Wellness

[CalicoJo]

Has anyone had a parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism? If so, what was your postop experience and did it improve your bone density? 
Thank you! 

[conlt]

Hi, I did not have a Parathyroidectomy, but my sister did. She was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism after a bone density test showed poor bone density. They took her Parathyroid out. Her recover was a little bit rough, because the surgeon nicked a vocal cord and as a result her speech suffered. 

She went to speech therapy for quite a while and her speech is OK now. I do believe that her bone density is better. I know that she is doing alright now. 

I would listen to my doctors. 

Good luck with your journey. 

[CalicoJo]

Thank you! 

[AuntMame]

I had this surgery some years ago and it changed my life. Within about a month after surgery I had a great surge of energy and vitality. My surgeon told me that is typical for patients who have a hyperparathyroid tumor removed. I had gone to my doctor because I had been feeling so exhausted all the time and for no discernible reason. Afterwards...new woman. In my case there were no downsides, only a positive outcome. Do consider it if that is your diagnosis. 

[Zaimee]

@CalicoJo  I had this surgery to remove one ( of 4 ) parathyroid glands. Easy surgery and recovery. I was 54 at the time. No mention of bone density then. Now, at 71, I  get Prolia injections every 6 months with good results. 

Wishing you an easy surgery and good outcome.

[MOMMAVik]

Several years ago my blood calcium tested too high. I was also feeling very tired. I had this surgery & 1 gland was removed. Immediately afterward, while I was still on the operating table, my blood calcium level was in the normal range! The incision was so small; surgeon said he'd cut in a line/wrinkle (of which I had plenty!) so no big scar. To this day I have had all normal readings. Recovered very quickly from the surgery. Best wishes for you.

[CalicoJo]

Thank you! 

[Tedsmom]

I had parathyroid surgery after my calcium and PTH remained high after several blood tests.  The surgery at my regular clinic was scheduled to be approximately 2 hours with general anesthesia and a drain in my throat afterward.  They routinely only check the gland that shows up with a tumor on the scans.  I'm in California but chose to have the procedure at the Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa, FL. I flew down there on Thursday afternoon, had surgery on Friday morning, flew back to California on Saturday and back to work on Monday.  Only a small 1 inch incision and all 4 glands were checked(only 1 tumor).  Total surgery time - 20 minutes. They do so many of these surgeries for people from all over the country that they are the ultra experts. Amazing experience!  My calcium and PTH are back to normal and I had no side effects.  I have not yet had a dexa scan since the surgery to recheck bone density.

For a wealth of information about all aspects of  hyperparathyroidism and surgery, check parathyroid.com.

[FatCatinCT]

I had surgery November 15, 2022 at the Norman Parathyroid Clinic in Tampa.  It was a quick in and out, flew down one day and flew home two days later.  I ended up having parathyroid hyperplasia and had 3 and a half glands removed.  Unfortunately for me it caused me to go hypo for awhile and found myself in the ER on three different occasions with low calcium levels and had to have IV calcium drips.  Was not fun.

Good luck to you.  Having adenomas is much easier than hyperplasia which is rare in comparison.  I highly recommend NPC in Tampa.