Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Questions re: fructose/lactose breath tests (new, I think)

Hey all. I haven't posted for a while, but I was hoping for some advice on the breath tests I'm supposed to take. I'm more or less sure I'm fructose intolerant (can't drink fruit juices at all), and not too sure about the lactose, but as I don't eat any dairy I'm not too bothered. My doc has ordered the breath tests, though, so here's the question:

I'm absolutely petrified that taking the lactose/fructose solutions they'll give me will cause an attack - it seems like if I am at all intolerant of either one, even a small amount on a totally empty stomach will be disastrous. The last thing I want to do is a) be stuck running back/forth to the bathroom for the entire length of the 3-hour test, and b) ruin my vacation (which starts the day after the last test) because it'll take me two weeks to get stable again.

Has anyone had the tests on a completely empty stomach/after fasting? Did it cause a bad reaction? Can I just refuse to take them? I'm normally a very cooperative patient, but this time I'm tempted.

Thanks!

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