Sarah Pickersgill

Tell us about your symptoms before you took the test?

I had bloating, excessive flatulence, feelings of discomfort, not emptying bowels fully, IBS related type things which the doctor diagnosed but never gave me any treatment

How long have you had your symptoms?

Years, I’ve had all types of tests done to figure out what was causing these symptoms but nothing came back positive. I tried an elimination diet with the dietitian at the GP but it failed. She put an emphasis on stress rather the foods I was eating.

How did your symptoms affect your day-to-day life?

It was painful, embarrassing and uncomfortable. I had to plan ahead most of the times especially as I didn’t really who what was causing the issues. I hated it and felt like nobody understood what I was going through. Always painfully bloated and/or the most foulest of flatulence. It was bad.

What did you feel unable to do as a result of your symptoms? (Activities and hobbies that you could no longer do etc.)

I didn’t like going out in general but especially to big gatherings where food featured. My husband and I couldn’t just sit and watch a movie as I’d have to excuse myself often to visit the loo.

How did you hear about YorkTest? (Through a friend/family member, on the internet etc.)

A friend

Why did you take a YorkTest? Was there a specific incident that made you decide to take a test with us?

I had just had some tests done about my issues and I felt like I needed to take matters into my own hands. Normally I wouldn’t have done YorkTest had I not been at the end of my tether plus my friend gave rave reviews about how it helped her and I thought, why not give it a go.

What solutions had you previously tried before coming to YorkTest?

FODMAP, elimination diet with the dietitian at the GP. I paid to see a nutritionist who also helped but she was convinced that trying fermented foods would help and recommended cows milk kefir which didn’t help. Was told that the process of fermentation mean’t it didn’t affect me but it did.

Did you seek advice from a specialist/GP? If so, what was the outcome/advice given?

Yes (see above) I still struggled. I always knew cows milk was an issue from childhood but was bit blase about it.

What food and drink ingredients were you intolerance to? Were you surprised by the results?

Yeast, Cashew, Cows Milk, Strawberries and egg whites. Was surprised about cashews, egg whites and strawberries. I don’t often have the others but eggs and yeast were featured regularly.

Once you removed your trigger foods, how did you feel?

SO MUCH BETTER!!!

Are you able to do things you couldn’t do before taking a test? (New hobbies and activities.)

YES!!! Now I don’t have to avoid anyone or any event (Covid has seen to that!) however, I can now sit with my husband for hours without thinking about my gut. It’s amazing. I’m thrilled to the bone. My gut feels happier. So happy 🙂

How long did it take for you to see an improvement in your symptoms and overall health after removing your food intolerance?

Within a couple of weeks. It was that quick.

Did you see any change in weight through this process?

Yes. Have lost 6lbs. Still a way to go on that journey but glad that it’s finally started to go in the right direction.

How easy did you find the elimination process?

Easy enough. Miss eggs though. Don’t like yolks.

Are you still following your diet plan?

Yes. The 12 weeks ends Feb 28 and I plan to continue. Will try to bring back eggs but we’ll see.

What happens if you eat your trigger foods?

I haven’t eaten any of those trigger foods.

How helpful was the nutritional consultation?

Very helpful! Finding alternate foods and such was great to know.

How helpful did you find the Customer Care Team?

Very helpful!

How has your life changed since taking the test?

A lot!!! Family members thought I’d be worse especially if I increased Veg intake. Veg does bring about flatulence but no bloating and I’m able to eliminate better so nothing sticking around to cause foul smelling odours.