Hyperparathyroidism - Share Your Experience
Please share your experience with hyperparathyroidism.
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What is hyperparathyroidism?
If the parathyroid glands secrete too much hormone, as happens in primary hyperparathyroidism, the balance is disrupted: Blood calcium rises. This condition of excessive calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia, is what usually signals the doctor that something may be wrong with the parathyroid glands. In 85 percent of people with primary hyperparathyroidism, a benign tumor called an adenoma has formed on one of the parathyroid glands, causing it to become overactive. Benign tumors are noncancerous. In most other cases, the excess hormone comes from two or more enlarged parathyroid glands, a condition called hyperplasia. Very rarely, hyperparathyroidism is caused by cancer of a parathyroid gland.
This excess PTH triggers the release of too much calcium into the bloodstream. The bones may lose calcium, and too much calcium may be absorbed from food. The levels of calcium may increase in the urine, causing kidney stones. PTH also lowers blood phosphorus levels by increasing excretion of phosphorus in the urine.
See what others are saying
My doctor just called and said my calcium was elevated and wants to check it again. I am scheduled for a cardiac workup due to some chest pain. I have been very low in vitamin D for years. I've had osteoporosis in my hips and lower back for years, possibly due to many years of taking prednisone. I finally went in to my doctor and said: "Something is wrong. I can't stop sleeping. I have gained 25 pounds. I feel like crap all the time, am depressed, my legs hurt when I sleep, I'm having headaches, body aches, and I can't remember anything." I have a feeling I have hyperparathyroidism, from what I have read. We will see what she says next week. Something has to be done soon, as I feel like I am sick all the time but don't know why. I am so glad I found this page because it explains so much. If she says my levels are elevated, though not high enough, I'm wondering if I should just look for a second opinion. How long does it take to diagnose this? I have been sick for years, and they have said it is fibromyalgia/Churg- Strauss/GERD/osteoporosis.
I have been ill for years with no medical reason other than being diagnosed with Sjogrens about seven years ago. I began missing work due to severe pain all over my body. Then in December of 2011 while at work I experienced a severe migraine with vertigo, followed by two weeks of vomiting. I have had all kinds of stomach problems, diarrhea, bloating, constipation and even have been hospitalized for these problems. On my own, I discovered that I have hyperparathyroid disease. The best advice I can give you is always get a copy of lab, ultrasounds, and all tests sent to your home. You have the right to ask for all medical records. I also followed up with getting my calcium levels checked and asked my doctors lots of questions. Luckily, I did research on my own, found a clinic that specializes in parathyroid disease, and had surgery two weeks ago. I already feel like I have more energy and my joint pain has decreased a lot. Don't give up--there is hope.
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