gb2115
No there’s no latex in the implants - silicone filled but I don’t know of what the shells are made - can’t imagine there would be any latex as it is reactive with about 70% of all people!
I agree that major health challenges & treatments can affect our bodies in strange ways.
Thanks
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team