Normal Calcium & Chvostek's Sign

[lilypad300]

so. . .after my TT on 8/4/08, I had severe hypocalcemia. . .ended up back in the hospital for a week on iv calcium drip etc. etc. etc.
i had an appointment with the endo today, and my calcium numbers were good:  
9.6 totally normal he actually told me to stop taking the calcitriol, but when he tapped my face to do the "Chvostek's Sign", my lips spasmed. . .he didn't seem too concerned (and me like an idiot didn't ask any questions about it), but my feet have been falling asleep easily lately and my hands have been a bit tingly what's up?
what could couse that if my calcium is supposedly fine?
. . .could it be magnesium?  I started taking a vitamin that has 100% DV of magnesium today. . .how long will that take to affect?

Back in freak-out mode. . .

[lilypad300]

thanks. . .
I was excited about the number too. . .until of course the dreaded Chvostek sign. . .one more thing for me to obsess over.

But I suppose if I'm not getting cramps. . .I'm doing alright.
I'm going to get blood work on Friday & then I see my endo next Wednesday.

Hopefully I don't crash. . .or break my jaw self-administering the "sign"

[Thypatient]

I agree with hazelhurst.

I'd go by your blood levels, at least for now.   JMT - but maybe other aspects of your body need more time to catch up.

Congratulations on that blood level - I'm envious!

[hazelhurst]

Just an aside--some people have the Chvostek sign without low calcium (my doctor, for example, showed me that she could produce the spasm by tapping her own cheek).  As long as your calcium is being monitored regularly (weekly, or even every 3 days, since your TT was so recent) and remains at normal levels, it's probably fine.  BUT--do heed the warning signs, especially cramping. I too spent a week in the hospital after TT, with hypocalcemia (July 06).  For a few months after, I would wake up at night with tingling hands. My TSH level remained in the normal range throughout.  For whatever reason, a lot of people on the board have experienced the tingling hands after thyroid surgery, so it MIGHT be related to the surgery, not the calcium.  

[lilypad300]

basically, on the side of your cheek right where your upper and lower jaw come together, parallel to your ear lobe.  you should see your lip twitch if you have a positive reaction.

if you search for it (chvostek sign)  on youtube, you can see a video of a girl tapping herself on the side of her face with a mallet and it produces the spasm. . .although no mallet necessary, just a few finger should do it.

[mommy2two2008]

Where did he tap your face????  Just wondering if you can pinpoint the location for me.  I have been having lip tingles since all this started with my thyroid and my doc has not been clear on it.  I saw something on this "sign" before and wanted to test it out on myself (I guess for my own knowledge).  Thanks!

[lilypad300]

anyone?

my lip is still spasming in response to hitting the side of my face. . .
I don't feel tingly, but I don't feel well. . .I've been off of the calcitriol since friday. . .could my calcium have dropped. . .
(i've also been taking the magnesium & other vitamins (b complex etc.) since friday)

i don't know what i'm feeling anymore, I just know I don't want to have another low calcium event

thanks!
~nervous & venting~