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.
Has anyone had surgery at U of M? Can you tell me how was your experience. I am now being considered for the "priority" program, and I know I have to do something.
Also, can you tell me if you gained weight after the surgery? It sounds terrible I know, but I am terrified of gaining weight.
Thank you everyone.
If you're referring to the University of Michigan, then yes, I am familiar. I had my parathyroidectomy there just last month, performed by Dr. Barbra Miller who heads the priority program.
Dr. Miller is excellent. (I had previously consulted with a Henry Ford surgeon, who didn't think I needed surgery, and with a well known Tampa surgeon, but I wanted someone closer for follow-up).
My overall experience was good, except I have a 2-inch incision, instead of 1-inch. I don't have a thyroid, because I had radioactive iodine years ago, (previous head or neck radiation is a reason some people develop parathyroid tumors), and it was suspected I would have hyperplasia, so that could be why my incision is bigger than most. Or, it could be bigger because my tumor wasn't identified on scans.
I noticed a difference right after I awoke from surgery. I no longer had burning pain in my shoulders, forearms, and ankles. I was no longer hoarse. The reflux was gone, and I wasn't an anxious mess. I was expected to stay overnight, but I felt so well after surgery, I was released 4 hours later. I immediately went out to lunch and walked around a festival in downtown Ann Arbor.
The next day, I had incision pain, but ice packs and Tylenol/Motrin rotation helped a lot. The pain and fatigue peaked days 3 and 4, and then declined. I wasn't able to drive until day 10, because of dizziness.
I do feel better in many ways, but I am still very fatigued. My TSH jumped from 1.2 to 10.4, so that could be why I'm so tired. My PTH dropped appropriately during surgery (from 230 baseline to 38), but it is now 118. I'm concerned I could have another bad gland, but I'm told the PTH will bounce around for several months. My calcium is 9.8, down from 10.6, D is 15, down from 19. I'm on 50,000 weekly D, and one calcium pill per day.
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Miller and U of M for this.