help

Female, 56, Blair - OK, member since Jul 2009
I was diagnosed with progressive ataxia in 2006.  I cannot walk independantly, I have severe tremors, difficulty talking, nystagmus, weakness on one side of my body (nondominate side). ... [More]

My problems started in 1998, I was diagnosed with Grave's disease in 1999.  At that time my only problem was a slight tremor in my left hand when doing something of motion.  My thyroid was destroyed by radiation pills and I was put on replacement pills.

My grandmother died of a heart attack after a stroke.  My mother had lupus plus shingles.  Thyroid problems runs throughout my family, though most of them had "hypo" problems, I'm the only one who had "hyper".

I'm wondering if my problems could be endocrine related.  I have had many tests done.  I'm negative on all of my hereditary ataxias, lupus, RA, Hashimoto disease, etc tests.  My CMP comprehensive metabolic test showed a slightly elevated blood calcium of 10.7.  Two following tests showed calcium levels of 9.5 and 9.8 (within normal range).  My PTH was 7 (low).  So I'm guessing that rules out a parathyroid tumors.  

I have my next appointment with my endocrinologist 3rd of September.  

I've been B12 and Vitamin E deficient, but both are within normal range and I'm continuing to get worse.  Can malabsorption problems be the culprit?  My blood tests for celiac disease and gluten intolerance are both normal.

Can you shed some light on this?

Thank you,

Sara

[laura1967]

You should never have an elevated blood calcium level. I think that warrants further testing. Hyperparathyroidism is very hard to diagnose sometimes and can make you feel miserable sick. Have you had any other tests done to check your parathyroids? Such as ultrasound or a sestambi test.....even these are not fool proof.
When you say you are within normal range of B12, what exactly is your number?? Low normal is way to low for many people.
I would get yourself a good liquid whole food source multi as well and start nourishing your body. Go to any healthfood store and ask for a good whole food source (liquid) for easy absorption. That's what I would do.  :)