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My diagnosis is mastocytic enterocolitis. I have had limited success with Gastrocrom and I am currently weaning off of it. Dr. Lewey has prescribed Lotronex, which caused constipation within a week. I had to stop taking it. He wants me to try again on half the initial dose. Lotronex is pretty scary and I am reluctant to start taking it again. So, I'm looking for an alternative solution.
My GP has recommended the ALCAT test for food sensitivities. I did a search here and didn't find much information. Has anyone had this test?
He is also recommending a comprehensive stool analysis through The Great Plains Laboratory. Has anyone heard of this one? It doesn't test for food sensitivities, but looks for good and bad bacteria, yeast and parasites and evaluates overall intestinal health.
I would appreciate any thoughts on either of these tests.
Possible Tests
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Hi,
I suggest that you consider MRT instead of ALCAT, and do a lot of reading of the posts that relate to this topic in the forum at the following link. Please be aware that among the regular posters in that forum, Mary Beth is a dietitian, and Polly is an MD.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=66
Dr. Lewey is one of the leading GI specialists in this country, when it comes to dealing with this disease, so I assume that you have tried all the conventional treatments, and I can understand your frustration.
For background information, are you following a diet that avoids high-histamine foods, and are you also avoiding foods that promote the degranulation of existing mast cells?
Tex
I suggest that you consider MRT instead of ALCAT, and do a lot of reading of the posts that relate to this topic in the forum at the following link. Please be aware that among the regular posters in that forum, Mary Beth is a dietitian, and Polly is an MD.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=66
Dr. Lewey is one of the leading GI specialists in this country, when it comes to dealing with this disease, so I assume that you have tried all the conventional treatments, and I can understand your frustration.
For background information, are you following a diet that avoids high-histamine foods, and are you also avoiding foods that promote the degranulation of existing mast cells?
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.
rlw,
I have mast cell issues as well. I did MRT and found it very helpful for getting symptoms under control. I also follow a histamine restricted diet for mast cell problems. Dr. Lewey can order MRT for you. From what I understand the man who develped Alcat is the same man who developed MRT (Jack Pasula) but Alcat is the older generation test.
Mary Beth
I have mast cell issues as well. I did MRT and found it very helpful for getting symptoms under control. I also follow a histamine restricted diet for mast cell problems. Dr. Lewey can order MRT for you. From what I understand the man who develped Alcat is the same man who developed MRT (Jack Pasula) but Alcat is the older generation test.
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Mary Beth - Do you know what the difference is between ALCAT and MRT? The ALCAT test covers 200 foods, which I believe is more than the MRT. Dr. Lewey's nurse told me that he orders both tests, so I'm not sure which is better for me. If I can get accurate results with the ALCAT, it seems like I should do the test that covers more substances. Or, do you think the MRT is that much more accurate?
Here is a chart for you to compare different types of tests:
http://www.susanlinke.com/Food%20Sensit ... 0Chart.pdf
Yes, I understand that Alcat tests for more, but more is not always better. With LEAP/MRT we teach a process that helps you to discern reactive foods. Read through the MRT files and follow Polly's progress and you will see what I am talking about.
Mary Beth
http://www.susanlinke.com/Food%20Sensit ... 0Chart.pdf
Yes, I understand that Alcat tests for more, but more is not always better. With LEAP/MRT we teach a process that helps you to discern reactive foods. Read through the MRT files and follow Polly's progress and you will see what I am talking about.
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer