Upset" Please Someone Tell Me....

[juliva]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me is my situation common or should I be concerned? 4 weeks ago I had a right lobe thryroidectomy and the surgeon clearly told my husband and I that I had all four of my parathyroid glands. When I went to my Endo he said the report showed I lost one.

Called surgeon today and asked him about it and he said the pathology showed that when they did the path it showed 2 pieces of parathyroid was found. The surgeon said he didn't think he had disturbed them and he also stated he couldn't tell me if I lost both or if two of the pieces found were one of the same. I almost missed this info had it not been for my Endo. The surgeon said if I ever had to have my left thyroid lobe removed then they would have to be very Diligent Not to remove the left parathyroids. That doesn't make me feel to confident now at this has happen.

Now I have other questions, is this common? Should this of happened? Will my parathyroid levels be off now?

I see my Endo is now checking my Calcium levels so it's concerning for me. I'm just not sure what all this means can someone PLEASE shed some light?

[stella5349]

Well it doesn't sound very comforting to me either.

I would question the surgeons experience in thyroid surgery.  Is there anything in the report that read those parathyroids were infected?

or was this an " accident" in surgery?

I am sure you have been reading up on your parathyroids - they play a major role on living. From what I read it is next to impossible for a person to live with no parathyroids. The parathyroids are the calcium producers.

What was the reason for the TT? was it cancer? If so are you having RAI?

I have never had a TT - but many stories here reflect that if cancer is detected with a TT and only a partial TT was done - then some undergo a 2nd surgery down the road to remove the other side.

If that becomes your case - we'll I would definately seek a surgeon that will not disturb the left parathyroids at all.

[juliva]

Hi Stella, no the parathroids were not infected the report said that two mirco sized parathryoids glands were found. Surgeon said it may have been one cut in two or it could have been both glands and that there is no way of knowing for sure.

I didn't have cancer. My Endo recommended the removal because a ultrasound came back with changes Increased Vasular Flow and the Radiologists impressions was that it may have turned malignant. I was then sent to have a NB and it showed cell changes from my 2003 NB that my Endo told me was placing me at high risk of turning to cancer so he said it had to come out!

So... I don't know if I have 3-2 parathyroids left :( and I don't know if it's going to cause me a problem or not. I've been trying to research info if a person can live ok with two?

Thanks Stella for your input!

[stella5349]

Yes they can live just fine with even one.

go to the parathyroid.com website.

"Thypatient" here in the forum is very informative too.

[michell221]

Yes try going to the parathyroid site.  I would maybe try to consult with Dr. Norman he is an expert on these matters.  I would be upset and try to get some kind of answers.

[nissah46]

I had a TT 2 years ago and lost 2 parathyroids during surgery.  They are so small and so close to the thyroid that it is a common occurrence. It happens accidently.  My two remaining parathyroids were "stunned" from the surgery and have not resumed working. I must take 2000mg of calcium daily, above what I get in my diet.  Although it is an inconvenience, it is better than the cancer.  
Trish

[juliva]

nissah, do you mind me asking~  did you have a complete TT or was it just one lobe?

[nissah46]

I had a TT, as I had 5 growths on both sides.

[amela321]

When I had my thyroidectomy, they 2 of my parathyroids on purpose as the cancer was in that vicinity.  I had an initial calcium problem in the hospital, but have been fine with it every since.  Hopefully, this will be the case with you as well.

Take care,

Amy
Papillary thyroid cancer
Near total thyroidectomy and partial central compartment dissection Dec. 1985
RAI Jan. and Oct. 1986
FNA positive for recurrence March 2008
Tumor and partial central compartment dissection April 2008
175mCi RAI August 2008
Tg before RAI was 13