Can you be lactose intolerant but not suffer from diarrhea?

[chloesmumtoo]

I am not sure that my dd will have lactose intolerance but getting pretty desperate for ideas. I am not sure if her symptoms fit so please tell me if I am totally barking up the wrong tree. Just clutching at straws really. She has suffered tummy problems from dot (gas/constipation/occassional cramps) but has many allergies. Over the years she ended up on movocol to keep her regular which seems to work. So diarrhea is not a symptom. However, stomach pains have become too constant recently. She has had problems/stomach cramping prior too and all through the Easter hols, suffering with various pains. Worst in the mornings -groaning and hardly able to get up/get ready for school. Eases back most days at school but pain stays in milder form, hurts at night to the extent of heat packs every evening in bed. Some nights, up until midnight in discomfort, other nights not as bad. But it is always hurting. She is 12. This is constant. Been doctors tues, urine test fine. Blood test today so will be awaiting results for cealiac, anemia, liver etc. When in the worst pain she has felt shaky, sick and had occassional reflux. Any ideas? Should I be experimenting with low lactose milk products? Any tips if I try it out for a couple days? Where to buy? Is it safe for children with Nut allergy? Or do you think this is not lactose intolerance? Any advise welcome..........

I would second a push to see a paed gastro who can do genetic test for coeliac. If positive she can have a biopsy before going gluten free. I was diagnosed ceoliac after biopsy but blood tests always negative. One son diagnosed with wheat and gluten intolerance biopsy didn't show coeliac damage (and lactose intolerance) other son about to have endoscopy. Both boys have HLA markers as do I.
It's really tough waiting but worth it to know.

My daughter and I are Gluten intolerant and Cow's milk protein intolerant - with similar symptoms to how you describe. Neither of us showed up positive on GP testing. But 2 week exclusion diet showed us that these foods were the problem.

I believe that testing is not completely conclusive. We feel sooo much better without gluten and cow's milk we avoid it regardless of tests. If you're interested I've got a blog page on Glutenfree cow's milk free yummy foods for kids - here's the link: mydaughterwontsleep.com/gfrecipes/
Good luck and best wishes

Superworm, she had an awful time Monday in tears kept her off school again. Tues sent her in in agony and felt so bad but she came home better after moving around. After that, since Wednesday, things have improved greatly. She still feels a minor ache daily but really good. Trouble is I have her on full doses of mebeverine 3xdaily, have her still on lactofree milk etc, have elliminated choc from her diet for 3-4 days, not given onions or baked beans and fed her a roast for atleast 3 evenings. She is now blocked up with her bowel movements due to the meberverine but thank goodness we are having some pretty normal days! I also received in the mail her referal for her usual consaultant Pead (regarding allergies) which I know is not the right one to see but it has come for early June!! A lot earlier than expected. Atleast it's something. I will get all this info together and pick his brains.
MissSmiley, yes that genetic testing sounds good, I would really like that done, fingers crossed.
carolinementzer, thanks so much for your blog and info too, off to read it now