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thyroid surgery

Dear Dr Lupo,
I had a thyroid surgery a couple of months ago (one lobe and the isthmus were taken out). I had done some research prior to it and found a very experienced surgeon, who was also a member of the American Association  of endocrine surgeons. The surgery showed that my nodule was benign. However, at the post-surgery visit my surgeon said, "By the way, you should know that I removed two of your parathyroid glands. They were so close to your thyroid  and with an incision so small it was difficult to separate them. Don't worry, your other two glands will take care of everything. " I was shocked. I don't feel like I have spare organs. My question is how is it that an experienced surgeon can make this kind of decision? Is this some kind of standard procedure? Do I have reasons to be seriously concerned about what happened. So far my calcium levels are normal, but should I watch out for certain things?
Thank you!
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158939 tn?1274915197
If your calcium levels are fine now than you don't have to worry - the other parathyroids are working fine.

It is very, very difficult for even the best surgeon in the world to avoid the parathyroid glands.  Often they are embedded in the thyroid tissue.  Many of us who have had thyroid surgery have lost a parathyroid gland or two.  Mine were so embedded in the "sticky" thyroid tissue that they couldn't be saved - same with most of my family.
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Avatar universal
You can reach the Doctor Thyroid Forum and  Dr. Lupo at http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/120      OR
List at right of main page, 3 down, titled "Related Expert Forums"
Diabetes - Adult Type II and Thyroid, click on "thyroid" it will take you to the forum.

If you have posted more than one post per the sites rules for doctors forums, you probably won't get answered.  Or if the forum is full and not taking any more questions for the day, you can try another day.

Good luck and Best of health!


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