Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Parathyroid and Thyroid Disorders
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
 |
Parathyroid and Thyroid Disorders
by mis8231, Aug 25, 2006 12:00AM
I went to my PCP for stomach problems. In routine blood tests he found high calcium (12.9). I had multiple symptoms of hypocalcimia and was told it is parathyroid disease. I went to an endocrinologist and they did another thyroid ultrasound and I was found to have possible large adenoma on my thyroid gland, right lobe, 2.6 cm x 3.2 with "increased vascularity". The radiologist who did the report suggested that it is most likely an adenoma and recommended a thyroid nuclear scan to rule out cold nodule. I am scheduled for that next week and they haven't done an FNA, does that sound right? I am concerned and feeling very sick lately, from bone pain to upset stomach to major headaches, which I'm told are all due to the high calcium. I am waiting for an appointment with MD Anderson (I am in Houston), but that seems so far off and I just feel so sick and I'm extremely tired. I just feel nervous that the doctors aren't doing the right thing. I am not sure they are doing the right tests (the endo repeated all the tests the PCP had done the week before and also did an ECG). Because of all the people in and out of her office, I feel that my endo is almost a "mill", she had many patients all at once and they all get the same tests it seems. Should I seek another doctor? I just want to feel better again. I am 32 and feel like I'm at least 50.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Aug 27, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 27, 2006 12:00AM
If the PTH is high, combined with the high Calcium, you have Primary Hyperparathyroidism --- most likely what they saw on ultrasound is a parathyroid adenoma which is over-producing PTH. Your symptoms are consistent with this. You are young and the endocrinologist should consider multiple endocrine neoplasia (rare, but worth looking into) -- ie, check calcitonin, prolactin and screen for pheochromocytoma. MD Anderson will sort through all this with you -- good luck.
Fortunately, the treatment for Primary HPTH is a simple surgery often done under local anesthesia in about 15-20 minutes. Check out parathyroid.com which has excellent information regarding this condition and its treatment.
Fortunately, the treatment for Primary HPTH is a simple surgery often done under local anesthesia in about 15-20 minutes. Check out parathyroid.com which has excellent information regarding this condition and its treatment.
I have had a lot of health issues over the last few months, and was evaluated for thyroid and parathyroid issues. From my reading up on these issues, your parathyroid numbers are WAY high, and your calcium is also very high. It does sound like you will need a surgery to remove the parathyroid. I have read that there is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the parathyroid gland that is causing the problems. I would recommend that you discuss the minimally invasive procedure with your doc.
I have a good endocrinologist off of Holcombe (not sure if this is the same one you have). If you are trying to get into another endo, most seem to be very busy and it may take a while to get in. Not enough endocrinologists in the Houston area. I would recommend that you be assertive to see if you can get in any earlier for the nuclear study, and the appointment with the doctor at MD Anderson. Be assertive, but be pleasant. Perhaps if you explain the high numbers you have, and how bad you are feeling, maybe they will do what they can to schedule you earlier. In fact, perhaps you could ask if you can just come in and see if the doctor can try to to "fit you in". Or, you can ask if they have a waiting list in case there are any cancellations. Just be pleasantly persistent. (I called my endo daily to get an earlier appt., and after 6 days of calling, they had a cancellation, and I got in the next day:) I don't know who your endo is, but I do know that MD Anderson has some really great docs. Is the MD Anderson doc the one who is supposed to do surgery for you? Or, is the doc the one who is supposed to the fine needle aspiration? I agree with you that it seems wierd not to have the FNA done -- I would call your doc and ASK QUESTIONS. Arm yourself with information. In my research, I found some really good websites that deal with parathyroid and thyroid issues. I am a private individual, with absolutely NO interest of any type in these sites, just trying to b helpful, and refer you to a website that may answer your questions. It answered many of mine. ALSO - BE PERSISTENT. ASK QUESTIONS. Do whatever you can to be seen as soon as possible. Here are the sites:
parathyroid.com
endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html
I hope this is helpful. Good luck to you.