Parathyroidectomy

[Red from Canada]

Hi Guys!  Well, tomorrow I go in for my parathyroidectomy. Doctor says he hopes it will help with my severe bone pain, but nio guarantees.  I have been feeling really poorly lately and my legs and left hand and arm are affected.  Has anyone had this done lately, and did it help??  I just need some encouragement that it will be worth it.  Thanks.

[totosidney]

I had a partial Parathyroidectomy 2 years ago. I would suggest that you ask if this procedure is available and appropriate. It is *sometimes* a better option because you may not then need Parathyroid hormone replacement. But, either way, the operation will make you much healthier. I think it will most likely cure the bone problems. My operation went easily with minor pain and no side effects. This is one of those times (and there have been many) where I said, "Why didn't I do this sooner?" Best of luck...Sid

[kitkatz]

I had it done a few years back.  Not so bad. They put you under and will give pain killers to you afterward.  You may have a drain in your neck to drain as it heals for a few days. 

[sullidog]

Never had it. My question is is it impatient or outpatient?
Troy

[Red from Canada]

Sullidog, mine will be a few days inpatient to straighten out the calcium levels, as I have other things wrong too.

[Epofriend]

I had a parathyroidectomy several years ago. It is an outpatient procedure difficultywise, but I was inpatient until my calcium levels stabilized. A small bit of one gland was left in place because parathyroid hormone is important for bone health. Sometimes, they are fully removed and a small bit is implanted elsewhere for ease of access in case of future problems.

Yes, it helped immensely! The bone pain gradually decreased and a broken bone finally began to heal. The osteoporosis is slowly reversing itself. It is well worth it and should be encouraged long before runaway hyperparathyroidism ravages the bones.

Best wishes Red

[kevno]

I had it done in 1991, before that I fell on my knees and broke both of my knees. Then the X-Rays showed how thin my bones had got. After a few years being on one alpha. My bones have now thickened up. They can now not see through my hips on X-Rays. So it is a good operation to have if you have bone pains.

The operation is a lot different now.  So no good me telling you about my experience.  You will be fine, plus the best thing is you will start feeling a lot of difference in a few months. 

 

[totosidney]

PS...Suddenly a memory of the hospital trying to kill me flashed back! Calcium levels can swing wildly (dangerously) after the Parathyroidectomy. It is important that blood tests be promptly. My Doctor forgot, and I called him, and he called the hospital and they had some crazy new policy that the Doctor couldn't do order over the phone! (Crazy?) But they didn't tell the doctor. blah..blah.. I sent my wife out for Tums and ate a half dozen, 4 hours later they did the blood test and brought me a hand full of tums. So be aware, they need to do blood tests...Sid

[Zach]

You may want to read some past posts about Parathyroidectomies:

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=690.msg5620#msg5620
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=6231.msg91987#msg91987

[Lillupie]

How high were your calcium levels? (For anyone here whose calcium levels were high)

Lisa

[Red from Canada]

Hi Guys!  Well I had the parathyroid surgery and my PTH went from 160 down to 8 then to 1, so that was a big success.  The bone pain is also gone, but they implanted a piece in my left neck muscle and that is causing a lot of discomfort.  However, I am sure it is just a matter of healing the bruised muscle.  Thanks for all your support Yay, me!  Love you all.
           Dennise

[-Lady Noir-]

Oh hey, thats great! [Sorry for the late reply!]
In your neck!!?? Eek. Mikes 1/2 remaning parathyroid was implanted into his forearm..

Which brings me to my next point. I just read over the notes/results from Mikes parathyroidectomy.. one of the notes states that one of the things they removed was part of a lymph node.. umm, is that even supposed to happen??!!