A newcomer

[Penelope]

Hello !

I found the site when I was looking for information on Lactase tablets ( I hear they can be taken before eating Dairy).

I have only just discovered this thorn in my side recently as I was under the misapprehension that my sluggishness and general feeling of dreadfulness was due to a neurological condition that I have.

Being a big tea drinker it seems that I was ingesting vast quantities of hostile elements !

I have been Milk free for several weeks, opting for Twinings flavoured teas which can be expensive as you only get 20 bags to a box and hadnt sufferered nausea until a lapse in judgement led me to eat several Pringles Rice infusions, chosen as I'm wheat intolerant, only to suffer headaches and well, generally feeling rather ill.

The (very) small writing on the packaging says they contained not only Milk protein but Whey.

Good grief. I'll be sauteeing wood in a desperate search to find something different to eat.

Well, thats my introduction. :)

[jill]

Hi Penelope and welcome, hope we can be of some use to you. Either do a search or ask away and somebody will be sure to answer. I do occasionaly take lactase tablets if i'm eating out somewhere and am not confident that it will not contain any lactose. It does get easier, but i'm afraid reading labels is part of the job we have to do if we don't want to be ill, i'm sure we've all had little slip ups though.

[Penelope]

hello Jill.

Ive just been pottering around and saw to my alarm that some pills may contain Lactose. I hadn even thought of that! Two of my BP pills contain it and the Mini pill, Micronor.

If I could kick something I would.

yes, youre right. Label reading is the only way to go. I'll have to take a magnifying glass to the shops with me. I thought it was bad enough with the gluten intolerance.

[jill]

A lot of tablets contain lactose as a bulking agent, its often hard to find medication that doesn't. It depends on how intolerant you are to whether you want to see about changing any of your medication. The subject of the contraceptive pill has been discussed somewhere on this site and there is a lactose free one, but this is more expensive so not widely available. From my own experience I would say if you can tolerate a small amount then keep having it. If you cut it all out entirely like I did, you might find if you try to reintroduce it you can't have any. I slipped up a couple of weeks ago and had a couple of pieces of fudge with the lactase tablets and I certainly suffered.

There are a couple of others on here who have multiple intolerances so you are not alone. Sure it won't be too long before they are welcoming you.

[cnc]

Hi and welcome.

Like Jill I'd advise that if you can tolerate some lactose it's wise to try to and keep some tolerance to it. There's a belief that cheese contains minimal lactose due to the ageing process, but I can't promise no reaction, having never tried it being allergic to milk and lactose intolerant. There's a thread somewhere about this.
If you're able to tolerate your tablets having lactose in them, then try and stick with it, as I speak from rather extensive experience in that medication without lactose is a nightmare to get hold of, and a lot of it ends up being in liquid form (although it does mean I no longer rattle:D:D) If you can manage with them having lactose then believe me it's a whole lot easier!!

Don't worry I'm sure you'll find plenty of nice foods to eat and if you need any further advice then just give someone a shout.

[Copper]

Welcome to the site. I don't think that there is anything I can add really.

I am totally lactose intolerant - I went from able to tolerate a small amount to total intolerance in about three years. I used lactase tablets when I sometimes made mistakes and used the wrong margarine on my bread. They work for small amounts of lactose but I would not trust them with a large dose of dairy/lactose. Like Jill I use them if I am eating out and don't trust them to give me totally dairy free food.

[Penelope]

If you're able to tolerate your tablets having lactose in them, then try and stick with it, as I speak from rather extensive experience in that medication without lactose is a nightmare to get hold of, and a lot of it ends up being in liquid form (although it does mean I no longer rattle:D:D) If you can manage with them having lactose then believe me it's a whole lot easier!!

yes, I agree, particularly as it took ages to find the right combination of pills to manage the BP I dont really want to be backtracking again. Some of my meds are in liquid form because of my swallowing reflex.


I used lactase tablets when I sometimes made mistakes and used the wrong margarine on my bread. They work for small amounts of lactose but I would not trust them with a large dose of dairy/lactose. Like Jill I use them if I am eating out and don't trust them to give me totally dairy free food.

Thankyou for the advice (and everyone). I'm of the same opinion that it would be wiser to take the Lactase tablets when I'm out. It would probably get quite expensive to take them every day.

[rebecca c]

Hi Penelope, welcome to the site. Its so long since I had any dairy I dont know what kind of reaction I'd get if I tried. I stopped because I found it was one of the many things that combined meant I felt ill all the time.

I am sure the best advice on the medication you are taking is dont do anything as drastic as stopping it now without a lot of consideration. If you were feeling OK until you had the rice infusions it probably shows you can tolerate the lactose present in your tablets. If you do decide to stop try to get you GPs help in finding an alternative to switch to.. They dont think it is there job to do this but if you push them and your pharmacist you can get help with this, but it is not easy. Assertiveness is the key as with many other things.

[paranoidangel]

Hi Penelope

At least if you are used to reading labels for your wheat intolerance then reading them for milk won't be too much worse.

I did use lactase pills at first when I wasn't so good at working out whether things had lactose in and I wasn't sure. And for having hot chocolate out :) Now I'm more used to it I don't tend to so much any more - and I'm less sure they work for hot chocolate, my intolerance having gradually got worse till I can't tolerate any any more.

[cnc]

yes, I agree, particularly as it took ages to find the right combination of pills to manage the BP I dont really want to be backtracking again. Some of my meds are in liquid form because of my swallowing reflex.


Oh I did the back-tracking it's great fun. :unsure::unsure:Avoid it for your own sanity!! I was lucky and got some of my meds changed by a lovely GP, and then when they added new ones I just wouldn't let the pharmacist give me anything with lactose in it.

On the subject of lactase, I tried it a couple of times, but at the time we thought I was just intolerant to lactose, and didn't realise I had a problem with the protein, so it didn't really help me unfortunately.

[goose]

Welcome to the site penelope:bwelcome:.:)

[Penelope]

Hello Goose :)

I apologise for my lateness, but Ive been having problems with a very sluggish IT connection. Its like trundling through treacle sometimes.

In the interim I have been attempting to nibble on the odd bit of Extra mature Cheese, a very small amount that gives me the flavour if nothing else. And Ive tried Alpro Yoghurts which arent too bad.

I made a terrible mistake the other day and ate a couple of Minstrels. I won't be doing that again. :eek:

Editted to add:

I forgot to say that I tried Coconut cream ( comes in a small carton, manufactured by Blue Dragon) in Coffee. I did have to strain out the bits lest I wanted the coffee to look as if it had curdled milk in it.

OK, I admit it, I was desperate, but it wasnt too bad.

[Copper]

I would never have thought of coconut cream in any beverage :) It would not work for me now as I have developed a very bad intolerance to coconut - *sigh*.

I am currently using oat milk in coffee which is ok. I have tried Tiger White in the past (made from a plant root) which is impossible to find down here. Tesco used to sell it but decided to axe it about a year ago.

[Penelope]

I would never have thought of coconut cream in any beverage :) It would not work for me now as I have developed a very bad intolerance to coconut - *sigh*.

I am currently using oat milk in coffee which is ok. I have tried Tiger White in the past (made from a plant root) which is impossible to find down here. Tesco used to sell it but decided to axe it about a year ago.

I wouldnt have thought of Coconut with Coffee but it wasnt too bad.

I checked the White Tiger site and saw that they were looking for a buyer. I havent been able to find any other news about them unfortunately.

http://www.tigerwhitedrinks.com/index.php

I'll try the Oat milk. But I must admit that Ive become quite used to Black Coffee and flavoured Teas. I particularly like Twinings Vanilla, Blackcurrant and Ginseng.

[Copper]

Ah that explains why I can't find Tiger White anywhere.

Places like Tesco are not always our best friend.

[Penelope]

Ah that explains why I can't find Tiger White anywhere.

Places like Tesco are not always our best friend.

I'm afraid that its down to that old Supply and demand credo.

[Copper]

My large local Tesco stopped selling Tropicana orange juice with added calcium. I did complain twice and I was told that they were going to stock their own version - haha. I have to buy their own version in another Tesco.

[Penelope]

My large local Tesco stopped selling Tropicana orange juice with added calcium. I did complain twice and I was told that they were going to stock their own version - haha. I have to buy their own version in another Tesco.

I didnt know that you could get Orange juice with added Calcium. Thanks for letting me know.

Incase you think I'm a tad odd. I'm in a wheelchair and I really dont get the opportunity to browse. I do much of my shopping online at Tesco but you cant always see the ingredients in the little snapshot pages.

[Copper]

As you may have gathered I shop in two large Tesco stores. If you would like me to check anything just ask. I hate shopping so I go alternate Tuesdays (I take my mother shopping) and every Wednesday.

Their own orange juice is in a carton on the shelves and is part of the healthy living range. I have to look carefully when I buy it as the ordinary healthy living orange is in the same carton as the added calcium. I have to look out for the words added calcium on the front of the carton. This is not helped by the shelf stackers muddling the two types up on the shelf :-(

[cnc]

Incase you think I'm a tad odd. I'm in a wheelchair and I really dont get the opportunity to browse. I do much of my shopping online at Tesco but you cant always see the ingredients in the little snapshot pages.

I really wouldn't trust those snapshots. They're not necessarily up to date, and aren't supplied on all products so please be careful.
I've become a lazy shopper, I buy things that I know are safe and have very little deviation from my usual list (I don't browse, for similar reasons to you, but also really don't trust the listings the websites provide, so I do the head down, grab stuff and escape approach)

[Penelope]

As you may have gathered I shop in two large Tesco stores. If you would like me to check anything just ask. I hate shopping so I go alternate Tuesdays (I take my mother shopping) and every Wednesday.

Their own orange juice is in a carton on the shelves and is part of the healthy living range. I have to look carefully when I buy it as the ordinary healthy living orange is in the same carton as the added calcium. I have to look out for the words added calcium on the front of the carton. This is not helped by the shelf stackers muddling the two types up on the shelf :-(

You are extremely kind Copper, thankyou :)

But I wouldnt want to make a nuisance of myself. Ive been looking for Yoghurts which I like to eat before taking meds as theyre sufficiently light, However I couldnt find the Alpro variety (goodness knows how they get the "taste". Perhaps I shouldnt delve !! ) but I bought a few desserts which were fine.


I really wouldn't trust those snapshots. They're not necessarily up to date, and aren't supplied on all products so please be careful.
I've become a lazy shopper, I buy things that I know are safe and have very little deviation from my usual list (I don't browse, for similar reasons to you, but also really don't trust the listings the websites provide, so I do the head down, grab stuff and escape approach)

Very good advice. I think commonsense and danger of strained eyes is the only solution. I think that once Ive found a selection (that might be being overly optimistic) I'll probably take the same approach.

[Copper]

I have discovered that not every Tesco store sells the same things. My Tesco is not as good as my mother's for Free from stuff but her store has stopped selling Alpro desserts but mine still has them!

All I know is that you can't rely on any store for things you want. Sainsbury down here is the most unreliable store for Free from stuff.

[cnc]

For things like the yoghurt there is always goodnessdirect (check the name/spelling of that), or try making friends with your local health food shop. Mine have very kindly offered to deliver my dairy free foods and things I get from there if I can't get into the shop. Hurrah for nice, independent retailers. I think I might have to start taking them up on their offer as getting into town is something I do less often and I've got to have my yoghurt and ice-cream:D. Seriously though some of these smaller retailers can be very helpful.
Weirdly I used to hate normal yoghurt but really like soya ones- my favourite are red cherry and mango, which are such a hassle to get but so worth it.

[Penelope]

I'm sorry for the delay in response. Ive not been too well. The MS has been making a nuisance of itself. Plus two new kitties to keep an eye on.

I tried the Alpro Yoghurts but I think my inner workings balked at the Bifidobacterium, s thermophilus and L Bulgaricus :eek:

I think ide be better off licking the floor !!


For things like the yoghurt there is always goodnessdirect (check the name/spelling of that), or try making friends with your local health food shop. Mine have very kindly offered to deliver my dairy free foods and things I get from there if I can't get into the shop. Hurrah for nice, independent retailers. I think I might have to start taking them up on their offer as getting into town is something I do less often and I've got to have my yoghurt and ice-cream:D. Seriously though some of these smaller retailers can be very helpful.
Weirdly I used to hate normal yoghurt but really like soya ones- my favourite are red cherry and mango, which are such a hassle to get but so worth it.


Like you I love my Yoghurt, its a nice snack or just something light to take with the the meds other than Race cakes which can get decidedly boring.

I'll take your advice and check out local shops. Thanyou cnc


I have discovered that not every Tesco store sells the same things. My Tesco is not as good as my mother's for Free from stuff but her store has stopped selling Alpro desserts but mine still has them!

All I know is that you can't rely on any store for things you want. Sainsbury down here is the most unreliable store for Free from stuff.

Ive discovered that the online service doesnt always (as you would think) keep the same things. One week I was able to get the desserts but no yoghurts and another week, vice versa.

Having said that, the youghurts dont seem to have had the desired effect Lol

Tesco must stock by demand, looking for the almighty profit, unfortunately.

[Copper]

I am not sure that my stomach would cope with added bacteria either.

[Penelope]

I am not sure that my stomach would cope with added bacteria either.

Whilst I'm not having to rush to the amenties, the stomach feels "off" which is a nuisance.

[cnc]

Tesco must stock by demand, looking for the almighty profit, unfortunately.

I still think unfortunately they are the best for free from out of the supermarkets, so I can't complain too much. Maybe we should compile a list of what each Tesco's stock and then we can complain and demand that our local one stocks whatever it is we want. :lol2::lol2:

Don't apologise for the delay, hope you're having a bit of a better time and enjoying the kittens.

[Copper]

Kitties are sweet. It is a shame that they have to grow up. Our (er my daughter's) kittie is 10 now and just as silly. He is starting to slow down a bit. This morning he thought it would be nice to rest his head on mine and purr loudly in my ear. I gave in and got up and left him to sleep on the bed.

[cnc]

Was hunting on the net for something else and came across this:
http://www.swallowingdifficulties.com/data.htm
Which is a list of the different preparations that medication comes in, particularly useful for those that are having problems finding a lactose free version of their medication.
There used to be a thread about this somewhere, but it's late (for me anyway) and so I just stuck it here!!

[cakelady]

Hi Penelope,
I'm coeliac as well, pain isn't it??? Welcome to the site, as you have probably guessed there are lots of lovely people here who give sound advise and help, great bunch!!
cakelady