Lactose intolerant question?

[LKAHMS]

Can you become lactose intolerant out of no where?
I am 35 yrs old healthy for the most part (back issues). I have had stomach problems my whole life (early on was told it was gull bladder but never had stones) then the issues subsided for a long time and if I did have trouble it seemed to be stress related.
Now in the last 2 yrs or so the issues are back.
After having another ultra sound on the gull bladder (clear) and the neg. blood test for celiac's disease (only to rule it out as my Aunt just got that DX a few months ago after a biopsy) my dr says it's most likely IBS.

However I have frequent diahreah in the A.M. & have been thinking this is from milk & coffee creamer.
I stopped eatting cereal/yogurt with milk and no coffee for 3 days and this issue was better.

This a.m. I had cereal with milk and coffe w/ creamer and wham I am in the bathroom again!!

I am beginning to think it's lactose related!?
My husband says he finds this hard to believe as I have not had problems before with dairy products.

I just want to make it clear I do see a Dr every 6 months, the problems do not interfere w/ my day to day life and I am a nervous sort of person so allot of times I do relate the issues to stress & that very well could be all it is.


Any comments?

Thanks!

[tic chick]

hello lkahms!*bunch

i think it is possible to get lactose intolerant all of a sudden. bodies change.

however, i DON'T think you can rule out gallbladder problems. an ultrasound of the gallbladder only tells you whether you have stones. it doesn't measure how your gallbladder is functioning.

some of the symptoms of gallbladder malfunction are, pain in the upper right side of the chest, pain or discomfort in the back on the right side, discomfort going up to the right shoulder, diarrhea, feeling nauseous after a fatty meal, general uneasiness in the stomach.

the test that tells you how your gallbladder is functioning is a hepatobiliary scan/gallbladder ejection fraction test with cck.

you can also have diarrhea from other causes. i don't think a diagnosis of ibs should be made so lightly. at the very least, a colonoscopy should be done.

yogurt is less likely to cause diarrhea because it has active cultures in it that have already pre-digested the lactose in the milk it is made from.

but, i'm with your hubby on this. don't buy into a diagnosis of ibs without asking for a colonoscopy. if you are having problems that sound like gallbladder malfunction, ask for the ejection fraction test with cck. diarrhea that continues is not to be taken lightly.

take care of yourself,
jeannie

[can]

Hi to the both of you. I would have thought that this forum would be very busy, but I guess most doctors have it covered. Anyway, I also am lactose intolerant ( probably since childhood ???? ). I am a 58 year old male and mine comes and goes, depending on of course, what I eat. You should try not eating any lactose for about 1 week, then when you wake up in the morning, and on an empty stomach, try a glass of milk ( all by itself ) and see what happens. Many times, it is best to go with your gut instincts and do your own research till you are 100% satisfied. A negatice blood celiac test does not mean much. Go to www.enterolab.com and see what I mean. Plus, there are other reasons for malabsorption/digestive problems. Good luck and have a MEERY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

[Lavandula Canadensis]

LKHAMS,

i've also had digestive problems and allergies all my life... starting with milk, and all what was in baby formulas... :eek: ((((((( gentle hug to you for that )))))))

allergies and intolerances can develop slowly over time, or can very well happen overnight, yes... for a variety of reasons...

there's one thing i'd be suspecting first from what you're telling us... for how long have you been putting 'coffee creamer' in your coffee ? is it a flavoured one ? does it contain any chemical/flavour/additives at all ? this would be the thing to check out first... and eliminate this one from your diet, if it contains any... one thing at a time, until you're sure about it... then, if still sick... eliminate another one... dairy, gluten, additives... i'd suggest that you go through all the elimination diet documentation you can find in our forums... and see if there is not something that rings a bell to you... start with those...

coffee is also a laxative, and one may become more sensitive over time... i'm ok with coffee and rice milk - look for a brand that don't contain gluten (Rice Dream contains barley, they do not say it in the ingredients list, but on the other side of the box) ! :eek:

imho, the best way to point out allergies/intolerances, is with an elimination diet... not expensive or invasive... a pen, a paper pad, a clock, a calendar, some discipline, and some patience... you have to write down every single little thing you absorb, incl. water (spring or tap...), and list all your symptoms, date & time...

anyhow, keep in touch with your doctor... may be also with a good nutritionist... and, definitely, with us :D i hope this helps...

take care & good luck!

[LIZARD]

Lactose intolerance risk actually increases with age.


LIZARD :)