Enterlab Results

[Pam V]

Hi All - I got my lab results back today, and I have questions... I have copied the results from the Enterolab website and will post them below - hopefully, that works -

Comprehensive Gluten/Antigenic Food Sensitivity Stool Panel

Fecal Anti-gliadin IgA 11 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

Fecal Anti-casein (cow’s milk) IgA 42 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

Fecal Anti-ovalbumin (chicken egg) IgA 12 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

Fecal Anti-soy IgA 15 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

Mean Value 11 Antigenic Foods 12 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

While all of the foods tested can be immune-stimulating, the hierarchy of reactions detected were as follows:

Food to which there was no significant immunological reactivity: Food to which there was some immunological reactivity (1+): Food to which there was moderate immunological reactivity (2+): Food to which there was significant and/or the most immunological reactivity (3+):
Beef
Walnut
Cashew
Corn
Oat
Rice
Pork
Tuna
Chicken
Almond
White potato
None None


Within each class of foods to which you displayed multiple reactions, the hierarchy of those reactions detected were as follows:

Grains:
Grain toward which you displayed the most immunologic reactivity: Corn
Grain toward which you displayed intermediate immunologic reactivity: Oat
Grain toward which you displayed the least immunologic reactivity: Rice

Meats:
Meat toward which you displayed the most immunologic reactivity: Pork
Meat toward which you were next most immunologically reactive: Tuna
Meat toward which you displayed intermediate immunologic reactivity: Chicken

Nuts:
Nut toward which you displayed the most immunologic reactivity: Almond

Nightshades:
You displayed immunologic reactivity to white potato, the member of the nightshade family usually consumed most often and in greatest quantities. While this does not necessarily mean you would react to all other nightshade foods (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), it is possible. In the realm of elimination diets for immunologic disorders, nightshades are usually eliminated as the entire food class (i.e., all four previously mentioned foods in this class). This is especially important to the clinical setting of arthritis.


So - what does this all mean? I have been enjoying almond milk and just introduced almond butter without any problems. Can I still have that?
I don't see anything about peanuts - is peanut butter a possibility? And what about rice and potato? Is potato a food that I can have occasionally? And what about my children!!! My middle child's diet is mainly gluten and dairy (she's not a big meat lover). I can't afford to get everyone tested but should I be steering them away from gluten, dairy, ....

I've been weepy all day - my middle child began college this year (two girls in college) and all of a sudden my son has grown into a man overnight (16 years old). I feel like I'm losing everything at once and can't even sit down with a nice bowl of ice cream. Somehow seeing the results in black and white make it seem more real - I know knowledge is power and this will be helpful in my healing. Right now, I just feel so sad.

I appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Also, I feel like such a jerk - I can't figure out how to upload a picture to my profile. I never thought I was computer savvy but usually could find my way around things. Not so much these days...

Thank-you for your help and guidance -

Pam

[tex]

Hi Pam,

If I read your results right, you're luckier than most of us if your result for the 11 other antigenic foods scored only 12 and you don't have any 2+ and 3+ foods (bulletin board code removes the formatting when data is listed as tables). With a result as low as 12, yes, you most likely will be able to continue eating potatoes and rice (provided they are rated at 1+ or less), especially if you don't eat them every day.

You have been very sensitive to casein (dairy) for a long time, but there's no reason why you can't enjoy a bowl of ice cream made from coconut or cashew milk. Cows don't have the market cornered on tasty foods. If you are sensitive to soy (and you are), then you probably produce antibodies to peanuts as well. But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy cashew butter instead of peanut butter.

And a suddenly empty nest is not the end of the world. Think of all the new freedom you'll have. And the new grandkids who will soon be coming to visit.

Cheer up. Those results could have been a lot worse.

Tex

[Pam V]

Tex,

Thank you so much for your interpretation of my results. I apologize for acting so self absorbed ~ I'm sure a good night's rest will put everything in perspective. I'm dealing with some stressful issues at work right now, which I think has me on edge. I have a lot to be grateful for. I am very grateful that I found this board.

Thank you again ~
Pam

[tex]

Yes, work-related stress (stressful situations over which we have no or little control), are some of the worst.

You're very welcome. And incidentally, it's very normal to be sad/depressed over test results.

Tex

[sunny]

Hi Pam,
You are dealing with some "season of life" changes with kids in college and your son not looking like that little boy anymore....that's stressful for many of us...it signals changes we can't control and hints at our getting older....it is a loss... and losses are so difficult....but that loss is a prelude, as Tex pointed out, to a very fun future that may include grandchildren ( which is grand! We have 13....) plus a different relationship with your kids as adults.
But right now? It's tough to see that...I can see it looking back at 78.... but at the time it was a tough adjustment.
On top of that, you are "losing" some of your favorite foods that are like old friends ! That's another loss! Tex pointed out alternatives to your favorite: ice cream! Mine too! But there's a terrific coconut milk frozen dessert that's really yummy...stay with us, read the files and you will find many substitutes that are pretty close to what we used to eat.
And don't be too hard on yourself...I don't think you are " self- absorbed" in a negative way... you are going to have to be focused on yourself now in a different way...taking care of your body and giving her what she needs....and preventing her exposure to toxic foods or chemicals that will hinder your healing.
Glad you joined....welcome!
Sunny

[Pam V]

Sunny,

Thank-you so much for your note - you are so right. Ever since I was a little girl, all I ever wanted to be was a Mom. My dream came true at the age of 39 - I waited a long time to realize my dream!!! I loved the years when my children were little and enjoyed the tween/teen years as well. My son is different from his sisters - he isn't "around" as much - sports, practices, gym - so the house feels very empty with both girls gone.

Your kind words mean a lot and I appreciate it very much.

Pam

[sunny]

Pam....you're welcome!
Sunny

[Marcia K]

Hi, Pam. My LC began when my son, an only child went to college. I had no idea how I was feeling inside because I was always a strong person who took care of everyone. Life changes are hard but now that he has graduated from college I enjoy the adult time that I spend with him. I enjoy SO coconut milk ice cream on occasion. It really doesn't taste any different than regular ice cream. This is the best place to come for advice and friendship as we've all traveled your road. Hang in there, it does get better!

[Pam V]

Marcia, Thank you so much for your kind note. I appreciate your insight on the joy of being a parent to an adult "child". I will be sure to look for some of that coconut ice cream when I go to the store!

Thank you, again ~ I don't know where I'd be without this wonderful group!

Pam