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OK I am still in remission in the sense I am pretty much having Norman visiting a max of 3 times a day and increasingly just 1 or 2 times BUT my IBS symptoms have reappeared - specifically bloating and pain! So I have just had the results of my First Step York Test (www.yorktest.com) and I am positive meaning I have IgG antibodies indicative of food intolerance!! So no surprise there!! I have just ordered the full IBS scan which tests 158 food and drinks - watch this space!!!
So two questions!
Firstly and in simple language please, what are IgG antibodies?
Secondly, would they also explain the arthritic pain I am now experiencing in both thumbs?
Otherwise all is still pretty good here!
Anne
If you ever feel too insignificant to be noticed, you have never been to bed with a mosquito!
Hi Anne,
I'm sorry you're going through this when all looked so well for you not too long ago. I noticed you mentioned that you could still eat dairy in one of your last posts. I have to say, I would try to cut that out first.
I only say this because I miss yogurt so much, that I've had it twice in the past month and BOOM the next day, it was multiple WD both times. Other than that I've had Normans for a while now. And Only one BM a day. I think dairy is disastrous on a (my?) weakened colon. This is just my experience. I probably will never have it again.
I'm sorry I can't answer the question on IgG antibodies.. But I hope you find more answers to achieve wellness. And I'm looking forward to someone hopefully explaining them.
Sincerely,
Nancy
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~The Dalai Lama
In a nutshell, IgE antibodies are produced when epithelial tissues of the body are exposed to antigens that promote allergic reactions. Epithelia include the skin, the mucosal issues of the mouth and the entire digestive tract, and the genitourinary tract. When those antibodies attach to H1 type receptors (at the surface of epithelial cells), that action triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory modulators, resulting in classic allergy symptoms. If IgE-based reactions are repeated at frequent intervals, so that the tissues are chronically inflamed, then after a while, IgG antibodies begin to be produced.
IgG antibodies are markers of a "mature" reaction, IOW a chronic (long-term) reaction. So those IgG antibodies indicate that you have been experiencing a long-term reaction against an external antigen (probably a food in your regular diet).
Since you have never had the EnteroLab testing, I have a strong hunch that Nancy is right on target when she suggested that you are probably sensitive to all dairy products, but you may also have additional food sensitivities.
Remember that it's possible to develop a tolerance for casein (the primary protein in all dairy products that causes most of us to react). If we develop a tolerance, we may show only minor clinical symptoms, or even no symptoms at all, even though we produce beaucoups of antibodies to casein. I am an example of someone who produces antibodies to casein, even though I show no clinical symptoms. Deb is another example, I believe.
Anyway, that's a brief glimpse into the world of IgG antibodies.
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.
Bloating could also be sugars ( which include lactose) fermenting in your large intestine. Have you been eating a lot of fruit?
There is also a list of foods that are known to ferment and cause bloating and pain. They are called FODMAP foods. Google it. Might want to consider cutting most of those out for a while.
Morning and thanks Guys - especially for the science Tex which I now get!!! The Yorktest that I am having done includes advise on a FODMAP diet which will be specific to my results. I don't eat vast amounts of fruit as I know certain fruits can be a problem (but not always) so I am cautious. I do however eat volumes of vegetables which may be why my IBS has shown. It is somewhat ironic - advise here is to eat between 5 and 9 portions of fruit and veg a day and I would probably eat the higher end because I love veg!!! I know, I know I can hear loads of you yelling at your computers!! I guess I am still reluctant to accept that my veggies are a problem and dairy? Have you tried soya milk??? LOL! I know most of you wouldn't touch it with a barge pole either!! At least, in the absence of an Enterolab test this is the next best thing and is well respected by the medical profession here. I should have my results in a week or so and will keep you advised.
I hasten to add I am much better than I was - just very uncomfortable with gut pain (but not the "usual" right hand side pain which I know is inflammation) and bloating so I guess there is a good bit of fermentation going on. That said I am not producing much gas nor is it foul in odour! However, I do know this has to be food related and while I await my results with a high degree of trepidation I am uncomfortable enough to accept and act on the results!
Anne
If you ever feel too insignificant to be noticed, you have never been to bed with a mosquito!
Just received my York Test results and none of you will be at all surprised!! I have reacted to cows milk and I have a borderline reaction to yeast! I am not reacting to anything else (at least as far as IgG levels are concerned) so I guess I am lucky in that respect! I get to speak to a nutritionist next Friday and in the meantime I need to go through my store cupboards again!!! But if it works I guess it will be worth it. Luckily it wasn't a high level reaction but still high enough to be classed as "Avoid" - I guess it just proves that underlying suspicion I have had for years was founded in fact after all! I find it fascinating that my body has been telling me all along what the problem was (and so have you guys!!) yet I persistently chose to not believe it! Why is that I wonder?
Anyway, no more head in the sand! I was doing so well just eliminating gluten and I therefore know already how much better I am going to be feeling once I have eliminated dairy and yeast. The thing I will miss the most is wine!! But as I am borderline I guess I will still be able to have an occasional glass! And apparently Champagne has virtually none! Pity I don't particularly like the stuff!! And apparently gin is OK - but I cannot abide it!!
Seriously though, soya milk is "bogging" (now that's a good Norn Iron expression!) - so what is the best recommendation as a substitute to have in my tea? Lactose free is not an option, nor is goat or sheep's milk!
Anne
If you ever feel too insignificant to be noticed, you have never been to bed with a mosquito!
I use "So Delicious" brand coconut creamer. To me it tastes just like 1/2 and 1/2. I didn't like almond milk or rice milk, and soy does not agree with me.
BUT my IBS symptoms have reappeared - specifically bloating and pain! 
So I have just had the results of my First Step York Test (www.yorktest.com) and I am positive meaning I have IgG antibodies indicative of food intolerance!! So no surprise there!! I have just ordered the full IBS scan which tests 158 food and drinks - watch this space!!!
LOL! I know most of you wouldn't touch it with a barge pole either!! At least, in the absence of an Enterolab test this is the next best thing and is well respected by the medical profession here. I should have my results in a week or so and will keep you advised.
And apparently gin is OK - but I cannot abide it!!