Hypocalcemia

[Shinyshoes]

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer about 4 years ago and had a total thyroidectomy at the time. During the majority of 2008 I was unable to afford my medication and would take less than the recommended dosage. During this time I began to feel symptoms of hypocalcemia. The tingling, burning sensation, the muscle spasms and so on. However, my blood test have shown normal calcium levels. I'm currently take my medication as prescribed, but I still have these symptoms. So I'm wondering if long term hypothyroidism can cause hypocalcemia and if a person could have hypocalcemia when calcium levels are within normal range on regular blood test? Or is there a special blood test which test for hypocalcemia?

[estrelinha]

Your calcium is ok, I would suggest taking magnesium (long term hypocalcemia can cause low Magnesium). Make sure your TSH is ok.

[Shinyshoes]

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. I'm going to speak with my endo about magnesium deficiency.

[estrelinha]

Just got this one:
There is A SITUATION Where you have low calcium and lab values are normal:
Hypoalbuminemia can reduce serum calcium levels above normal even if ionized calcium looks normal (so ask your doctor to test albumin in serum). But Magnesium storage can also be low because of the long term hypocalcemia.   Hypomagnesium can be a cause of hypocalcemia.

[Shinyshoes]

Wow, thanks a lot. I couldn't understand why I felt this way if my calcium levels are normal. Now I have a better idea and I will be talking to my doctor about this.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.