Hyperparathyroidism Support Group
Hyperparathyroidism is overactivity of the parathyroid glands resulting in excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Increased PTH consequently leads to increased serum calcium (hypercalcemia) due to 1) increased bone resorption, allowing flow of calcium from bone to blood, 2) reduces renal clearance of calcium, and 3) increases intestinal calcium absorption.
Hi there ~
I am looking for some answers so I can help my grandmother. She's had high calcium according to her labs for two years. Her regular Dr hasn't done anything about it, well, until recently when her last set of labs came back high once more, she finally is acting more concerned and re-checked her calcium and also PTH.
Her results:
Calcium 11.3 (Range 8.5-10.5)
PTH 81 (Range 8.7-79.6)
I am concerned and am wanting to help my grandmother. Please share your thoughts with me on these numbers. Again, she has consistantly had elevated labs.
She does have a goiter, and she is overweight. She did meet with an endocrinologist last month, but this new Dr said he'll recheck in 6 months. I feel something needs to be addressed NOW. What to do next?
THANK YOU KINDLY!
I am looking for some answers so I can help my grandmother. She's had high calcium according to her labs for two years. Her regular Dr hasn't done anything about it, well, until recently when her last set of labs came back high once more, she finally is acting more concerned and re-checked her calcium and also PTH.
Her results:
Calcium 11.3 (Range 8.5-10.5)
PTH 81 (Range 8.7-79.6)
I am concerned and am wanting to help my grandmother. Please share your thoughts with me on these numbers. Again, she has consistantly had elevated labs.
She does have a goiter, and she is overweight. She did meet with an endocrinologist last month, but this new Dr said he'll recheck in 6 months. I feel something needs to be addressed NOW. What to do next?
THANK YOU KINDLY!
Well, frankly this is a no-brainer. Her PTH is high and her calcium is high. There are no other possibilities, she has HPT. What are they waiting for? I don't know her age and overall health, but it needs to be taken care of as it exascerbates osteoperosis. I'd find a different endo and go to a surgeon. This is stupid. Does she have any symptoms? Print off parathyroid.com's info and show it to your doctor. This kind of thing drives me nuts.
Regards, Brenden.
I personally have hypothyroid and I know how stupid Drs can be...it was a struggle getting my Dx and proper treatment.
I agree with Brenden. My high calcium and low phosphate were ignored by my internist for years. When I finally had a PTH drawn, it was over 90. I underwent the surgery, which was nothing, and am well now. However, my bones suffered from the years of non-treatment. She should see a different endocrinologist and have her calcium, phosphate, and PTH rechecked. It those tests remain as is, I would get a sestimibe parathyroid scan which will show if she has diffuse hyperplasia or a parathyroid adenoma, which is much more easily treated surgically (that's what I had).
There are situations where an individual's kidney function is very poor and they develop tertiary hyperparathyroidism, with a high calcium and a high PTH. I doubt that this pertains to your grandmother.
CB