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.
Greetings,
I had surgery for Hyperparathyroidism a year ago. I had 4 gland hyperplasia, which meant they removed 3 plus a part of the 4th gland. Immediately after surgery, I of course developed hypocalcemia. Since then, my Calcium numbers have fluctuated and I have had better and worse readings. However, my PTH has never gone above 19, and my last reading was 14. My Vitamin D is at 43 and my "active" D is apparently doing what it should be doing so I do not require Calcitriol to get things working. But, I still have issues with keeping my calcium up, and of course the attendant tingling, and etc. I do occasionaly get serum calcium readings of about 9.2
My real concern is two-fold. One, is it safe to keep taking supplements given the conflicting data on males taking calcium, and Two, is there any harm in longterm chronic hypocalcemia? I have read about heart issues and hypocalcemia, but I am assuming this is with respects very low and longterm calcium issues. Also, anyone know of any ways to raise PTH at all? Funny how high PTH was an issue before surgery and now low PTH is...
Anyway, to add a few things; last week I ended up in the ER with a low potassium at 2.9. They gave me the obnoxious drink and everything else looked "normal" for me (still low calcium) so they sent me home. Curiously, my BP was quite high during this time and I had started to wonder if the two (potassium and BP) were related. I do take HCTZ to help retain calcium, but I know that can also contribute to hypokalemia, so who knows.
Regards, Brenden.
I had surgery for Hyperparathyroidism a year ago. I had 4 gland hyperplasia, which meant they removed 3 plus a part of the 4th gland. Immediately after surgery, I of course developed hypocalcemia. Since then, my Calcium numbers have fluctuated and I have had better and worse readings. However, my PTH has never gone above 19, and my last reading was 14. My Vitamin D is at 43 and my "active" D is apparently doing what it should be doing so I do not require Calcitriol to get things working. But, I still have issues with keeping my calcium up, and of course the attendant tingling, and etc. I do occasionaly get serum calcium readings of about 9.2
My real concern is two-fold. One, is it safe to keep taking supplements given the conflicting data on males taking calcium, and Two, is there any harm in longterm chronic hypocalcemia? I have read about heart issues and hypocalcemia, but I am assuming this is with respects very low and longterm calcium issues. Also, anyone know of any ways to raise PTH at all? Funny how high PTH was an issue before surgery and now low PTH is...
Anyway, to add a few things; last week I ended up in the ER with a low potassium at 2.9. They gave me the obnoxious drink and everything else looked "normal" for me (still low calcium) so they sent me home. Curiously, my BP was quite high during this time and I had started to wonder if the two (potassium and BP) were related. I do take HCTZ to help retain calcium, but I know that can also contribute to hypokalemia, so who knows.
Regards, Brenden.
I haven't posted on here in a long time. I have been hanging out on the parathyroid support group on facebook. Facebook also has a hyPOparathyroid support group which I hear is super good with lots of info and help if you have Facebook check out both groups. I am sorry you are still not feeling well. Take Care.