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Allergies and intolerances

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is it worth me getting a food intolerence test?

10 replies

Blatherskite · 18/09/2010 20:58

I've been thinking about maybe paying for/asking the doctor for a food intolerance test.

I regularly get a hard, bloated, really uncomfortable tummy, occasionally get quite constipated and now and again, I get excruciatingly painful IBS type symptoms which have been known to leave me in tears as it hurts so much. Always happens at night and leaves me feeling totally drained. The only pain I've ever had that come close was labour.

My brother and sister have both been tested for food intolerances and both have had positive results back showing multiple intolerances. My brother has changed his diet accordingly and is now much healthier and fitter (and thinner) and my sister ignores her results.

DH (and MIL) say that these tests are pointless and that they will always show up an intolerance, however slight, because that's what people expect to get when they pay for a test and that the results mean nothing.

I wondered, does anyone have any experiences of these tests? Are they worth having or would I just be making life harder for myself? Could anyone recommend somewhere good to get one done if I do go ahead? Would the doctor be able to organise one for me?

I hope no-one thinks I'm time wasting. I know a lot of people and their children suffer from truely life threatening allergies and a bit of tummy ache is nothing in comparison but I thought this might be the best place to post for advice.

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nottirednow · 19/09/2010 10:26

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Blatherskite · 19/09/2010 10:44

Thanks nottirednow. Don't worry, I won't be calling it an allergy :)

Thank you for your advice. The water tip is very helpful. I was thinking the other day that I should be drinking more as I am sure I don't get enough water. I will definitely give it a go.

The 2 week exclusion might be harder. Why is it always the food you love the most that are worst for you? Will get some tips from my brother about gluten/dairy alternatives.

Will ask about the blood test too. Anything to stop feeling so blown up and uncomfortable all the time!

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nottirednow · 20/09/2010 11:03

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Blatherskite · 20/09/2010 11:10

Brother is intolerant to Wheat, Gluten, Eggs, Cows Milk, Yeast and some nuts - according to the tests he paid for anyway - I guess it's likely I might be the same?

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nottirednow · 20/09/2010 11:22

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Blatherskite · 20/09/2010 11:31

"well as the test he paid for was undoubtably not worth the money it's unlikely you'll be the same" Fair point :)

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Booner · 20/09/2010 16:39

Blatherskite,

Please don't cut anything out until you've had a Coeliac test through your doctor - to rule it out. It is a blood test initially to see what the result is and then could be referred for a gut biopsy.

Please get it ruled out as Coeliac Disease left untreated (i.e still eating gluten) can cause long term health problems.

Good luck

Blatherskite · 20/09/2010 20:08

Gut biopsy!!! That doesn't sound pleasant.

I guess I should make an appointment to see the doctor then...

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Booner · 20/09/2010 22:31

I am due to have a Coeliac test myself as my two boys have Coeliac Disease and I agree the gut biopsy doesn't sound pleasant!

My youngest had terrible bloated hard stomach, bowel trouble and pains through the night until he was diagnosed. Now he is gluten free he is like a different person.

If the Coeliac test is negative, gluten would be a good thing to cut out and see how you feel.

Blatherskite · 21/09/2010 21:46

It does sound very similar.

Sorry to hear about your boys. Good to hear the diet is helping them.

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