HI
ALISON:Sorry to see someone suffering the same symptoms I lived with for over 30 years before I was taught by some immunologists the physical basis for systemic symptoms sets like this. These symptoms were linked to hidden abnormal immunologic and non-immunologic reactions to something or things I was putting into my gut by mouth.This symptom set you describe, RULING OUT thyroid problems as a comorbidity which was very appropriately suggested (which could account for some of the symptoms), is almost classic for food or chemical hypersensitivity (sometimes is allergenic but usually not...there are at least 8 distinct pathways of response which can be invoked alone or together).There are over 100 specific chemicals, called in general "mediators" of multiple-classes which are released from both the immune cells of the small bowel lining and from circulating immune cells (which can include one or more types of the lymphocytes, leukocytes, and even platelets) which are first exposed to ingested food in the small blood vessels of the small bowel.Depending upon which specific cells react, a myriad of preformed "stored" toxic chemicals and post-response "synthesized chemicals" can be released into the walls of the small bowel. Some are also released into the bloodstream, where they circulate throuout the body and effect other body tissues up to and including the brain and other structures of the central nervous system, blood vessels throughout the body, glandular tissues, etc.But the first direct effect is on the mucosa, nerves and smooth muscles throughout the gastrointestinal tract. There are a limited number of ways of identifying what the provoking agents are in the diet which produce the underlying responses that lead to this symptom set. As was pointed out by several others the effects are amplified and exaggerated by the anxiety and other stress-reactions associated with the pschological response to the symptoms and what they do in your life. Ofetn, this is mistaken as a primary cause as the patient has not been carefully examined for the presence of these reactions, largely because clinical methods to do so are very very difficult to implement, and testing technologies which can detect these reactions are relatively new and many practitioners do not know of them yet. Or a "symptom based" treatment protocol is used rather than a causal-based approach so if you never look you will never find. You will simply used treatments designed to reduce the symptoms after-the-fact.These reactions can be and are amplified both in the brain itself, and in the reactions of the bowel muscle and nerves, which are upregulated ("twitchy") due to the effects of the chemicals released locally. It is a viscious cycle which can go on for years and decades until the hidden substances triggereing the abnormal responses are identified and removed. Unlike allergy, which may also be present as a comorbidity, these reactions are hard to isolate. They are dose-dependent (allergic reactions are generally not), and out-of-phase with the time of ingestion (in effect the onset of perceptible symptoms can be delayed up to 72 hours, making it impossible to match intake with response).Now to learn about this you have to read hundreds of papers published over 20 years by investigators working on this problem often in isolation from each other, and approaching it form various different angles. Then try to integrate all the findings under the tutelage of someone who knows allergy and immunology thoroughly. Then you may still be baffled (I have this exprience daily).Or, to learn about this in detail in laymans' terms from an authority figure in this medical field (food allergy and intolerance) I recommend you immediately invest $18 in this book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/089...r=2-1/102-64875 08-3420903[/URL] This is the most current BOOK in print on the subject, and even some of the information that the book says is "unknown" has changed over the last 2 years since it was published. The latest investigations further amplifiy the truths Dr. Brostoff expounds in this book-for-victims of food allergies and intolerances, and have opened new avenues of investigation into immune responses which seem to run contrary to what has been thought to be true before!Once you read it (Brostoffs book above) a lot of what you are suffering will make more sense, and you will be better prepared to sort out your options.Here you will find a list of other books by the same doctr, demonstrating his leadership in the field of allergy and immunology:
http://www.greenleaves.com/bookcat/by_brostoff_jonathan.html This is my personal recommendation to you, as I and thousands like me around the world have been the direct beneficiaries of the information given. Our physicians ("us" meaning patients of doctors who work in this area) used it to isolate and remove the offending substances from our diets, and we have achieved substantial to complete remission as a result. Many patients have seen such a dramatic difference applying this information that they are drug free as well by following specific regimens in their lifestyle tailored to their personal profiles of food or chemical intolerances.Eat well. Think well. Be well.MNL_______________
www.leapallergy.com [This message has been edited by Mike NoLomotil (edited 06-18-2001).]
