Testing Catch 22

[1desperateladysaved]

This should have been under Post tests. Because it has to do with allergy testing.

This is an attempt to gain understanding on a subject which is confusing to me:

It is my understanding that IGG and AGG is manufactured in the small intestine to combat allergies. One can test for its presence in the blood.

I have understood with my body for sometime not to eat wheat, peanuts, and some other things. Infact of the 10 most common allegens I eat only a few.

After I learned that I had celiac I had a test for IGG antibodies to the ten most common allergens. Now, I realize the first mistake was that I was not eating many of them. However, I was eating some. Maybe they are the only ones that I wasn't allergic to. I also tested for airborne seasonal allergies. I know I react to yeast and mold in the air. These I had recently been exposed to and yet they were negative.

Now I am seeing signs (such as rashes) that appear to be allergic reactions. One the doctor recognised as an allergic reaction, but we had already tested. She offered steroids which I refused. I am afraid to get allergy tests because of the false negatives. I want a test to help me to decide what is safe to eat. I think this is necessary to avoid the compulsion of writing down everything I eat and symptoms. I also cannot stop having all but the least allergenic foods around without well substantiated reason. You see that my family already thinks I spend too much time and effort on this stuff. I can't do a food diary just now.

Has anybody have a catch 22 as I have. You can't test because your body is damaged and can't get out the antibodies. You can't eat what is safe because you don't know what is safe? Therefore, how can you heal.

Does anyone know of a test that would not yield false negatives? Has anyone tried the (Company Name Removed - They Spammed This Forum and are Banned) test? I have another test idea. How about the Elisa test?

Thanks

[Takala]

I think this is necessary to avoid the compulsion of writing down everything I eat and symptoms. I also cannot stop having all but the least allergenic foods around without well substantiated reason. You see that my family already things I spend too much time and effort on this stuff. I can't do a food diary just now.

I really don't see why your family's opinion of anything outweighs your need not to be making yourself sick.

[Bubba's Mom]

I had reactions to other foods besides gluten too. I had allergy testing, which showed no reactions. I had quite a few reactions to molds and pollens though.

My allergist said there are no reliable tests for food intolerances. The way you learn what you react to is by logging what you eat/any reactions.

I found my food log a very valuable tool.

I understand the part about your family thinking you are "obsessing", or "spending too much time" looking for answers to your health issues. I'm in the same boat, but I tell you what..if it were them that was getting bad reactions to foods and no good answers they'd probably feel a bit different about it? It's something we need to do so we aren't hurting ourselves and can get healthy.

If your family thinks your food log is "obsessing", maybe keep it in the bathroom? Is there a cabinet or drawer you can slip it into?

Honestly, I don't hide that I log..or read the forum, or internet articles. I have to look out for myself, because nobody else is going to do it..and I don't apologise. I do however, try to limit those things as much as I can when my hubby is around. He's the one that's most critical.

We won't be spending as much time logging/learning once we figure out what we need to avoid, BUT those around us are going to have to try to understand it takes time to get it all sorted out.

The specialist I saw at Mayo Clinic told me that reacting to more and more foods can be caused by a small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The bacteria emit toxins which go into the bloodstream and can affect the brain too. Have you been tested for that? Many of us have dysbiosis, an inbalance in the gut flora. Probiotics help even things out and should be taken every day. Once a SIBO condition is treated and the gut heals, we will react to less foods.

My heart goes out to you. I hope you can get this sorted out..and your family will get more patient and considerate. (((hugs)))

[1desperateladysaved]

I don't want to talk about keeping track of things, but...

My symptoms seem so subjective and down right sneaky. Is that rash on my legs, or is it pressure spots? If my legs are pitted looking is it tripple hives or was I laying on an afaghan?

What ever symptoms can I look for? I thought blood pressure and it was appearing to do strange things such as going low. But does anyone think I can remember to take it before and after every meal? How about pulse? And then the blood pressure cuff needed battery. It is forgotten in my bedroom. I have a sneaky suspision that when I need it the most, I forget.

My reactions seem to be even to things in the air. Or is it a reaction to food several days back. Sometimes, I wish I would get cramps and diarreah. Hey, nobody could miss that.

I can have swollen legs, but they don't hurt. Am I sure they are swollen?... Am I dizzy, or am I just tired from snapping beans for hours.

Extreme fatigue just isn't something I can measure. If I was feverish; I could measure it, but I am not.

For example: My legs and abdomen swell. How much? Well, they look swollen and sometimes pitted. But how many inches did they gain? I don't know where I measured them the last time. What do I do, mark with a marker, so I know where to measure? I could measure the largest part, but how do I know that doesn't change?

When I have a problem; I don't seem to have a clue. Please tell me what sort of symptoms you can keep track of and how.

I just don't know how I could keep track of such devious symptoms and make a journal work for me.