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» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Help. I need Surgery For Dx Hyperparathyroid Prefer Homeopathic

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Author Topic: Help. I need Surgery For Dx Hyperparathyroid Prefer Homeopathic
Annie C
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I've been having what I thought were aggravated or worsening Herxes. Nope
I was Dx with Hyperparathyroid not Hyperthyroid. Which can often be missed as many other muscle, bone, joints, headaches and Moods Swings!!!!! The hormone range is
1-60-70 mine is 159

Severe pain. Mine is due to High Calcium levels. I've had high calcium levels for years. Until someone here asked me if Dr ran a T3 and that's when they found it. And I'm new on the research as we all become researchers to help with our own body aches etc...

I'm learning a lot. And major major pain. And too much calcium in brain causes anger, frustration, many other maladies. Memory, depression, feeling old.

http://blog.parathyroid.com/parathyroid-symptoms-fatigue/

This is a perfect explaination. And kind of funny for a blog.

I'm looking for Homeopathic search is a dead end. Surgery is the only way. This is what I'm finding. My Calcium is 10.9 up to 11.2 which most Drs look at it's ok. And sometimes usually is. But you should still ask your Dr if your having aggrivated symptoms...

Learning there are No meds. Good!!! I don't want any more Pills. I've developed Dysphasia yes foods I eat mostly need puréed. Yuk

Oh and my Body temp has been in the 95.5 range. Looking for more answer from here. There are so many of us. I pray that
The "Guests" are all Drs looking for ways to treat Us.
👍👀< = Thumbs up for readers.

I need a proof reader cuz from Lyme I jump all over the topics. Sorry. And 3 days ago after napping I woke up and did not know where I was. And why I was here ugggh.

Talk about pain. So I won't. You're welcome. [group hug] [Eek!]

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Lymetoo
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Annie... This is actually good news!! Maybe you will feel MUCH better once you have the surgery and things get straightened out!!

Keep us posted on this. I sure hope you can find a good doctor.

[group hug]

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

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Annie C
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Amen Lymetoo. I've had a high calcium since I got Valley Fever in 1995 in Arizona.

Then bitten in 1999 got sick in 10 days. Still here. And for the last 7/8 years been getting huge herxes with Abx. and all the other meds.

Then bitten again 3 times in 2013. 1 in March and 2 in June. This really messed me up bad. Then Bitten again in Dec. dx with Tularemia. Back to 2013 major depression, pain, and extreme isolation. Can also be caused by High Calcium.

It's been almost 2 months since last tic bite. Major pain and Holidays alone. And Tularemia and High Calcium.

http://blog.parathyroid.com/parathyroid-symptoms-fatigue/

This is a great place to learn about your brain with too much calcium.


http://www.parathyroid.com/parathyroid-symptoms.htm

I have 12 of the symptoms.

It's curable with surgery and I've been getting worse and with high calcium. Then someone from here asked if they checked the T3 they did and normal range is 1-60 mine came back it was 159 😳 Dr came in said I need surgery.

So for many years it felt like Lyme on Steroids if you get my drift. Not snow drift. Sorry about all you guys in such bad weather. We've had sleet then 5 inches snow then last night still had snow. Thunder and lightning with rain on top of snow.

Anyway back to the topic. 3/4 days ago I woke up from a nap and didnt know where I was. Or why I was here. Scary very Scary. Went to Dr yesterday and well I'm still here.

So all these years with Lyme and High Calcium T3 get tested.

My Dr won't even do a WBlot Arrrg I'm still here.

I'm going to post cause I can't remember what Ive already said. I'm using little iPhone not puter.

Oh I'm also wearing gloves indoors. Huge ware slippers. My feet are purple and very shinie don't know why.
I'm nauseated no appitite. 95 pounds. Dr said I need to gain weight for surgery. Say What Huh ?????? OMGosh.

Drinking Boost and Chicken broth. Can't swallow foods cuz of dysphasia. Maybe from to much calcium over all these years with Lyme. Gotta go to much pain. Don't want to talk any more. You're welcome.

The reason for all the clothes is due to body temp has been in the 95.5 range. Hope this will help others. I know I'm not the only one.

TLC

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Keebler
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What does the imaging / ultrasound of your parathyroid show?

There can be some things that trip up the blood testing & also create the illusion & symptoms of one problem when it may not be exactly that. Once I stopped taking calcium supplements, my tests normalized.

But, the advice to remove this gland is not just on the T3 test results & symptoms, I hope. I hope they've taken a close a look at the gland, non-invasively.

I wonder, too, if just the right kind of magnesium, at the right dose might be something to help. A ND would know more, of course.

I don't think homeopathics would be nearly as comprehensive as you would need.

However, there may be some acupuncture, massage &/or supplement / nutrient / herbal approaches that a naturopathic doctor might advise you of as you consider all your options.

As lyme really messes with all the hormone and hormone glands / systems, a LL ND would be best but you might still get some basic details from a ND who is not LL, if that's all who might be near you.
-

[ 02-21-2015, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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Keebler
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Be sure you had recent Vitamin D testing . . . and various ways to look at those, not just one single test.

Rather than surgery, many in this study went with very specific doses of Vitamin D. Good results.

Now, this may (or may not) be right for your case. According to some other sites, this would be only SECONDARY hyperparathyroidism - With PRIMARY, Vit. D can be dangerous, some sites say (although the study below differs).

Still, having your own Vitamin D tests done would be important.

And surgery may well be the best choice. First, though, a good ND would be best to help you determine all options that might be workable in your particular situation.

If you do decide on the surgery, it would seem logical that your body might then need some help in "taking over" for what the parathyroid is supposed to do. A ND would be good to have on your team as you figure out what do then, before you'd need to know, of course.

https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/blog/vitamin-d-supplementation-in-primary-hyperparathyroidism-not-a-bad-idea/

Vitamin D supplementation in primary hyperparathyroidism, not a bad idea?

-by Brant Cebulla - July 1, 2013

. . . 40,000-50,000 IU of vitamin D3 once per month. . . .

. . . Here’s what they found: [details at link above.]

Good comments to consider as well. In one comment, renal function was mentioned as a link to this issue. For that, a good naturopathic doctor will have a good understanding as well.


Scroll down to the excellent comment by an internist: David clements -- very good.


If renal function IS connected, somehow, ibuprofen could be potentially dangerous as it can be hard on the kidneys and diminish kidney function even at normal dose. Just important to know.

And, if you are taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen (can be hard on liver and, therefore, also stress kidneys) -- or anything else - it's important to cross search everything you take as to how it might interfere with the parathyroid, kidneys, etc.
-

[ 02-22-2015, 01:12 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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faithful777
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Annie, I had high calcium for over 10 years and of course with Lyme labs, no one picked up on it. Parathyroid.com is the best website for accurate information.

I had surgery this past summer and had two parathyroid tumors taken out. I already had kidney stones starting but did okay on a DEXA scan.

This is very hard to diagnose as many doctors don't have any idea what hyperparathyroidism is. I had one surgeon tell me I didn't have it.

I sent my labs to Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa and had my surgery there. I never had an abnormal PTH or ionized calcium lab. Only high calcium.

No one over 35 yrs old should have a serum calcium over 10. Mine were 10.2, 10.4 and one 10.7. During this time, I did have some normal calcium labs.

Please find someone who can diagnose this. High calcium is dangerous.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Keebler
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Annie,

You say: "Drinking Boost and Chicken broth. Can't swallow foods cuz of dysphasia. . . ." (end quote)


As "Boost" (dietary drink) is your primary "food" it would be worth a look as to how the consumption of that (especially prior to any blood tests) might affect any such test.

I don't have time to look further but it is a pretty important question, I think. Just one article that popped up from a search for the ingredient list speaks mostly to the corn / sugar. Many questions about that, of course as well as the source of all the other ingredients.

Specific to your issue of high calcium though, there is calcium in "Boost", of course. Raises the question about how that will affect blood tests for - how many hours after consumption - and over time.

The generally poor nutrient content of this, also puts all body functions at risk. But finding a better nutrient you can use if swallowing is hard is another matter.

http://www.weightymatters.ca/2011/10/badvertising-boost-is-it-really.html

Boost - Is it Really "Complete Nutrition"? - 2011

. . . with 28g of sugar, and sugar and corn syrup being the 2nd and 3rd ingredients after water, that's exactly what you get with Boost, with added sugar accounting for a whopping 47% of Boost's total calories. . . .

at another site, with some FAQ, it appears that Boost has various formulas and the one above is just one. But most raise similar questions.

It appears that only one of their products is gluten-free. As nearly anyone who might require liquid nutrition COULD have gluten issues, it just seems puzzling that gluten is in most of their products - and that can cause all kinds of ramifications.
-

[ 02-21-2015, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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Keebler
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Same questions for the chicken broth. Since it's a major part of your diet, it matters all the more.

The source of it and what the chickens' diet & medications were. While not quite as primary as the "Boost" questions, it may also matter. For instance, certain additives - even if "natural" can affect how our body can work for us - or turn against us.

"Endocrine Disruptors"

Any plastics lining a can or cartoon can also affect our hormonal organs - very much so, actually. BPA is just one of things to consider as to the full range of endocrine disruptors in plastics that our foods & beverages soak up.

Why so many "side" questions?

In reading about this there seem to be many causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism. It's not clear if you have primary or secondary. Still, either way, the questions are

consider test accuracy / causes for misinterpretations

and, after figuring out what kind, identifying likely cause or connections before moving on to a surgical option. Surgery may well be the best option but there seem some unanswered questions.

I know you are doing the best you can regarding foods, etc. I just wish it were easier.

As for foods, even liquid foods, there are some others may work better for you and you may enjoy a wider range. Do you have a good blender - or maybe access to a VitaMix or BlendTec?

I wish you had a team of kitchen fairies to come your way.
-

[ 02-21-2015, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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Keebler
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Have you had blood work done to see if you have genetic CELIAC?

With "secondary hyperparathyroidism"

Gluten issues - just one cause that I've come across due to creating inability of a person's body to access / utilize nutrients and get the required nutrition.

So, if not getting the nutrients one needs due to gluten issues (celiac, etc.) then it may be also that ANY reason for nutrient deficiency would seemingly also cause or contribute to hyperparathyroidism.

and, when that cause can be addressed, there seems a chance to change the outcome. As your diet is so limited now, it appears that you are not getting good nutrition. All our glands need nutrients to be able to work.

But, starting with whether you might have CELIAC, that's really important.

Google: celiac, hyperparathyroidism

Many excellent articles, several search results are from medical journals
-

[ 02-22-2015, 01:01 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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Keebler
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While this is not the same diagnosis as you have regarding your food form limitations -- regarding the need for those with gastroparesis to often liquefy their food - or have it easier to digest (hence, easier to swallow, too?),

this could be a good resource for your nutrition needs.

Even if after resolving questions as to if surgery is right in your case, you say you are not a surgical candidate until some weight is gained. Since the best sources of good quality foods seem required anyway, this seems a good place to begin while figuring out the other questions.

Even if you have to make a paste or soup out of most recipes, I hope it would bring you much more enjoyment and deliciousness.


http://livingwithgastroparesis.com/

Living (Well) with Gastroparesis! – by Crystal Saltrelli, CHC

A Gastroparesis Patient-Expert and Certified Health Counselor . . .

. . . professional training in Health Counseling and Holistic Nutrition at IIN . . .

. . . seven years of personal and professional experience managing the physical and emotional symptoms of gastroparesis. . . .

Her book (with 75 recipes), & reviews:

http://livingwithgastroparesis.com/shop/

Living (Well!) with Gastroparesis: Answers, Advice, Tips & Recipes for a Healthier, Happier Life

December 2011 - About the Author:

. . . currently the only Certified Health Counselor specializing in gastroparesis management and one of very few health professionals with both personal and professional experience with the condition. . . .


http://www.amazon.com/Living-Well-Gastroparesis-Answers-Healthier/dp/0615547753/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

You can LOOK INSIDE the book here


http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/0615547753?tag=bloforthebri-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380553

Over 150 Customer Reviews, 133 of those giving this a top 5 stars

The reviews are very encouraging.
-

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Keebler
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Googling "foods for people with trouble swallowing" I see there are also some hopeful links for real foods.

One of the top links suggests using dry powdered milk. It's really best to avoid that - as the processing of it does not make it a healthful food at all.

Squash, yams, potatoes also come to mind as something that might be of great help to you as they can be liquefied very easily after baking.

Good luck.
-

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faithful777
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What you eat will not cause hyperparathyroidism. Some medications can cause high calcium or some cancers. The majority of the time it is an parathyroid adenoma.

No dietary changes can cause hyperparathyroidism. The only fix is surgery.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Annie C
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Dear Sweet Keebler. Wow you know so much. I'm trying to digest your words. Ok now ummm about my food. I eat eggs at least 1-2 daily. Peanut butter. Cheese.

The Boost actually tastes salty. I've only had 2 bottles. I eat deli turkey and make sandwiches. Can't eat chips or crackers I choke and I choke on my meds.

I take 4-5 Rx and then ES Tylenol every 4 hours. I half to cut the round ones in halves then swallow each one. I still choke.

I've had to call Ambulance twice. Once last fall I choked on chicken. Ok every one that's not as funny as the joke. And then a few weeks ago cuz I couldn't swallow saliva. I wasn't drooling all over but I went to ER any way.

Dysphasia getting worse. I really am getting limited. And so far kidneys doing ok. I've had high calcium for 20 years. In Dec after tic bite it was 11.3-4 was passed over as it's ok. But actually it's my bones that hurt. Cuz with the Hyperparathyroid the calcium is coming out of my bones. My hands are in pain all the time. My knees etc... Sounds like Lyme also. From last tic bite in Dec.

I get angry if I drop a spoon on the floor. Really dumb things I get angry but it's over with in a few minutes. My memory is scary scary scary. As you can tell by the way my topics jump all over the list of symptoms to web sites. I'm like Crabby Abby from that one Blog about Hyperparathyroid I'm really close to what she says.

I've been to the Dr about every 3 weeks for something. Next week I see the Dr that scoped me rear and throat a year and a half ago for the dysphasia and I also have 3 lumps in right groin lymph node and 1 in left. He might biopsy the one on the right. I'm a mess. And I'm a Believer In My Lord and Savior.

I've had 2 MRIs of head. Haven't heard on the one I had done on Thurs. left side of head all pain jaw back of neck. Arrrg Matey.

I thank you all for all your help. When I saw all this great reply I laid my phone down and Said "Ive Got People" yes I do.
I'm needing to give eyes a rest. On this tiny little iPhone. I'm very grateful to have it. Amen.

I hope I made sense here. My brain is like done. Foggy. Like a turtle walking through peanut butter. 😴😟😘

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Annie C
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Very swollen shiny feet. Pain numb toes and numb hands tingle.

Sleep well all you wonderful people. Sleep. I had about 3-4 hours last night. I hope I get more tonight.

Group Hugs

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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faithful777
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Annie, is your doctor scheduling surgery to remove the parathyroid tumors?

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Annie C
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Faithful777 no I haven't talked to the surgeon yet. Prob tomorrow. I also had high phosphate too. Right now I'm just praying I'll get through today. I'm so sick and more depression. And I'm still very cold.

Also with this last tic bite I can recognize Lyme symptoms too. After all these years I'm getting very tired of the whole thing. And now this. It's almost too much. My body is worn out. I ask for prayers to stay strong and not give up.

The Dr was concerned about the high numbers. And it's been over 20!years with this unnoticed. Overlooked would be a better word. I wish I had kitchen fairies too. Also very nauseated.

Thank you all your help is gratefully received. I'm reading and rereading to learn everything I can. It's hard when you live alone without help and even conversations. So this brings joy to my troubled heart. Yet I'm still here fighting.

Group Hugs

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Keebler
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Annie,

How much weight did the doctor say they wanted you to gain before they could set a date?

A genetic blood test for celiac might be of great help - if celiac is involved, it can be very difficult to gain weight. Typical tests can miss it. A genetic blood test is best.

And celiac has been connected to some instances of "secondary" hyperparathyroidism so it would be important to know if that's involved in your case. But the main point is figuring out how to gain good weight . . . and celiac should be assessed so you know if that's one reason or not for trouble gaining / keeping weight on.

Also, figuring out how to get the good foods in in the first place . . . .

Some kind of physical therapy for the swallowing issue could help with some "tricks" for working with those muscles to better get food down.

You didn't say if you have had any imaging done of the parathyroid gland to determine if there are any growths, of if inflammation might be seen. If that still needs to be done, now seems like a good time to schedule that - and other tests to coordinate as well.

It's a lot to think about but you are on the way to getting answers so your decisions can be clearer.
-

[ 02-22-2015, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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Annie C
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I also read it can cause cataract, I was diagnosed with cataracts way back in 06. And I need to get them checked. I'm really noticing a cloudiness sometimes.

I actually went to my very first Mardi Gras it was at night. And when they threw the beads to me I couldn't even see them in the air. Only until they landed on the street/sidewalk. That's when I really noticed the difference.

Too much calcium can be dangerous in many ways. Stroke, heart attacks kidney failure. Thank you all so much with the web sites.

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Keebler
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Your doctor should be able to recommend something along these lines:

http://www.nyee.edu/forms.html/the-voice-and-swallowing-institute-swallowing.html

Voice and Swallowing Institute at New York Eye & Ear Infirmary - excerpts:

2/3 of the way down, section: Treating Dysphagia

. . . Exercises include activities that aim to strengthen muscles, improve movement and improve coordination. Among the possible exercises that may be recommended for dysphagia patients are the

Masako maneuver, the Shaker exercise, gargling, and others.

Strategies include postural changes (for example head turn and chin tuck postures),

multiple swallows, and other "maneuvers". . .

. . . They include the supraglottic swallow maneuver, the super supraglottic swallow maneuver, the Mendelsohn maneuver, the effortful swallow maneuver, and others. . . .

. . . The Voice and Swallowing Institute has expert speech language pathologists with specialized training in determining which therapy options are best for you. . . .
-

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Annie C
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Thank you Keebler for ask or that Dr will recommend some therapy for swallowing. My Dr did tell me I have 4 parathyroids. And I need surgery.

Sorry if I'm sounding distant. But my best friends 10 month old grandson was admitted to hospital on Fri. For asthma. And I just heard a bit ago that he's getting worse. His O2 Sats were 75 on Fri. And today he's getting worse. They haven't named an illness. So please pray.

How will I know my next Dr is very experienced. What questions should I ask. This surgery has thrown me a for a loop. I watch the video of the surgery. How do I ask Him without insulting his integrity?

I will ask for the celiac test also.

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Keebler
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Sorry to hear about your friend's grandchild. That's got to be quite an ordeal. Hoping for the better.

you say that you were told that you "have 4 parathyroids"

Just to be clear, as when doctors say things there is so much to absorb. Everyone has four parathyroid glands. Did the doctor also say there are four growths?

The first question to ask is if you have any growths / benign tumors that have been identified by some kind of scan. If so, that would be primary hyperthyroidism. And, yes, removal of any growth would be key if they are present.

Good news is that if there are growths / tumors, once you are stronger for surgery, removal could be a huge help.

If no growths but inflammation, that would likely be "secondary" hyperthyroidism.

Surgery may not be the only choice there as you'd want to first look at what might be the cause, not the result, but the cause and address that first (such as possible celiac, etc.).

The location of the parathyroid glands can be a bit different in some people so that's also why imaging prior to surgery is good but also to

not rely just on a test that shows high calcium if there could be other reasons for that (such as timing of test or the liquid supplement's effect, etc.) Be sure the tests are comprehensive.

A PTH test, too, for parathyroid hormone. That is usually high as well or irregular in some way but you don't mention if that's been done yet or not.

They may not see all in an image / ultrasound prior so would also know more when they can see up close during surgery, of course.

But, as you say, you are not yet a candidate for surgery until you gain some good weight. So that needs to be the main focus, not just gaining weight but getting excellent nutrients into your body.

As you work on that, during the time that will take, be sure to study the various pages and links at this excellent site you posted above. A lot of questions are answered here.

I hope you have a computer screen and not just a phone to read all this. Or if you can get to a computer - or have someone print out certain pages for you to read in your own time.

Libraries usually will print pages for a small fee.

http://www.parathyroid.com/

Parathryoid.com
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Annie C
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Thank you. Hoping laptop will be here this week. Then I can use my WiFi. I need to upload the printer I have. But I need to buy ink. $$$$$ yuk on those prices.

Yes I will be making or buy wholesome soups then purée them. I will ask for the celiac test. Cuz I luv crackers and also corn bread. Your help today has kept me focused on what's important. Lots to do read and learn before I see surgeon.

Last summer I was up to 114 pounds. Then tic bite in Dec dx Tularemia lost weight. It's tough cooking for 1 person. Don't get me wrong I Love to cook. Especially for family and friends but that was over ten years ago.

I'm dealing with the depression I had before this. And now I'm learning high calcium causes depression too. Ya right like who needs More depression??????

Group Hugs!!!!!!

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May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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faithful777
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Keebler, most scans do not show parathyroid adenomas. Doctors do the scans to rule out a rougue gland in the chest or somewhere in that vicinity.

Many people do not have a high pth, only high calcium labs. I was one of those people.

Go to parathyroid.com and read about this disease. Hyperparathyroidism will kill you eventually and surgery to remove the offending adenomas is the cure.

Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa does 50 of these surgeries a week. They are the experts. This is rare and many doctors don't have a clue about how to diagnose. If you are willing to pay the consultation fee at NPC, you should send your labs to those doctors. They are excellent.

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Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Keebler
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faithful,

Thanks for that detail. I'm glad you explained that "most scans do not show parathyroid adenomas" -- very important to know that.

Annie,

If you Google: "Norman Parathyroid Center "

you will find various links - and some on YouTube, always nice to have videos. It seems like a really good idea to try to work with them, even if a long way from you -- it seems there are ways to work from a distance for diagnostics, etc.

They certainly look like the best place to learn more - and to guide your choices.
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Annie C
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Tampa Fl is kind of far. Can I send blood tests to them also. Could they refer a Dr where I live. I live in a state that has recently declared there is no Lyme in AR. Ya right. I'd have to take some one with me to Tampa too.

Or did you go alone? What scans or ultrasounds should I ask for here where I live? I wonder how long I'd live w/o the surgery? I know that sounds morbid. But my calcium was up to 11.3-4 in Dec. still up to 10.7 in Jan I think. Memory is sketchy.

When you wake up from a nap and not know where you are or why you are there is too scary for me.

Group Hugs [group hug]

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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faithful777
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NPC won't refer you to a surgeon in your area. Tampa is far but there aren't a lot of doctors who do this surgery on a regular basis.

You want an experienced doctor to do the surgery. Someone who isn't can damage your vocal cords, not to mention the blood supply in that area.

It was not expensive to fly to Tampa from Colorado. The consultation fee for NPC is steep and insurance will not cover it, but my insurance did cover all of the surgical expenses.

These guys are so good that a surgery that takes other doctors hours, is done usually within 20 minutes or so.

They removed two parathyroid adenomas from my neck in 21 minutes. I flew home the next day with many of the symptoms gone. Until I got the diagnosis of hyperparathyroid, I thought Lyme was back.

Symptoms are very similar to Lyme and coinfections. There is a parathyroid group on facebook that can help you find a good doctor closer to home.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Keebler
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Annie,

At least Florida is closer to Arkansas than to Wyoming (where I thought you were).

You can figure out some of this from a distance for starters. If going there is in the cards, there may be some way you could qualify for a medical air fare from a non-profit.

Amtrak also a consideration.

First, though, it seems that you would need some additional tests. I've tried to figure out if you had the PTH test but you don't say. More detail here about the full range of testing.


http://www.parathyroid.com/diagnosis.htm

Norman's site - diagnosis details
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Annie C
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Is the PTH the Alkaline Phosphate. Cuz on the order list he ordered it. And it's 33 numbers higher than the normal of 126?

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

Posts: 1288 | From Tetons Wyoming | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Annie C
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Lots of tic bites in Wyo Deer hunting as a child and went to Tetons every year for vacation. Yup tic bites.

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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faithful777
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No pth is not alkaline phosphaate. The test will say PTH on the lab slip.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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faithful777
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From Colorado to Tampa, plane fare on Southwest Airlines was about $400. You can claim all the expenses on your taxes but of course, you have to figure out if you can afford the flight.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Annie C
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I just googled the Dr. He's an ENT I was told Hes the surgeon also. I can't post his name here. Now I'm thinking about Amtrack to Tampa. What kind of Scan/ Ultra Sound/ MRI should I get??? Or do I need to have more blood work???

I'm hugging Group

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

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Keebler
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I'm the first one to say get a second opinion and a clearer look at the full picture with certain clarifications.

Still, don't just drop your doctor, he may well be a good doctor and still be very helpful to you as you work through additional diagnostics &/or in other ways

(even if you may want to pursue the Norman Center after more study / tests) . . . just find out more detail while you tend to your nutrition needs.
-

[ 02-22-2015, 11:05 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]

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Lymetoo
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Annie.. Any chance you can get off the Tylenol?? It will absolutely kill your liver. You don't need more worries!!

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--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

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Annie C
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It does say he ordered a PTH but it's not listed on results as PTH. So I'm not sure what to look for. I can't believe how bad my body has been feeling for over the last few years. I thought it was the Lyme and it's hard to seperate the two of them. Except my hands and throat and legs and now my feet are swelling and going numb. Not just today it's been getting worse for a long time.

Grateful for all of you'Alls web sites and great comfort to an ageing in Lyme. Knowing I've had high calcium and it's now showing the damages. I can't wait to get my puter. It's used and it's a gift as well.

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

Posts: 1288 | From Tetons Wyoming | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
faithful777
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Annie, Norman Parathyroid Center only does the sestamibi scan prior to surgery to look for a parathyroid gland that might be in the chest area.

Most tumors will not show up on the scan as the parathyroid glands are behind your thyroid.

And, on occasion, there can be a 5th parathyroid gland. PTH must be drawn at the same time as a serum calcium lab.

Not everyone has high or low pth even though they are hyperparathyroid. This is called "normocalcemic".

NPC charges a consultation fee of about $1750 that is paid up front and is not covered by insurance.

I did not have any good options in my state for a surgeon and just paid the fee and flew there to have the surgery.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are very, very close to Lyme symptoms. The high calcium deposits in your organs and is dangerous if left untreated.

Go on facebook and type in "parathyroid" and you will find some groups to help you with finding a doctor in your state or closer to you than Tampa.

I am glad I went to Tampa, but wish I had a closer choice.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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faithful777
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This is the group I belong to on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Parathyroidconnections/

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

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Annie C
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Thanks Faithful777 i was just accepted to the group. Thank you for your help and so many answers to questions I didn't know existed.

--------------------
May God Bless you every day. And Never say never and do not give up no matter what. We need you to help others.

Posts: 1288 | From Tetons Wyoming | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

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