First off, MrsD - thanks for making me look past Mastocytosis! If I would have gone in and been told it wasn't that, I'd feel very dejected!

I'm still not convinced it's gluten sensitivity though. My only gastro/intestinal issues are rather infrequent and involve a constipation, followed by loosness. My understanding, according to foodintol.com is: the common and well-known Gluten intolerance symptoms are gastro-intestinal (diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating etc.). Again, this has never been a major symptom for me.

I just read http://www.msgtruth.org/allergy.htm and http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press...MAY/000518.HTM
This is how I understand it: MSG sensitivity can increase allergic response in people who have multiple allergies, which I assume explains the pruritus and hives. I have been very allergic, most of my life, to cats & dogs, feathers, dust mites, tree pollen, mold, grass, floral perfumes & lotions (trigger my asthma) and the usual ragweed and such. It is possible that I have an intolerance to rice, but, combined with MSG makes it an allergic reaction...

In keeping this journal, I have discovered that I get what I call "asthma-ish" Not quite a true asthma attack, but a little short of breath. When my symptoms do flare - it does seem to be an allergic reaction of sorts.

One thing I considered doing today, since I have leftovers from last night... I can eat a bowl of plain rice today and see what happens. If that doesn't trigger anything, then tomorrow I can eat a little of the gravy from my stroganoff. If nothing happens from that, then mix them together as I would normally eat them and see what happens. That seems the easiest way to figure this out.

I still need to figure out if this is related to my SFN. MSG is a neurotransmiter... but this needs much more research.