I may have some answers as to why I'm not seeing the improvement I had hoped. I saw an allergist today. Wow, I came home with quite a list. She said some things could be false positives, so I will need to remove them from my diet then add them back in. Kinda frustrated. Looks like I'll be doing label checking. Interesting, I can have wheat, but not corn, eggs (the yolk and white), peanuts, salmon, chicken, beef, turkey, shelfish, bananas... I'd go on, but really, the list is extensive. Worse, apparently I reacted to coffee. I think I could give up all food period, but coffee? Argh!
I know there are many people with much worse issues, but I'm really getting frustrated with how much this stupid colitis stuff is dominating my life.
But I'll learn and adapt, and hopefully, reduce the amount of meds and toilet visits.
I did call the homeopath to schedule a visit as well. Step by step, right?
saw allergist
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Hi Jennifer,
Please be aware that if the tests you had were based on blood testing or skin reactions, those tests are notorious for missing the main food sensitivities, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, dairy, soy, etc. That's why most of us here start with the EnteroLab tests first. They don't miss sensitivities to those foods. In many cases, the foods that those blood/skin tests show as reactive, are not a problem.
IOW, most of us have found that the tests offered by allergists are useful for classic allergies (that's what they are designed for), but they are mostly worthless as far as our digestive symptoms are concerned, unfortunately. There are only a few allergists in this country who are capable of dealing with digestive issues, and the ones we are aware of are listed here.
Tex
Please be aware that if the tests you had were based on blood testing or skin reactions, those tests are notorious for missing the main food sensitivities, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, dairy, soy, etc. That's why most of us here start with the EnteroLab tests first. They don't miss sensitivities to those foods. In many cases, the foods that those blood/skin tests show as reactive, are not a problem.
IOW, most of us have found that the tests offered by allergists are useful for classic allergies (that's what they are designed for), but they are mostly worthless as far as our digestive symptoms are concerned, unfortunately. There are only a few allergists in this country who are capable of dealing with digestive issues, and the ones we are aware of are listed here.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I had IgG tests once, according to my allergist they are the delayed-type hypersensitivity skin patch tests where they apply food to small disks and tape them to your back. You wear them for 24 hours, then remove and "read" the results several times over 72 hours. I was inconclusive for most of them that seemed to cause a mild skin reaction, so it was a waste of time. I may consider going back to an allergist to do the T.R.U.E. Test for nickel, metal and chemical sensitivities. I bet I'll see some serious reactions on that one.
IgG tests are considered to be useful for detecting "mature" allergic reactions, IOW, chronic classic allergy reactions. My impression is that they are basically a secondary immune system response to a chronic or recurring IgE response. IOW, when a classic allergy reaction is initiated, the response is immediate (within a few minutes) and the predominant antibody is IgE. If an IgE reaction continues on a chronic or a regularly recurring basis, the immune system produces IgG antibodies in significant quantities.Susie wrote:Are those IgG tests, Tex that you are talking about? My doctor just insisted on them, and I thought all of the positives were right on, but some of the negatives were not. Can you comment on the IgG tests? I was going to ask about them. Susie
Most of the antigens that cause a classic allergic response, however, don't necessarily trigger the production of IgA antibodies — they only trigger upper respiratory (anaphylactic) or skin responses (IgE and IgG antibodies). While oral food sensitivities can trigger the production of IgE antibodies (an anaphylactic response) for some people, for us, the main problem is typically the production of IgA antibodies in the intestines. IOW, the response to an IgE or IgG antibody test provides no information about a possible IgA response in the intestines. For that information, we have to rely on stool tests.
This means that while serum or dermal IgE and IgG test results may certainly be useful for detecting the potential for anaphylaxis (including the symptoms of itching, watery eyes, runny nose, rash, eczema, etc.), they totally miss any IgA reactions that may be occurring in the intestines (which can cause D). That's why you can get some degree of correlation for some foods, and no correlation for others.
Is this what you were asking about?
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
From page 149 in the book:Leah wrote:What are they testing when MRT is done? I don't quite understand that test. I was toying with the idea of doing it because my IgA levels can't be used to determine sensitivities, but son't know if it's worth it.
TexThe test does not measure any specific antibodies, nor does it quantify changes in the numbers of any other specific inflammation modulators. Instead, the results are based on an indirect method that is claimed to determine a relative level of sensitivity to various foods and chemicals by measuring an increase in the ratio of liquids to solids in a blood sample that has been exposed to a given allergen.
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
In your opinion Tex, is it worth it? I feel kind of frustrated because I have no other way of testing. I am doing fairly well, but i do have days that things "get loose" and I'm back to the guessing game again.I wonder constantly if I am eating something on an on going basis that I shouldn't be. And how would I find someone in my area?
Leah
Leah
Well, I think it probably is, if you've run out of ideas on what might be causing continued problems. IMO the MRT is the second best testing option we have (after EnteroLab), and since EnteroLab is not an option to someone who has selective IgA deficiency, that makes MRT look even better in your case.
With your nutritional training, would you need the services of a dietitian? If not, you might be able to get a discounted test rate. In general, the total cost seems to be much higher in California, than in other states, but I suspect that may be due to dietitian fees. If you want to consult with a dietitian, just PM Mary Beth, and she can recommend someone in your area.
Tex
With your nutritional training, would you need the services of a dietitian? If not, you might be able to get a discounted test rate. In general, the total cost seems to be much higher in California, than in other states, but I suspect that may be due to dietitian fees. If you want to consult with a dietitian, just PM Mary Beth, and she can recommend someone in your area.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Leah,
I found the MRT results to be extremely useful in pointing me in the right direction. As I have mentioned on here before, I had already figured out most of the things that I am sensitive too but found out that chicken and beef were high yellow and salmon and garlic were reds for me. I also was impressed with the chemicals that I found out about and frequently bring my "cheat sheet" with me when I'm grocery shopping and reading labels. I highly recommend it....I did not meet with the nutrionist but my testing was paid for by my insurance company.
I found the MRT results to be extremely useful in pointing me in the right direction. As I have mentioned on here before, I had already figured out most of the things that I am sensitive too but found out that chicken and beef were high yellow and salmon and garlic were reds for me. I also was impressed with the chemicals that I found out about and frequently bring my "cheat sheet" with me when I'm grocery shopping and reading labels. I highly recommend it....I did not meet with the nutrionist but my testing was paid for by my insurance company.
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Gabes-Apg
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i will third or fourth in - anything that can help you categorise the foods into low, medium, high irritant is very important and valuable.
MC is inflammation, symptoms such as joint aches are because of toxic inflammation and leaky gut. Any information that allows you to figure out and then eliminate/minimise the elements that heighten inflammation is the key to long term wellness.
IMO - once MC has been kick started in our bodies we tend to be more sensitive to any type of inflammation (ie mast cells, hormone changes zizzle's rash etc etc)
MC is inflammation, symptoms such as joint aches are because of toxic inflammation and leaky gut. Any information that allows you to figure out and then eliminate/minimise the elements that heighten inflammation is the key to long term wellness.
IMO - once MC has been kick started in our bodies we tend to be more sensitive to any type of inflammation (ie mast cells, hormone changes zizzle's rash etc etc)
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama