Pilotmom Parathyroid Surgery

[74PILOTMOM]

I just got off the phone with a surgical coordinator, and it seems I have to go under the knife.EEEk! My parathyroid levels are elevated, and I'm meeting with the surgeon on the 11th.
Since there are so many of you, and you're all so helpful, I thought I'd ask here:
Has anyone recently had a parathyroidectomy, or know someone who has?

I've seen the horrendous scars, but I'll take it over the crazy symtoms I'm having anyday.

I'm a little worried, but glad to have something being done. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys.

Aimee

[Ratso]

Sorry I cannot help with info for you, but if it does help....you just made the prayer list!

[74PILOTMOM]

Thank you Ratso, I really appreciate it.

[labow]

Of course I dont know your medical history, nor am I a Doctor but it seems kind of drastic to immediatly go for surgery. Have you gotten a second opnion and explored other non-surgical options?

My wife has Graves disease which is a form of hyperthyroidism which I know has nothing to do with the parathyroid (one controls insulin, the other contols calcium) and her first doctor suggested possible surgery. When we went for a second opnion she found she was able to take a drug called PTU. The second Doc actully said that surgery was 95% unnecessary and was kind of surprised that the first doctor even had suggested it.

Anyway..if you havent already read this, i found this on the web when I was doing research for my wife when she was first diagnosed.

http://www.endocrineweb.com/

Lots of good info there!

Good Luck!

[labow]

Just so you dont have to search I just found this...

http://www.parathyroid.com/mini-surgery.htm

[ramirami]

wish could be of some help.....but good luck and keep the spirits high ....

[74PILOTMOM]

Thanks labow, for the link. I've been fighting strange symptoms since 2000, where my doctor simply said my thyroid was elevated and gave me anti anxiety medication and anti depressants. They labeled me depressed basically. So I took the pills, that put 36 pound on me in a year (PAXIL) and I'm still trying to work it off. I got off Paxil after that year and ended up getting pregnant with my 3rd child which I think regulated my hormones somehow and I had only minor symptoms. But recently I've had huge adrenaline surges that come out of nowhere, bad skin, heat intolerance, and blood work that showed high cacium and potassium. Irregular periods, moodswings, etc. (I know I know, TMI!)
My father had 3 1/2 of his parathyroid glands removed two years ago. Like Father like daughter I guess.
I hope to discuss the pill that you mentioned, but I believe that is only for the thyroid, not parathyroid glands. My father mentioned a surgery that they can do, that leaves only small holes, but I'm under Group Health, I doubt they do fancy things like that .
I'll check out your link, thanks again!.

[Pairallel]

My boss just had this done about 2 months ago. He was 1 night in the hospital, then laid up for about a week, but had very few complaints about pain or discomfort.

He tells me there are 4 parathyroid glands (2 on either side of your neck) and 1 thyroid gland. Scarring is minimal, if they use a new stapling technique employed by the more advanced surgeons (I can hardly see his scar, right at the necklace line).

He went in because one of his parathyroids was hyperactive, and he ended up having that one and a second one removed because they discovered nodules on the second one during surgery. This extended his surgery from 2 hours to 7 hours, but he never knew the difference.

He says the biggest risk is damage to the vocal cords, because of their proximity to the parathyroid. So make sure you have an experienced surgeon.

He is on a maintenance drug now, once daily for the rest of his life.

He says it really is no big deal, compared with the other surgeries you could face as you get older (he is 60).

Given your youth and health, I am sure you will manage just fine, PILOTMOM. Don't forget to do your research before you meet with the doctor, and most of all make sure you choose the best surgeon you can find.

Best wishes...

[74PILOTMOM]

My dad did great through his surgery, where they found nodules on 3 of his glands, but he does have the great big scar, and and already really deep voice.
After reading the link from Labow, I'm definitely asking about mini surgery. I'm 99% sure my group health coverage won't go for it, but I'll ask anyway. If I have to do the big incision thing, I guess it's what I'll have to do. Anything but the way I've been feeling lately!

[labow]

PTU is only for hyperthyroidism.

Isnt it amazing what such a seemingly insignificant part of your body can do to you?

Like Pairallel said, your young and healthy, youll do just fine!

[PNW-Pilot]

Originally posted by 74PILOTMOM
I just got off the phone with a surgical coordinator, and it seems I have to go under the knife.EEEk! My parathyroid levels are elevated, and I'm meeting with the surgeon on the 11th.
Since there are so many of you, and you're all so helpful, I thought I'd ask here:
Has anyone recently had a parathyroidectomy, or know someone who has?

I've seen the horrendous scars, but I'll take it over the crazy symtoms I'm having anyday.

I'm a little worried, but glad to have something being done. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys.

Aimee

Both of my parents have defective Thyroids and yes it is not the same. But withh the orthoscopy surgery benefits lately I think they can do similar surgery so I've been lead to believe from a search ont he net. If you need some help or support the wife can help you out if you need somebody. But surgery is few and far between in our family. I will ask around local work to find out if I know somebody local you could find out from.

Best of health and luck.

[OB3]

Hope all is well and you are feeling better soon
you will be in our prayers

tom and family

[jay]

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[74PILOTMOM]

Good Lordy, all your nice notes are making me all teary eyed!...maybe it's the chemical imbalance...NO, YOU GUYS ARE JUST so WONDERFUL!

[dragoncoach]

Pilotmom, sorry to hear about your need for surgery. Our prayers are with you and we wish you well. We want to see new vacation pixs of you in Hawaii....this time with pilotdad and the kids, all with smiling faces! Hang in there, it'll all work out and hopefully you will be feeling much better.