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 confirmed a July date for my surgery today. She suspects 4 gland hyperplasia due to nothing seen on Sestamibi, CT and Ultrasound. They did see a "nodule" on my upper left thyroid gland that was nonechogenic. When I asked her she said that if any of the paras are beefy, that one could be the culprit.
I did have a question for you all. The surgeon says she still wants me to take 2,000 units od D every day for the next month just to be certain my HPT isn't "secondary" to my low D. I was wondering if anyone here who has had confirmed and perhaps surgically corrected PHPT took Vitamin D and still had low levels of D after taking it? I am asking because my surgeon said that if someone takes D they should see a rise in D unless they really weren't taking it. Howefver, it seems to me I've seen some folks post that they were supplementing with D and still only had slight increases in their overall level.
Regards, Brenden.
I confirmed a July date for my surgery today. She suspects 4 gland hyperplasia due to nothing seen on Sestamibi, CT and Ultrasound. They did see a "nodule" on my upper left thyroid gland that was nonechogenic. When I asked her she said that if any of the paras are beefy, that one could be the culprit.
I did have a question for you all. The surgeon says she still wants me to take 2,000 units od D every day for the next month just to be certain my HPT isn't "secondary" to my low D. I was wondering if anyone here who has had confirmed and perhaps surgically corrected PHPT took Vitamin D and still had low levels of D after taking it? I am asking because my surgeon said that if someone takes D they should see a rise in D unless they really weren't taking it. Howefver, it seems to me I've seen some folks post that they were supplementing with D and still only had slight increases in their overall level.
Regards, Brenden.
Dr. Norman has successfully built his business on people that have negative sestamibi scans as they specializes in this.
If you start feeling poorly while on your Vitamin D supplements prior to surgery make sure you address this. Headaches, increased bone pain, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, tingling etc. Many people with Primary Hyperparathyroidism have a sensitivity to Vitamin D and do not handle it well or it causes their blood calcium levels to rise. Watch for signs of Hypercalcemia which causes high blood pressure. Go to a drug store and get your blood pressure checked every few days to make sure you are monitoring this.
Can you remind us of what your calcium lab levels are as well as your PTH levels? I can't get a doctor to even entertain hyperparathyroidism because my calcium is normal at around 9.8. My PTH has been high twice but normal the others. Once they get the normal, they stop trying to help. Thanks for sharing your story.
There is a rare type of Primary Hyperparathyroidism called Normocalcemic google it. In this situation PTH is high, Total Serum Calcium is normal, but Ionized Calcium is elevated. Most Doctors do not order the Ionized Calcium. You need to advocate for yourself as they may not be familiar with this type.
Next time your PTH is taken make sure at the same time both calcium's are ordered.