<p>Since it seems this is such a good crossroads of people. I found out today I have that. The dr is retesting my thyroid, hormones and calcium levels. He didn’t say much beyond too much calcium, even a little over normal means hyperparathyroid. I’ve been hypo thyroid for 18 years. </p>
<p>Interestingly I’ve had leg pain the last few months, and I’ve attributed some of my issues to menopause. </p>
<p>To think I just went to the dr for a titer for a work thing. I wondered why he said he wanted to see me first. sigh I’m not a good patient, but now I assume I’m about to stroke out. He stressed more the danger of osteoporosis and osteopenia. </p>
<p>My doctor thought I had this – I have osteoporosis and he was hoping that hyperparathyroidism was the cause. It wasn’t. </p>
<p>What I learned in the brief period this was a possibility: this condition is usually caused by a tumor or growth on your thyroid. There was talk of doing some testing – which would have involved surgery – to figure it out. If a growth was confirmed, then more surgery would be needed.</p>
<p>Hyperparathyroid can cause osteoporosis. Have you had a bone scan? If you treat the condition, then the osteoporosis or osteopenia will not get worse. </p>
<p>The possibility of strokes was never raised. </p>
<p>My mom had this. It was long ago, so I don’t remember the details of how it was diagnosed. I don’t remember her having any symptoms prior to being diagnosed, but she might have. She did have surgery which now would be considered a relatively minor procedure. I remember the year because while she was in surgery, I was watching the news of the Challenger explosion; it was 1986. It was never an issue after the surgery. Removing the parathyroid cured the problem. She died just a few years ago - nothing to do with parathyroid or calcium levels - she was just very old. </p>
<p>I’m a bad patient, too. I hate the idea of surgery, so I hesitated posting this comment, but I sincerely hope it helps and doesn’t increase your anxiety. Best wishes.</p>
<p>I had this and had surgery for it about 4 years ago (at age 56). Parathyroid levels were elevated, calcium fluctuated between elevated and high normal. My regular thyroid levels were normal. A bone scan had indicated osteopenia, but it was actually caused by hyperparathyroidism. You can find a LOT of good information at parathyroid.com Surgery was outpatient and I stayed out of work a week, although I probably could have gone back sooner. I had minimally invasive surgery–you must choose your surgeon with care. A general surgeon may open your whole neck up because the parathyroids are very difficult to image, as they sit behind the thyroid gland. I was very picky (I am a scientist) and went to a specialist at University of PA. There are 4 parathyroid glands and only one of mine was removed. Most growths are not cancerous although they always check. I cannot even see the incision site anymore–it was about a 1.5 inch incision dead center at the base of my neck. The surgeon closed it with stitches like a plastic surgeon.</p>
<p>I too attributed some random symptoms to menopause, but when you read how this problem manifests itself all of the symptoms fit together.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any more questions. </p>
<p>Retired physician here posting without researching to give a few thoughts- post # 3 has some good information. MOST people have 4 parathyroid glands, a few can have more (something you learn about when learning about thyroid surgery- surgeons need to find those little glands and keep them when removing thyroid gland tissue). </p>
<p>Be sure to do any follow up with your physician and ask any questions. This is something you should not ignore. Likewise don’t panic. The inconvenience et al of treatment now can make a difference in your future. Take a deep breath, whatever, and get over and done with whatever is needed. Procrastinating will only prolong your time worrying- get it over with and get on with your life. </p>
<p>I also have hypothyroidism and had hyperparathyroidism cured by surgery a couple of years ago. I suggest you go to an endocrinologist to get a thorough evaluation which may include a special neck scan to detect which of the parathyroid gland(s) are overactive. If you need surgery, the previous posts give great advice: find someone with expertise in operating on parathyroid glands. The surgeon will do a quickie blood test during surgery after the overactive gland is removed to make sure you will be normal after surgery. I had a great experience with surgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore by Dr. Ralph Tufano. I’m not sure whether I’m allowed be so specific in this forum. Good luck to you eyeamom.</p>
Well apparently I’m a medical mystery. My calcium has gone from 10.4 to 10.9 since this summer. My pth number is well within normal. My thyroid is over doing it right now and my vitamin d is being tested now. I’m off thyroid meds for a few days while the next results come in and I’ll probably have my dosage lowered.
From what I understand calcium should never be high. I also thought the thyroid controlled essentially metabolism and didn’t affect the parathyroid.
But, I’m tired a lot, my legs are sore a lot, and I’ve been complaining about my hair coming out faster than I appreciate. And I needed to get a titer for the mmr for a work thing - and I had to get the shot redone because my mumps immunity was too low.
Where is Dr House when I need him - all roads keep going back to hyperparathyroidism but the blood tests don’t support it.