I’ll recap the weekend’s lost time later, I just wanted to update everyone on how my “morning” went. I use quotations because even the earliest MD appointments seem to go on forever and ever…
Last month when I started my FODMAPS journey, I got referred to an allergist. Yes, I already know I have sensitivities to certain foods, but I never really suspected true allergies were an issue. Wouldn’t I have had more drastic symptoms (ie an anaphylactic response) by now? [Yes]
Anyway. In the name of due diligence (for my FODMAPS research), I went in today so they could run the full gamut of tests on me.
The pricks aren’t terrible, but they aren’t a treat either – especially the individual ones. But let me back up a bit…
The doctor came in and we discussed what led me in to see her (which is definitely more gastroenterology than immunology), including my latest symptoms. I told her about my elimination diet and how I’ve been feeling as I reintroduce foods, etc. She then determined I should get the skin testing for food allergies.
There are several modules, but I only chose the ones I wanted to be tested for. The ones in bold below are the ones I selected (the asterisks (*) indicates why I chose to omit certain ones).
Module 1 screening (all):
- milk-cow
- eggs-chicken
- beef
- carrots
- tomato
- banana
- peanut
- wheat
- pecan
- sunflower
- fish mix
- shellfish mix
- soy
*This is the broadest category with the most common allergens. I got them all done, even the meat, fish, and eggs.
Module 2 oral allergy (all):
- potato
- carrots
- celery
- apple
- cherry
- cantaloupe
- hazelnut
- watermelon
- banana
- avocado
- peach
Module 3 fruits:
- grapes
- grapefruit
- peach
- pear
- pineapple
- strawberry
- orange
- lemon
*I only selected the pear because I wanted another fruit high in fructose, in addition to the apple from module 2. I also figured the peach in module 2 would cover the stone fruits. Plus, watermelon, banana, and cherry are included in module 2, so no more fruits were necessary.
Module 4 vegetables:
- carrots
- tomato
- peanut
- sweet potato
- mushroom
- onion
- string bean
- soybean
*They were all out of sweet potato, so I actually didn’t get that one, but the rest were omitted because they overlapped other modules.
Module 5 tree nuts (all):
- brazil nut
- cashew nut
- pecan
- walnut
- almond
- hazelnut
Module 6 grains (all):
- barley
- buck wheat
- corn
- hops
- oat
- rice
- rye
- sunflower seeds
Module 7 meats:
- beef
- chicken
- lamb
- pork
*I didn’t get these because I don’t eat meat, I don’t like meat, I don’t want meat. Plus, module 1 included some animals already.
Module 8 shellfish:
- cod fish
- halibut
- salmon
- trout
- tuna
*I didn’t get these because I don’t eat fish and module 1 included a fish mix anyway.
Module 9 arthropods:
- lobster
- crab
- shrimp
- clams
- oyster
- scallops
*I didn’t get these because I don’t eat arthropods and module 1 included shellfish anyway.
Module 10 spices (all):
- black pepper
- dill
- garlic
- ginger
- mustard
- cinnamon
- green pepper
- parsley
*I really only wanted the garlic, but I figured what the hell, and got them all just in case.
Miscellaneous:
- cacao bean/chocolate
- cinnamon
- sesame
- vanilla
- green olives
- histamine
- saline
*I didn’t get any from this module but they did give me the saline and histamine as control pricks. The histamine elicits a positive reaction to measure the others against. The saline is a non-reactive prick to just show how the needles scratch the skin.
When they do the full module (8 at a time), it’s not that painful. The little needles feel funny, but since the pricks are all over, it’s not like a focal stab. Those white things above have the needles at the end. They place them in those wells (which have the extract of the food allergen) and then into your arm.
See? Nice little rows. I had so many modules, both arms were covered!
The individual tests I got (pear, mushroom, onion, and string bean) were more painful because they just poke one area – which basically feels like someone is trying to dig a sharp object into your tender forearm. Not great.
That nice little bulge you see above is the histamine (in it’s early stages). It was so friggin’ itchy.
I realize it’s hard to tell what’s what in these pictures, but the parts that have more redness felt like they were on fire. 
And they just kept growing…
I’ll cut to the chase though. Despite appearances, none of my tests were positive.
This is both a good and bad thing, I suppose.
To put an optimistic spin on it, at least I don’t have food allergies, so I don’t have to worry about an autoimmune response to what I eat.
The bummer is that I still don’t know why my body reacts to certain foods the way it does. It would have been nice to have a confirmed answer, but even going into this appt I knew deep down that allergies weren’t my problem – my IBS is.
So now that I’ve ruled out immunological issues, I can really narrow in on the gastrointestinal problems that I (already) know I have. Unfortunately, not being allergic doesn’t mean intolerances and/or sensitivities to foods don’t exist. How I feel after eating dairy definitely proves that. Digestive responses are just so much harder to sort out!!
With my messed up GI system, I’m happy to know that at least one system is working right. Go immune system! Actually, I take that back. In the interest of full disclosure about my health, I also got follow-up blood work done today for my abnormally low WBCs. I am a responsible vegan, in that I get fairly regular labs drawn (my calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other vitamins & minerals are always perfect, not to mention my textbook triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL). However, I’ve been eyeing my low white blood cells for a couple of years. Even though my doctors haven’t been concerned, I decided to be more insistent this time. So more tests are under way. But that discussion is for another time. As is the discussion I had with my allergist, in which she questioned my plant-based diet and told me that I should add eggs into my meal plan. She also tried to tell me that quinoa and hemp weren’t complete proteins and animal meat was the best source. Ummmm, no thanks.
Have you ever been tested for allergies?
UGHHH GI issues are the worst!!! I had one of the worst bouts of IBS all day yesterday! 🙁
I completely feel with you about your frustration about it…I feel the same way. I feel bummed too when I ‘think’ I’ve found the solution just to turn around and be proven otherwise. The body is tricky tricky.
Right now I’m just attributing everything to stress. LOL easy does it.
I’m very much at the same place with you in terms of my GI issues. I just recently had a bunch of tests done, and I found myself feeling conflicted–I didn’t want anything to be seriously wrong, but I did want answers. My tests came back negative for Colitis and Sprue, but I don’t feel any better overall. I always appreciate your honesty and candor with regards to your GI issues, and I’m always interested to see what you’re trying. I hope the adjustments you are making to your diet result in you feeling better overall.
I hate it when people like doctors -who actually should know better- want to talk me into eating animal products. I always feel as if I cannot trust them anymore in any other area, neither.
Wow, this is so interesting. I’ve been trying to convince my dad to get allergy testing done to see if he has any real food allergies (his system certainly reacts badly sometimes). I wish there was an easy way to test for gastro intolerances that aren’t full blown allergies!
Physicians are not nutrition experts. For the most part they receive very little training/education in nutrition in medical school. It is frustrating to hear that she is misusing her authority as a doctor and telling her patients inaccurate dietary information.
I have had an allergy test called the elisa/act test after a foot injury lead doctors to believe I had arthritis in my foot, but yet they could not prove it. They were set on putting me on some very scary sounding drugs when my chiropractor suggested I get this test done. It was expensive, but I found out I had sensitivities to dairy, black pepper, cherries, gaur gum and a few other real random items. After taking them out of my diet my foot healed and has had no pain at all. It is crazy how sensitivities can show up. Good luck with figuring out how to feel better.
I loved this post (sorry you had to go through all that though!), but I just had my own food intolerance blood test done about a month ago. It was such a simple and easy test. I’m not sure if you’ve done that test yet? I highly recommend it.
For the past couple of years, I’ve been having some GI issues such as bloating and gas. I finally decided to get to the bottom of it. I went to a naturopath to have the test done. I ended up having a major food intolerance to peanuts and eggs! AHHH! I was eating them every single day. But now that I don’t, I feel so much better. My body has gone back to normal 🙂
Sometimes trying to figure out what’s wrong with you is so frustrating that you just HOPE for a positive test so you know what to fix. I’ve had standard allergy tests, but never food allergy ones! I also can’t stand when doctors try to steer me away from my vegan diet. Considering the documented lack of nutrition training in medical school, I’ll trust myself first thanks.
I had some allergy testing done way back in the day but I don’t remember any of it being for foods. Maybe peanuts or something. All I know is, I’m allergic to dust mites, bees and Tide laundry detergent. Pretty sweet, huh?
By the way, it really irks me when doctors don’t seem to know what the hell they’re talking about when it comes to nutrition. I really think they need more education in the area, if you ask me.
Holy dedication! I am impressed that you went though all of that – even though you suspected that allergies weren’t your problem. I can’t even imagine how painfully itchy your arm must have been. I’ve never been tested for food allergies, and don’t think I want to – but have often wondered if it could be tied to my IBS.
“Despite appearances, none of my tests were positive. ” —
and
“Unfortunately, not being allergic doesn’t mean intolerances and/or sensitivities to foods don’t exist. How I feel after eating dairy definitely proves that. Digestive responses are just so much harder to sort out!! ”
Glad that you know and wrote the second part b/c some people test negative and think, oh I’m not allergic..and then on to eat things that upset their gut, system, and overall balance.
Alcat. Google it. It tests for food sensitivies and intolerances on a different Ig pathway. I believe it’s IgG whereas what you had is IgA (dont quote me, it’s been 5+ yrs since I did this all). And Alcat is not perfect, it’s not covered by most insurance, I paid out of pocket for it…but between that test and 2 office visits with a naturopath, my life changed for the better about 6 yrs ago.
I could go on and on and on…if you want me to, email me 🙂
Correct, most physicians are not nutrition experts. Or even close in many cases. Even now, the nutritional education we receive in medical school is minimal. With a growing emphasis on the relationship of food to health, I am optimistic that will change in the next decade. It has become an area of increasing attention at Kaiser. Fingers crossed.
– Elise’s dad, MD
Eat the eggs!
Very interesting on the tests, lots of info. I’ve never been tested, but I’m curious now. Sorry about not getting solid answers on your GI issues, that’s no fun. And I need to be more of a responsible vegan checking my levels more.
just emailed you – thanks averie!
This is soo crazy but my roommate is getting the food allergy test done this thursday! She’s had some weird symptoms with food lately and I’ve tried to research and help her figure out what’s wrong. Yet, no amount of research can really outway what a doctor finds with tests! I hope it helps her resolve her issues because like you said, not knowing is really difficult.
I’ve been tested for allergies, and nada came up. I also have slightly low WBC count, which bugs me, but my doctor has never been concerned. I would be curious to know what you find out, though I am of course aware that it could be for a completely different reason for you than for me!
oh bless you girl! yes figured out what our bodies like can be frustrating
ugh, i’m starting to hate GI issues. i’ve had allergy testing before a couple of times. the first time they tested for all environmentals because i have seasonal (yearly) allergies. turns out i’m very allergic to mold (good think i live in OREGON). a couple years later when i started having skin and GI issues, i had food allergies done and they just did triggers based off of a food diary i did. so i got tested for all types of fish, dairy, soy, eggs, and seafood. this said i was severely allergic to white fish and shrimp — though i’ve never been anaphylactic to either — and a possible allergy to soy and dairy.
i think i want to get tested again, but maybe with a naturopath – i guess they do allergy testing in different ways? do you know if a naturopath or an allergist would be better?
feeling your pain (and totally appreciate you sharing all you’ve been learning). when I was tested for food allergies I was told the worst reaction was to one labeled “general food sensitivity” – how helpful… several years later I am still trying to solve the mystery of my GI tract and about to start an elimination diet. (and going to google the Alcat test thanks to Averie’s comment above!)
while im not an MD, i dont think allergy testing is necessary if youve already had it done and you havent noticed any changes in your symptoms lately. apparently (and i just had to look this up) the test that naturopath’s do is for IgG antibodies in the blood, as opposed to IgE responses that the allergy skin tests for. the IgE reaction is immediate, hence the ability to have the reading done in the MD office right away, whereas the IgG reaction is delayed in its onset. i dont know much more than that, but you can bet youre ass im going to look into it more.
theres also food sensitivities, however, which dont have the antigen-antibody response at all. in other words, they are totally hard to diagnose unless youre a very proactive patient. but again, thats going to be me!
hope that helps?
ditto. and see my response to elaine’s comment (above)
ill let you know what i find out. sigh. so frustrating.
thanks alex!
i think the allergy test was fairly pointless because i would have a more immediate response if i had a true allergy. but see the comments below (and my responses) about the IgG vs IgE antibodies, because thats what you may want to look into (if you feel like your symptoms need attention).
dust mites huh? i would hope that everyone would be allergic to that. blech.
sadly, nutrition is really not a focus in health care. in any area. SO frustrating since prevention is the most important line of defense!!
was yours for IgG antibodies? i suspect yes if it was at the naturopath. how did you find yours? and did your insurance cover it or did you pay out of pocket?
20 questions much!
do you remember the tests name?
hey gavi…next up is probably a visit to the GI MD. hopefully a IgG blood test which measures the more delayed allergy response in the body. we will see…
definitely check out the comments below though, people have very helpful info!
yes, i got an earful about stress management too…she basically prescribed me yoga.
I’ve been tested – no reaction to anything – I have really sensitive skin, and get ezcema all over, but yet no real “allergy” as such. Frustrating, as my skin reacts to different things – I’ve narrowed it down to white/refined sugar and too much dairy (I’m fine with yoghurt and soft cheeses though). So annoying, yet weirdly fascinating at the same time.
that’s SO interesting! i’ve always wanted a test done, but have never actually got around to doing it. funny how it looks so red and itchy, but that actually it’s all fine…
I had it done a few tears ago but they did it on my back. It was so itchy!
I finally decided to start a blog but its in the very begining rough stages but im trying! Could you maybe check it out and send some readers my way? blueeyedbarbie.blogspot.com
It was the Elisa/Act test. It was a blood test that looked for 315 different sensitivities.
This is so interesting. Will you do a post on the low WBC’s? I have a friend who just had a couple of blood tests showing low WBC’s and Im curious about it..
E!!! How awesome and awful at the same time. My cousin got this done but not for food allergies and she found out she was allergic to a certain tree that grew in this one part of SF. Makes me heart science despite seeing your arm like that. It’s semi pushing me in your FODMAPS direction, but I’m stubborn and am too scared to eliminate foods I love but my stomach hates just yet. You know what I’m talking about. Le sigh…I’ll get there eventually and I’m glad to know I’ve got you as a reference when I finally commit to doing it. Besitos!
wow, that’s a lot of needle pricks! i’ve always wanted to get a bunch of allergy testing just to see, but now i’m not so sure after seeing your arm 🙂 glad you’re not allergic to anything though!
i haven’t been doing the FODMAPS diet along with you, but i do feel like you and i have a lot of the same IBS symptoms so i’m curious to see how it all turns out. i was diagnosed with crohn’s disease in 2003 and have since been un-diagnosed. its a long story, and at this point we’re all just assuming it is IBS (mostly stress induced but also affected greatly by food).
anyway. i just wanted to say thanks for sharing your journey to figure out what works and doesn’t work for you! and i also think its awesome that you’re so determined to find out what the root of the problem is instead of just taking a prescription. that is rare these days 🙂
amazing! You’re so brave going through all of that testing! I’m sorry you didn’t find out what was causing your GI issues.
Ive used yelp for all kinds of recommendations- people have blatantly honest feedback ive found. Maybe worth a try to find a recommendation. Assuming you have great insurance working in health industry field a recommendation/referral from a dr helps, or my insc covers 60percent as “preventative care” if all else fails its tax deductible….
DUDE. That is some serious prickin’. And I know what you mean about being happy and not happy about getting answers.. ugh.. such a fun journey.
thank you for that! i guess i could’ve looked that up myself too 🙂
i think that being an rn has helped me become more proactive in my well-being over the past several years. i’m definitely no expert in immunology or allergy though, but i think i’ll definitely do some more research before making any appointments. when i was tested previously, i was just starting nursing school and i just remember at the appt they kept using the word “allergic” and telling me i was “allergic” to things. like you said also, if it were a true allergy, i’d like to think it would have already revealed itself. they didn’t use the word sensitivity though – which is what i’m more inclined to think i have; sensitivities to certain things.
thank you again for sharing what you’re going through, i think you’re helping more people than you know!
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Hi! I’m a fellow vegan and RN.
I had allergy testing done because shortly after having a dermatologic response to my varicella vaccine, I ended up with an exacerbation of my eczema on my face right below my left eye. I went to a naturopath and was found to be allergic to: yeast, mushrooms, blueberries, lettuce, garlic, onions, sweet potatoes and a few other things that I can’t remember now. It was done using the IgG test. Her rationale was that my inflammatory response somehow got kicked into overdrive and made my gut “leaky” making me more sensitive to certain foods, plan was eliminate those foods, get the inflammation under control, take some supplements then reintroduce. Except some of the supplements had the things I was allergic to. So I ended up not really eating a whole lot and becoming even more sensitive than before (ate something with onion in it and my eye was swollen shut the next morning). I stopped taking the supplements, and just started eating again. I went vegan and now the eczema isn’t even an issue — that is until I eat dairy, then I break out into a whole body rash.
Good luck, but I would take the IgG results with a grain of salt, there have been some conflicting reports about the validity of those results.
thanks kim, i actually did a bunch of research and found so many stories similar to yours that i decided to hold off on the igG testing for a bit. i have a followup appt with a GI who specializes in IBS. since shes so renowned its not til feb. in the meantime i am continuing exploring fodmaps and other areas.
frustrating and challenging to keep exploring. anyway, thanks for your feedback. its so helpful to hear what other have tried and gone through.
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