Thanks guys! 

^ what she said.  (Nice graphic, btw)

A warm welcome, Ninjas!   

In to say hi, welcome, and you have an intensely awesome screen name.

Hi all,

I'm glad to have found this site! I've been dealing with allergies for a long time; environmental mostly. I was allergic to milk as an infant, but the doctors told my mom that it would magically disappear when I turned one. Right! Following that advice, I began eating milk products after I was weaned from the milk free formula around age one. Consequently, I had countless ear infections, burst ear drums and a mysterious rash around my mouth that wouldn't go away. I now know, after seeing photos, that the rash was hives and all of the ear infections probably were caused by the consumption of milk products. Anyway!

I seem to be fine with milk products these days. Around age 12 I developed severe GI reactions to *something*. I had episodes 2+ times a month up until age 18 when I decided to go gluten free (suspected celiac). I had negative celiac blood results, though I was on a nasal steroid at the time so we are unsure as to the accuracy of the results. I have not had an endoscopy because I was not willing to go back on gluten.

I have had miraculous results! I grew 2 1/2 inches, and have stopped getting so sick (sinus infections, respiratory infections, etc. – don't think I went 3 months without some kind of infection)! Two colds since Feb. 2012. I still can't fathom it!! Despite the lack of serological evidence, my GI doctor was ready to diagnose me as a "probable celiac" based on my results. I also had common vitamin deficiencies: iron, D, B12. I have not had extensive genetic testing, but the tests I have had done have shown that I do not have either of the genes found in 98% of celiacs. I could be part of the 2% but I don't know...

I'm here because I'm beginning to wonder whether these severe GI reactions (which I get whenever I ingest gluten) could actually be allergic reactions. I have not had comprehensive food allergy testing, but I have been tested for wheat (IgE - by blood) and the number came up just below the "positive" range, whereas egg, soybean, milk, etc. all came up <0.10. I also seem to react to quinoa, with hives on my tongue and a rash around my lips.

I have OAS, and received allergy shots for five years for my severe environmental allergies. I wish I could say they helped! Going off of gluten has made the biggest difference, as I am no longer taking daily meds!

I'm sure I'm missing something, but I'm excited to be here.. to learn and listen.

Thanks!
Ninjas