Parathyroidectomy and now low PTH Level

[laurie0802]

Hello.  It is Saturday, and I just had my Parathyroidectomy this past Tuesday.  They removed 3 parathyroids with tumors.  My PTH levels were at 94 the day of surgery and dropped to 11 by the completion of surgery.  I just received the PTH results from the MORNING AFTER my surgery, and my level is now 4.  I am trying to find out if these levels will fluctuate for a while after surgery, or can I expect that I will now have to deal with hypoparathyroidism?  I plan on contacting my doctor on Monday, but would just like anyone's opinion right now.

Thanks.

[laurie0802]

Ah...the thought of not urinating three times before I leave the house to get the mail is exciting.  :)  I have had one kidney stone, but I was a lucky camper, and mine wasn't bad, with mild pain, and I was able to pass it right as I got ready to head to Urigicare to find out what this "odd" pain was!  I've also had pancreatitis, tiredness, waking at night (in general and to use the bathroom) and my legs ache periodically, like I am getting the flu!  

It was an odd catch because my PTH levels were always borderline, running around 58-60, but my calcium was always off.  My GI doctor, I have Crohn's, finally told me I should see an Endo doc, and it was immediately that I was directed to a surgeon.  After the 3 month wait to get into her, it was 2 weeks later and all 3 little pieces of rice, as my son says, were removed.  

I am sore, but am glad it is over.  I was more worried that they would cut my neck and NOT find anything, since the scan and ultrasound didn't show any evidence.  I am just glad that I live in an area with GREAT hospitals and AWESOME doctors!!!

Thanks for your info!!  You've been so helpful!!!

[medicmommy]

Mine took about 3 months -with some calcium level "bobbles" for about 6 months. I went through a "hungry bone" phase when my bones were starving for calcium and I had to take huge doses (5 grams/day) to keep my levels up. (It seemed I had a diet of nothing but calcium tablets! -I'd get full from just taking them!) My surgery was in 2006 and after the "dust" settled, things have been perfect since then. -And the best parts? No more kidney stones or urinating every 1/2 hour!!! :) ~MM

[laurie0802]

Thanks for your help.  My calcium is back to normal.  I was hoping that it took some time to get back to normal!  I have read a lot on parathyroid.com, but found that I concentrated a lot on there prior to my surgery, and a lot wasn't "my case" so I am sticking to MY doctor now.  How long ago did you have your surgery and how long before you noticed your symptoms improving?

[medicmommy]

Hi!
If it helps, mine did the same thing -and I only had 1 removed. I was told they go into "shock" for a brief time, and then as they sense lowering calcium levels, they rally back. I think the time-frame is different with each person -maybe a little longer for someone who has had more than 1 removed. How is your calcium level doing? -I was also told that with the tumors, the parathyroids become "desensitized" to high calcium levels and, again, it takes them a bit to recognizes the new "normal" level...If you haven't, check out Parathyroid.com. It has some excellent "what to expect after surgery" information. Be well! :) ~MM