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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Low Calcium Levels 4 1/2 years after thyroidectomy
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Low Calcium Levels 4 1/2 years after thyroidectomy
by etc..., Jul 26, 2007 12:00AM
I had a total thyroidectomy (15% left) 4 1/2 years ago because of hurthle cells. Pathology came back no cancer. Calcium levels fine at hospital.
I had my yearly thyroid test two weeks ago and it was normal. However, my Dr.'s office called and told me my calcium levels were low and that I needed to take 2 tums a day and retest in two weeks. I am taking Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D and Manesium as well as Potassium because I have kidney stones as well.
I have never had a problem with my calcium level and know that when I had my kidney stones my calcium levels were tested to make sure I wasn't getting to much and it was normal plus I am not sure if this is a normal test when getting thyroid tested but have never been told I had low levels.
What types of questions do I need to ask? What do I need to worry about? Should they be testing my parathroid as well? I don't have a copy of the blood work that they did and will ask for a copy tomorrow when I have my blood retested.
Thank you for your response.
I had my yearly thyroid test two weeks ago and it was normal. However, my Dr.'s office called and told me my calcium levels were low and that I needed to take 2 tums a day and retest in two weeks. I am taking Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D and Manesium as well as Potassium because I have kidney stones as well.
I have never had a problem with my calcium level and know that when I had my kidney stones my calcium levels were tested to make sure I wasn't getting to much and it was normal plus I am not sure if this is a normal test when getting thyroid tested but have never been told I had low levels.
What types of questions do I need to ask? What do I need to worry about? Should they be testing my parathroid as well? I don't have a copy of the blood work that they did and will ask for a copy tomorrow when I have my blood retested.
Thank you for your response.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jul 27, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 27, 2007 12:00AM
Would test parathyroid and consider 24hour urine for calcium -- if elevated, may be at risk for another kidney stone. Blood calcium levels are not great to predict stone risk.
