Saltybrad

My recent blood labs revealed a high calcium component and I have all the associated symptoms that go along with this disease. Life is miserable but at least I have found the cause, now I am just concerned about the surgery.
http://www.parathyroid.com/

deepblue

If you go the surgical route would suggest that you find a very, very experienced
parathyroid surgeon. Perhaps a university setting. Best wishes.

54bullwinkle

Have you been told you need surgery, or researching your symptoms on line?

See a qualified endocrinologist first. You may not need surgery.

If you do, parathyroid surgery is not very common. Surgery itself is pretty simple, but docs will try to leave a remnant of one of the parathyroid glands in place (there are 4) that will continue to function. They can sometimes be difficult to distinguish and identify, so a careful dissection is necessary.

Def go to a Univ setting where more are performed. Even top guys at univ's will do one a month or less.

Saltybrad

54, The doctor said that the blood work was pretty conclusive. I am having more blood work done on monday to check for elevated PTH hormones which would confirm a parathyroid condition. I have had the symptoms for about a year with no idea what would be causing these issues. Needless to say the wife is beyond freaked out....

54bullwinkle

PM sent................Your doc is exactly on the right track. Results of PTH is an important test. If it is elevated, you most likely have an adenoma (benign parathyroid tumor) which elevates serum calcium. If it is low, other causes of elevated calcium have to be searched for.

dave11

The above advice is correct. Find the best quack you can. My wife had a biopsy done prior to that surgery. They hit her trachea with the probe. She now has a cronic cough.