Is this lactose intolerance??

[Bananaandmarmite]

Im 49 years old.
When I was a teen, dairy used to make me feel very sick so I had a couple of years using soya products.
I weaned myself back onto dairy and was fine for about 30 years.

The last couple of years, I find that if I’ve consumed a lot of dairy over a period of time (not in a day, I’m talking increase over days/weeks), I become bloated more often, loose stools and feel generally sluggish and yuk. It symptoms increase until I stop dairy.
I then leave it a few weeks and try again. I’m ok with it for a few months and then very gradually the symptoms begin. They are so subtle in the way they increase, it’s not until I feel really rubbish that I think ‘omg!! Dairy!!’
Im currently suffering with nausea and bloating and colicky pain on my left side. I feel sluggish and generally rubbish. My intake was fairly heavy recently due to dinners with friends etc and being cheese/cream orientated meals

does this sound classic? Or am I barking up the wrong tree? If it is right, should I just never have dairy again? Or is it ok at a lower level?

I eat feta and halloumi mainly. Occasionally cheddar.

I don’t drink milk (I use oat milk) but do tend to cook with mascarpone in pasta etc.

any thoughts?

Bump

That was how I was.

I just don't have any now.

Sounds like me if I have dairy but it's not the lactose for me, I have CMPA.

Did you have tests to confirm?

Yes sounds like it to me, I’m at a point with dairy now where I can have a bit as long as I mentally track it and don’t go overboard, although some things like yoghurt/milkshake are totally off the menu for me.

Can you try doing a food diary and tracking your symptoms? That’s what my GP suggested rather than testing, I’ve never actually been tested but it makes no difference, it’s definitely dairy that sets me off.

I have non-Ige CMPA so there aren't any tests. It's done with elimination.

Allergy UK can be a great source of information and support on allergies and can probably advise you on what to do.