a life of bread and water? Surely there have to be options
May 2, 2013 6:06 PM Subscribe
Is there any legitimacy behind testing for food allergies and sensitivity or is it best to do an elimination diet?
This was me. From the directions you pointed me in I realized how much of an issue food sensitivities are and I realized I didn't need to continue being anon. I did some reading following that question and am still trying to wrap my head around food allergies and intolerances. For purposes of simplicity here, I'm using the more general "sensitivity".
In addition to the salad issues above, I've been having some other plumbing issues dating back to the end of last year. For days I'll eat and then almost instantly need the toilet. And then, I wont' go for a matter of days until it becomes painful, and then it repeats again. I've also had some severe issues with bloating to an extent that I've never had before. It's a very different feeling to the bloat that accompanies my period.
I have never been able to isolate the food trigger(s)-- and the latest culprit is pasta ** I had it a few weeks back and bloated severely. Tune of a 12lb "gain" from that morning. That passed, and then I had pasta Tuesday and felt the severe bloat and indigestion, a symptom I never had before. While trying to relieve the indigestion, I vomited, mostly solving the issue. I've never had that -- but at least it was in the privacy of my own home. Minor indigestion lasted about 24 hours.
** please let's stay away from the carbs are evil, don't eat them, ever, weight loss argument. Assume for purposes of this discussion that I eat a healthy, balanced diet and have no issues with carbs aside from pasta.
I did raise this with my semi-primary doc and he wasn't concerned -- said everyone thinks they have food sensitivity with it being in the news. I can understand that, in part, as there are always fad diagnoses, but there's something causing my issues. I just don't know whether it's worth testing for given the poor understanding of the legit science (or lack thereof) behind the tests. I'm aware of some of the questions, endorsements and general questions testing for food sensitivities, but I'd love some guidance on what I can do to improve the current situation. Namely, I fear being caught out when symptoms start and the bloating can be very uncomfortable.
I read this, which was a good overview of how sensitivities change. But it's odd for me in that it's not a regular issue with an identifiable trigger. I do keep a food log as part of my weight loss efforts so that step is done. If I wanted to see a medical professional about this, would it be a gastroenterologist, allergist or some other specialty? I do watch a lot of the Food Hospital and am curious about treatments that might improve it.
Other health issues: PCOS managed by Glumetza (ER Metformin) and Spironolactone. Dosage on those two consistent for 4+ years so not likely the typical Metformin related issues. Lactose intolerant for about 20 years, diagnosed by a peds. Managed with lactaid when I "need" dairy but generally prefer soy.
Thanks, in advance, for any ideas, tips, anecdotes or answers.
This was me. From the directions you pointed me in I realized how much of an issue food sensitivities are and I realized I didn't need to continue being anon. I did some reading following that question and am still trying to wrap my head around food allergies and intolerances. For purposes of simplicity here, I'm using the more general "sensitivity".
In addition to the salad issues above, I've been having some other plumbing issues dating back to the end of last year. For days I'll eat and then almost instantly need the toilet. And then, I wont' go for a matter of days until it becomes painful, and then it repeats again. I've also had some severe issues with bloating to an extent that I've never had before. It's a very different feeling to the bloat that accompanies my period.
I have never been able to isolate the food trigger(s)-- and the latest culprit is pasta ** I had it a few weeks back and bloated severely. Tune of a 12lb "gain" from that morning. That passed, and then I had pasta Tuesday and felt the severe bloat and indigestion, a symptom I never had before. While trying to relieve the indigestion, I vomited, mostly solving the issue. I've never had that -- but at least it was in the privacy of my own home. Minor indigestion lasted about 24 hours.
** please let's stay away from the carbs are evil, don't eat them, ever, weight loss argument. Assume for purposes of this discussion that I eat a healthy, balanced diet and have no issues with carbs aside from pasta.
I did raise this with my semi-primary doc and he wasn't concerned -- said everyone thinks they have food sensitivity with it being in the news. I can understand that, in part, as there are always fad diagnoses, but there's something causing my issues. I just don't know whether it's worth testing for given the poor understanding of the legit science (or lack thereof) behind the tests. I'm aware of some of the questions, endorsements and general questions testing for food sensitivities, but I'd love some guidance on what I can do to improve the current situation. Namely, I fear being caught out when symptoms start and the bloating can be very uncomfortable.
I read this, which was a good overview of how sensitivities change. But it's odd for me in that it's not a regular issue with an identifiable trigger. I do keep a food log as part of my weight loss efforts so that step is done. If I wanted to see a medical professional about this, would it be a gastroenterologist, allergist or some other specialty? I do watch a lot of the Food Hospital and am curious about treatments that might improve it.
Other health issues: PCOS managed by Glumetza (ER Metformin) and Spironolactone. Dosage on those two consistent for 4+ years so not likely the typical Metformin related issues. Lactose intolerant for about 20 years, diagnosed by a peds. Managed with lactaid when I "need" dairy but generally prefer soy.
Thanks, in advance, for any ideas, tips, anecdotes or answers.
The info on Celiac is a good place to start.
Also, look into metal poisoning.
Also also: Track other (chemical) exposures in addition to your food log. My list of tolerated foods shrank to almost nothing while living with relatives who used a lot of chemicals in the home. I moved out and my dietary issues gradually improved. When you are on overload from something, it can make other things go wonky. After a chemical exposure in a chemistry lab sent me to the ER, I suddenly was allergic to seafood. I have never been a huge fan of seafood but was not previously allergic.
The year I nearly died and had testing out the yinyang, they officially determined I was only allergic to ragweed and nothing else. But I was later diagnosed with a genetic disorder, which was life altering in a good way. So don't be deterred if initial testing turns up not much.
posted by Michele in California at 6:51 PM on May 2, 2013
Also, look into metal poisoning.
Also also: Track other (chemical) exposures in addition to your food log. My list of tolerated foods shrank to almost nothing while living with relatives who used a lot of chemicals in the home. I moved out and my dietary issues gradually improved. When you are on overload from something, it can make other things go wonky. After a chemical exposure in a chemistry lab sent me to the ER, I suddenly was allergic to seafood. I have never been a huge fan of seafood but was not previously allergic.
The year I nearly died and had testing out the yinyang, they officially determined I was only allergic to ragweed and nothing else. But I was later diagnosed with a genetic disorder, which was life altering in a good way. So don't be deterred if initial testing turns up not much.
posted by Michele in California at 6:51 PM on May 2, 2013
At the very least go see a gastroenterologist. While it might be Celiac or another specific intolerance, it also could be severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Get the plumbing checked out for physical causes, and they can do a blood test and maybe a biopsy to check for Celiac. If they call it idiopathic (we don't know) IBS, then maybe go on to allergy testing. True elimination diets are very hard, and you'd want a doctor to supervise that anyway to be certain. Testing can give better answers than the diet, and with your symptoms, the limitations of a true elimination diet could clear up your symptoms no matter what the underlying cause.
All that being said, I feel for you. My diagnosis of idiopathic IBS was terribly unsatisfying. I know you don't think it is relevent, but low carb wheat-free has reduced my symptoms to almost nothing. And I've lost weight. I do envy people who can eat real pizza, but it just isn't worth the misery for me.
posted by monopas at 6:53 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
All that being said, I feel for you. My diagnosis of idiopathic IBS was terribly unsatisfying. I know you don't think it is relevent, but low carb wheat-free has reduced my symptoms to almost nothing. And I've lost weight. I do envy people who can eat real pizza, but it just isn't worth the misery for me.
posted by monopas at 6:53 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Is there any legitimacy behind testing for food allergies and sensitivity or is it best to do an elimination diet?
To answer your initial question, if you are referring to a "prick" test for allergies, there is some legitimacy behind it but I have read research (unable to find it currently) that says there is a lot of variability based on who is doing it, and the depth the needle is inserted. Further, an allergic reaction in a prick test does not necessarily equate to an allergic reaction in real life, and likewise nor does a non-reaction mean that you are not allergic to something.
Your doctor is right in that allergies are an industry now, an especially lucrative one for both pharmaceutical and food companies.
However, I personally find their dismissal of your very real symptoms troubling and very familiar from my own journey to being diagnosed - and medicated successfully - with colitis.
I strongly recommend a referral to a gastroenterologist, if you can afford it - and preferably not just the first one in the phonebook or whoever your GP recommends. Get a good one. They will be able to help you.
It took me many tests, and an endo/colonoscopy to receive my diagnosis, but it - and the treatment it enabled - has changed my life. You can and should insist on further investigation. This may have nothing to do with allergies, per se, but you may be able to get some relief. Good luck,
posted by smoke at 6:54 PM on May 2, 2013
To answer your initial question, if you are referring to a "prick" test for allergies, there is some legitimacy behind it but I have read research (unable to find it currently) that says there is a lot of variability based on who is doing it, and the depth the needle is inserted. Further, an allergic reaction in a prick test does not necessarily equate to an allergic reaction in real life, and likewise nor does a non-reaction mean that you are not allergic to something.
Your doctor is right in that allergies are an industry now, an especially lucrative one for both pharmaceutical and food companies.
However, I personally find their dismissal of your very real symptoms troubling and very familiar from my own journey to being diagnosed - and medicated successfully - with colitis.
I strongly recommend a referral to a gastroenterologist, if you can afford it - and preferably not just the first one in the phonebook or whoever your GP recommends. Get a good one. They will be able to help you.
It took me many tests, and an endo/colonoscopy to receive my diagnosis, but it - and the treatment it enabled - has changed my life. You can and should insist on further investigation. This may have nothing to do with allergies, per se, but you may be able to get some relief. Good luck,
posted by smoke at 6:54 PM on May 2, 2013
It's pretty easy to set up your own elimination diet. This can at least get you close to where you want to go. Especially if you know that the pasta meal was a trigger for you.
What was on the pasta? Break down the list of ingredients that was in that meal. Then start with the most allergenic of them. When you say "pasta problems" I hear "gluten." I have a gluten sensitivity. The more of it I eat, the worse it gets.
Two weeks is more than enough time for you to run a test. And you should be able to deal with going gluten-free for two weeks. Eliminate all sources of gluten from your diet. Do you have any episodes during this time? If so, note what you had eaten in the 48 hours before your episode. Repeat as needed.
Once you think you have found the culprit (i.e. no signs for 2 weeks) reintroduce that thing into your diet. Eat several slices of bread, for example. Wait 48 hours. Do you have an episode? If so, you've found it. If not, keep looking.
Gluten, dairy, and soy seem to be the most common food allergens, so that's probably where you will want to start.
posted by ErikaB at 7:13 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
What was on the pasta? Break down the list of ingredients that was in that meal. Then start with the most allergenic of them. When you say "pasta problems" I hear "gluten." I have a gluten sensitivity. The more of it I eat, the worse it gets.
Two weeks is more than enough time for you to run a test. And you should be able to deal with going gluten-free for two weeks. Eliminate all sources of gluten from your diet. Do you have any episodes during this time? If so, note what you had eaten in the 48 hours before your episode. Repeat as needed.
Once you think you have found the culprit (i.e. no signs for 2 weeks) reintroduce that thing into your diet. Eat several slices of bread, for example. Wait 48 hours. Do you have an episode? If so, you've found it. If not, keep looking.
Gluten, dairy, and soy seem to be the most common food allergens, so that's probably where you will want to start.
posted by ErikaB at 7:13 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks all. Huge help and starting point for thinks to look into further.
Not to threadsit, but to respond to a few questions.
ErikaB
What was on the pasta? Break down the list of ingredients that was in that meal. Then start with the most allergenic of them. When you say "pasta problems" I hear "gluten." I have a gluten sensitivity. The more of it I eat, the worse it gets.
Thanks for the tips on elimination. I've lived overseas where particular foods may or may not be available so won't be an issue to trick myself into avoiding foods with gluten for two weeks once I learn the hidden sources. FWIW, pasta this week had bacon, a very light bit of cream (had a lactaid so doubt it's that), fresh black pepper. Previous incident was a meat sauce with pieces of meatball - I initially figured it to be a high-salt sauce although I didn't have finger bending issues that salt normally causes. I'll keep as detailed a log as I can even before I try any degree of elimination. Right now I'd say the log is 90% specific. I'll track the 1.5 inch chocolate chip cookie, but not source details/recipe, etc. I *really* hope it's not soy.
monopas:
All that being said, I feel for you. My diagnosis of idiopathic IBS was terribly unsatisfying. I know you don't think it is relevent, but low carb wheat-free has reduced my symptoms to almost nothing. And I've lost weight. I do envy people who can eat real pizza, but it just isn't worth the misery for me.
I think the reason I don't think it's relevant is because I can eat other carb-filled foods without issue. Bagels are still a fairly regular part of my weekly meal plan with no problem. I don't care much for pizza so haven't noticed if I had an issue with that. But it's food for thought. IBS was something that came to mind as well, especially after it was on the Food Hospital.
Oh and I realized on rereading that I edited this out. In case it's valuable: female, early 30s, healthy aside from PCOS. I'm in NYC with access to a good range of doctors and good medical insurance.
posted by TravellingCari at 7:31 PM on May 2, 2013
Not to threadsit, but to respond to a few questions.
ErikaB
What was on the pasta? Break down the list of ingredients that was in that meal. Then start with the most allergenic of them. When you say "pasta problems" I hear "gluten." I have a gluten sensitivity. The more of it I eat, the worse it gets.
Thanks for the tips on elimination. I've lived overseas where particular foods may or may not be available so won't be an issue to trick myself into avoiding foods with gluten for two weeks once I learn the hidden sources. FWIW, pasta this week had bacon, a very light bit of cream (had a lactaid so doubt it's that), fresh black pepper. Previous incident was a meat sauce with pieces of meatball - I initially figured it to be a high-salt sauce although I didn't have finger bending issues that salt normally causes. I'll keep as detailed a log as I can even before I try any degree of elimination. Right now I'd say the log is 90% specific. I'll track the 1.5 inch chocolate chip cookie, but not source details/recipe, etc. I *really* hope it's not soy.
monopas:
All that being said, I feel for you. My diagnosis of idiopathic IBS was terribly unsatisfying. I know you don't think it is relevent, but low carb wheat-free has reduced my symptoms to almost nothing. And I've lost weight. I do envy people who can eat real pizza, but it just isn't worth the misery for me.
I think the reason I don't think it's relevant is because I can eat other carb-filled foods without issue. Bagels are still a fairly regular part of my weekly meal plan with no problem. I don't care much for pizza so haven't noticed if I had an issue with that. But it's food for thought. IBS was something that came to mind as well, especially after it was on the Food Hospital.
Oh and I realized on rereading that I edited this out. In case it's valuable: female, early 30s, healthy aside from PCOS. I'm in NYC with access to a good range of doctors and good medical insurance.
posted by TravellingCari at 7:31 PM on May 2, 2013
You poor thing! You need to see a gastroenterologist. I too am cautious about self-diagnosis and fad diseases, but you are really sick and you shouldn't have to suffer like that! Seriously, go see a specialist. I am sorry that your regular doctor was dismissive. Maybe it would help if you kept a food and symptom diary for a week or so and brought that.
I do agree in general with Michele in California that when you are around a lot of stressors/allergens, it can make your entire body go haywire. For example, I have a lot of sensitivities and skin allergies, but I never had "inhalational allergies" (sneezing from dust, pollen) until I was forced to spend an extended period of time in a home with a ton of perfume, Febreeze, etc. That stressful period also gave me horrible constipation.
Also, kudos to you for making this non-anon. I understand why a lot of people anonymize their health-related AskMes, but you have nothing to be ashamed of.
posted by radioamy at 7:31 PM on May 2, 2013
I do agree in general with Michele in California that when you are around a lot of stressors/allergens, it can make your entire body go haywire. For example, I have a lot of sensitivities and skin allergies, but I never had "inhalational allergies" (sneezing from dust, pollen) until I was forced to spend an extended period of time in a home with a ton of perfume, Febreeze, etc. That stressful period also gave me horrible constipation.
Also, kudos to you for making this non-anon. I understand why a lot of people anonymize their health-related AskMes, but you have nothing to be ashamed of.
posted by radioamy at 7:31 PM on May 2, 2013
You should probably see the gastroenterologist before you start eliminating foods from your diet. My understanding is that the tests for some conditions (e.g., celiac disease) involve looking for inflammation that is only present when the offending food has been eaten recently, so altering your normal diet may inhibit the process of figuring out what's causing the problem. The doctor can give you better advice than we can for diagnosing whatever is going on. Best of luck!
posted by decathecting at 8:44 PM on May 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by decathecting at 8:44 PM on May 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
You didn't mention tomatoes in your pasta meal, but nightshade sensitivity is a thing. I had symptoms similar to yours a few years ago when my husband and I were eating potatoes from our garden all summer. Delicious but painful, and since I was the only one with problems I didn't associate it with the diet until a friend mentioned she couldn't eat potatoes. Stopped eating them and my gastrointestinal problems went away. Other nightshades don't give me a problem.
I don't know if this is the right way to diagnose a sensitivity (in light of decathecting's comment), but you might try the Whole30 diet, in which you eliminate all food groups that are likely to cause problems (dairy, soy, wheat, sugar, legumes) for a month , and then gradually reintroduce them. I'm almost done with my month, and although I haven't seen the drastic improvements many have, it has been an interesting experiment nonetheless.
posted by feidr2 at 8:59 PM on May 2, 2013
I don't know if this is the right way to diagnose a sensitivity (in light of decathecting's comment), but you might try the Whole30 diet, in which you eliminate all food groups that are likely to cause problems (dairy, soy, wheat, sugar, legumes) for a month , and then gradually reintroduce them. I'm almost done with my month, and although I haven't seen the drastic improvements many have, it has been an interesting experiment nonetheless.
posted by feidr2 at 8:59 PM on May 2, 2013
This is sort of tangential to your question, but in terms of doctor-patient communication issues, I suggest that when you go to a physician, that you take an approach of describing your symptoms and their impact on your life rather than telling your physician your suspected diagnosis and requesting specific testing.
"I've been having bowel urgency, bloating, and cramping that are severely impacting my quality of life because XYZ."
versus
"I think I have food sensitivities and I want food allergy testing."
The first lets your physician lead into further questioning to help her or him determine what diagnostics are needed, it fits the paradigm that physicians are trained to use when talking with patients. The second puts the physician on the defensive a bit because you are trying to suggest that you have already self diagnosed and want specific tests regardless of whether he/she agrees they are needed, and it prompts the doc to next either refute or agree with your statements instead of proceeding with a history. It also biases her or him rather than keeping an open differential diagnosis. Just an observation. If you think her or his response to your concerns is inadequate, that is the time to ask about referrals to GI or whether specific further tests are appropriate, and if not, why not.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 11:54 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
"I've been having bowel urgency, bloating, and cramping that are severely impacting my quality of life because XYZ."
versus
"I think I have food sensitivities and I want food allergy testing."
The first lets your physician lead into further questioning to help her or him determine what diagnostics are needed, it fits the paradigm that physicians are trained to use when talking with patients. The second puts the physician on the defensive a bit because you are trying to suggest that you have already self diagnosed and want specific tests regardless of whether he/she agrees they are needed, and it prompts the doc to next either refute or agree with your statements instead of proceeding with a history. It also biases her or him rather than keeping an open differential diagnosis. Just an observation. If you think her or his response to your concerns is inadequate, that is the time to ask about referrals to GI or whether specific further tests are appropriate, and if not, why not.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 11:54 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
I might just jump in to add that tracking food sensitivities and intolerances on your own (which I advocate for over the skin tests and blood tests anyway) is a difficult job. It takes time and lots of effort and is, frankly, a huge PITA. It has worked for me (and I'm allergic/intolerant to all sorts of weird things), but you have to be willing to do it if you want to figure things out.
When you do any sort of elimination diet, be sure to keep at it for two weeks. Even one gram of gluten can cause autoimmune responses for up to a month. When you say "I'll track the 1.5 inch chocolate chip cookie, but not source details/recipe, etc.," you should be aware that triggers can lurk everywhere. So if that cookie doesn't seem to bother you, but pasta does, then you *should* be tracking the ingredients of that cookie. You could be intolerant to whole wheats (like a friend of mine) but have no trouble with white flour. You could be allergic to dyes in certain foods, you could have a sensitivity to a certain additive or flavoring. Be vigilant and be overly aware of the ingredients and stick to the eliminations for at least two weeks to see if there are differences. I know tons of folks who do an elimination for a few days, whine about the difficulty and then continue to be miserable. Also be aware of compounding and complicating issues -- that piece of bread with cashew butter on it? For me, it is poison for more than one reason, but you have to watch it all and do it carefully.
You might look up the GAPS diet or the elimination diets out there to help you figure out how to go about doing this. Good luck!
posted by mrfuga0 at 2:13 AM on May 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
When you do any sort of elimination diet, be sure to keep at it for two weeks. Even one gram of gluten can cause autoimmune responses for up to a month. When you say "I'll track the 1.5 inch chocolate chip cookie, but not source details/recipe, etc.," you should be aware that triggers can lurk everywhere. So if that cookie doesn't seem to bother you, but pasta does, then you *should* be tracking the ingredients of that cookie. You could be intolerant to whole wheats (like a friend of mine) but have no trouble with white flour. You could be allergic to dyes in certain foods, you could have a sensitivity to a certain additive or flavoring. Be vigilant and be overly aware of the ingredients and stick to the eliminations for at least two weeks to see if there are differences. I know tons of folks who do an elimination for a few days, whine about the difficulty and then continue to be miserable. Also be aware of compounding and complicating issues -- that piece of bread with cashew butter on it? For me, it is poison for more than one reason, but you have to watch it all and do it carefully.
You might look up the GAPS diet or the elimination diets out there to help you figure out how to go about doing this. Good luck!
posted by mrfuga0 at 2:13 AM on May 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
A prick test pointed out that I was allergic to capsicum and
table mushrooms.
If I were trying to self-diagnose something like celiac or IBS
via a logging approach, and also had undiagnosed capsicum allergy
I'd have found the information from the prick test handy to
simplify matters, even though the methodology isn't perfect and
means occassional false negatives and false positives.
I'd also find it handy to sniff out a food allergy that wasn't
analyzed with your logging or elimination.
You may find it helpful to do your own cooking and baking from scratch for a long while, while you're logging/eliminating, and be systematic about ingredients.
I agree with treehorn+bunny's comment regarding talking to your doctor and referrals, etc.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:32 AM on May 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
table mushrooms.
If I were trying to self-diagnose something like celiac or IBS
via a logging approach, and also had undiagnosed capsicum allergy
I'd have found the information from the prick test handy to
simplify matters, even though the methodology isn't perfect and
means occassional false negatives and false positives.
I'd also find it handy to sniff out a food allergy that wasn't
analyzed with your logging or elimination.
You may find it helpful to do your own cooking and baking from scratch for a long while, while you're logging/eliminating, and be systematic about ingredients.
I agree with treehorn+bunny's comment regarding talking to your doctor and referrals, etc.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:32 AM on May 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
How long has it been since you had comprehensive bloodwork? Can you rule out your thyroid? Intestinal issues sometimes come back to thyroid problems.
Not suggesting you shouldn't do testing / elimination diet, but if that seems to get you nowhere - a blood test can't hurt anything right?
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:58 AM on May 3, 2013
Not suggesting you shouldn't do testing / elimination diet, but if that seems to get you nowhere - a blood test can't hurt anything right?
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:58 AM on May 3, 2013
So, IANAD, etc. I can only speak to my own personal experiences, but are you sure the lactaid pills work for you? I took them for years as a kid, before I realized that they didn't help all that much. You could try eliminating all dairy and see how you feel.
Have you ever had an allergy test? Do you have any seasonal/pollen allergies? In addition to what others have mentioned above, there's also oral allergy syndrome, which can cause things like indigestion, bloating, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
posted by inertia at 6:33 AM on May 3, 2013
Have you ever had an allergy test? Do you have any seasonal/pollen allergies? In addition to what others have mentioned above, there's also oral allergy syndrome, which can cause things like indigestion, bloating, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
posted by inertia at 6:33 AM on May 3, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks all -- some really good insight and I really appreciate all the answers. To answer some specific questions
inertia:
So, IANAD, etc. I can only speak to my own personal experiences, but are you sure the lactaid pills work for you? I took them for years as a kid, before I realized that they didn't help all that much. You could try eliminating all dairy and see how you feel.
Have you ever had an allergy test? Do you have any seasonal/pollen allergies? In addition to what others have mentioned above, there's also oral allergy syndrome, which can cause things like indigestion, bloating, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
Lactaid pills do work for me. I eat dairy very occasionally - maybe once a week, if not less - and have no issues when I do. I have found that I really prefer soy milk, so it's a nice way to avoid overreliance on lactaid milk or pills.
Seasonal allergies diagnosed vaguely as ragweed. Never had more specific testing done as they're not that severe.
treehorn+bunny:
This is sort of tangential to your question, but in terms of doctor-patient communication issues, I suggest that when you go to a physician, that you take an approach of describing your symptoms and their impact on your life rather than telling your physician your suspected diagnosis and requesting specific testing.
Noted, good point. Hadn't really thought about the different reactions.
Medieval Maven:
How long has it been since you had comprehensive bloodwork? Can you rule out your thyroid? Intestinal issues sometimes come back to thyroid problems.
February and it was all clear. He does comprehensive blood work every six months as part of my PCOS follow up. My endocrinologist really serves as my primary with visits complemented by annual GYN. About a year ago I had asked specifically about thyroid as my weight loss had stalled and I was bone tired, but the results came back normal (don't recall exact #s and don't have results on hand)
Sounds like I have a lot of further research and investigating -- and maybe a new doctor. I've only been kind of happy with him for reasons unrelated to this, and thinking an insurance switch in June may be a good reason to find a new one. Anyone know a good endocrinologist in NYC on Oxford?
Thanks all!
posted by TravellingCari at 9:40 AM on May 3, 2013
inertia:
So, IANAD, etc. I can only speak to my own personal experiences, but are you sure the lactaid pills work for you? I took them for years as a kid, before I realized that they didn't help all that much. You could try eliminating all dairy and see how you feel.
Have you ever had an allergy test? Do you have any seasonal/pollen allergies? In addition to what others have mentioned above, there's also oral allergy syndrome, which can cause things like indigestion, bloating, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
Lactaid pills do work for me. I eat dairy very occasionally - maybe once a week, if not less - and have no issues when I do. I have found that I really prefer soy milk, so it's a nice way to avoid overreliance on lactaid milk or pills.
Seasonal allergies diagnosed vaguely as ragweed. Never had more specific testing done as they're not that severe.
treehorn+bunny:
This is sort of tangential to your question, but in terms of doctor-patient communication issues, I suggest that when you go to a physician, that you take an approach of describing your symptoms and their impact on your life rather than telling your physician your suspected diagnosis and requesting specific testing.
Noted, good point. Hadn't really thought about the different reactions.
Medieval Maven:
How long has it been since you had comprehensive bloodwork? Can you rule out your thyroid? Intestinal issues sometimes come back to thyroid problems.
February and it was all clear. He does comprehensive blood work every six months as part of my PCOS follow up. My endocrinologist really serves as my primary with visits complemented by annual GYN. About a year ago I had asked specifically about thyroid as my weight loss had stalled and I was bone tired, but the results came back normal (don't recall exact #s and don't have results on hand)
Sounds like I have a lot of further research and investigating -- and maybe a new doctor. I've only been kind of happy with him for reasons unrelated to this, and thinking an insurance switch in June may be a good reason to find a new one. Anyone know a good endocrinologist in NYC on Oxford?
Thanks all!
posted by TravellingCari at 9:40 AM on May 3, 2013
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I also went through periods where food just passed through me as though I had a disease.
Many years, a few tests, a basic dairy elimination diet showed nothing.
Then about 7 years ago, I contracted a parasite that took over 6 months to diagnose. After treatment, I started having symptoms of (and tested positively for) Celiac disease. Apparently I had Celiac all that time but the parasite is what kicked it into high gear. This could be what's ongoing with you.
I would definitely get the Celiac screening.
posted by kinetic at 6:16 PM on May 2, 2013