Suite101

Abby Wojahn


Suite101 Member

I am 27 years old and live in Milwaukee, WI (where it's cold-Brrr!). I have a bachelor's of science degree in nursing and am currently working on a master's degree in Nursing Informatics through an online program from Excelsior College in NY. I started having the early symptoms of latex allergy about 4 years ago but didn't give it much attention, mostly because of lack of education about it. It has progressed to the point where I now have asthma from it and can no longer work in patient care.

Latex allergies are becoming an epidemic among healthcare workers and dentists, and are also starting to affect beauticians and food service employees. (It's estimated that 8-17% of all healthcare workers have a latex sensitivity or allergy.) There is also a hereditary component. There is no treatment as of now-if someone with the allergy keeps exposing themself (as I did), they risk severe breathing problems and eventually, death. Most of my coworkers refused to accept that they were at risk for this disease, even while they watched me progress through it. I think it's a general lack of knowledge, and I feel strongly that people with occupational risk need to be educated! I know how my lack of knowledge (and unwillingness to accept it) has turned my life upside down.

There...I'll get off my soapbox!

My hobbies include backpacking,reading (biographies, mysteries, nursing and medical related, world history), crafts and basset hounds. I am discovering that I love working with computers (one good thing that came out of my career change!), thus the reason why I'm pursuing the degree in Informatics. I just bought my own computer so my time online will increase. Currently, I spend approximately 3-4 hours a week online.