anyone also have short gut syndrome??

I had to have most of my small intestine removed last winter, which has greatly limited my food choices. This summer I also learned that I also need a gluten-free, lactose-free diet. I’ve eliminated both but I’m still getting sick. I’m considering whey and a few other things. I went to an allergist last month and he did the scratch test for common food allergies but all came up negative.

So, I need to hear from people with short gut, people with food ideas, and people who know about allergy testing. Is the scratch test the “gold standard”?
Beth

wiretree—No, the scratch test is absolutely not the “gold standard”. The scratch test is a good place to start pointing you in the direction of some or your allergy food-groups, but by no means can it be considered fool-proof. If you want to go more in-depth, your allergist can also do an injection-type test, which is likely to catch more allergies than the scratch test. I have not tried this myself, but it is an option. They can also do a blood test to determine if you have certain types of allergies.

Otherwise, you may want to try an elimination diet, in which you eat VERY basic foods for at least a couple of weeks (like rice, chicken, a few vegetables, no seasonings), then gradually add in ONE new food item at a time for a few days, to see if you have a reaction. This can be a time-consuming process, but may be helpful.