parathyroid surgery

[softlights]

Has anyone had minimally invasive parathyroid surgery?   Seeking feedback re personal experiences.. Also, how to find the best MD?  I have read parathyroid.com, but do not live in Tampa. Has anyone used Dr Norman??,,, anyone recommend a good surgeon in northeast? Also, how was the recuperation,etc. New here, and appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[Thypatient]

Welcome.

This might be a silly question but…have you been diagnosed and had an endo make a recommendation about surgery yet?

The minimal surgery is one approach, but it does depend on your situation.

You can get a good idea of what that surgery is like by clicking the Health Pages on the upper right, then scrolling down to ‘Parathyroid.’  Click on that to go to UCLA’s website.  They have info and videos that are helpful.  Also, there's a link to a partial list of facilities all over the country who do this surgery.

There are several good facilities in the northeast with surgeons who can perform this kind of surgery, so you shouldn’t have to travel.  I’d say your endo should know which one would be best for where you live.

I had the surgery and though it’s a road to get through the diagnosis, testing and surgery; it’s very much better than living with a bad parathyroid gland (you can click on my name to read my brief history).

Best wishes and thank you for joining.

[Lori707]

I was just diagnosed with parathyroid and am currently sick as a dog. I know I must get the best surgeon! I'll admit..I'm scared. Been reading things that aren't great. I'm also trying to do my homework.
I live in the Northeast. There is a surgeon in NJ that does parathyroid but I have to check him out. In which state do you live?

[peggy64]

Soft, How were you diagnosed, and what was your symptoms? Check out parathyroid.com website. It is by drs in fl that only treat parathyroid.

Peggy

[softlights]

Thanks for the welcome, and the advise.. Yes, I have definitely been diagnosed via labs, and do need surgery.  I have classic hypercalcemia, Ph high, f, vitamine D low,. and probrably  now have osteoperosis ( sorry, don't have exact numbers.)  I did the 24 hr urine, the bone density test and had an ultrasound.9recently of thyroid and parathyroid).. still have to do the parathyroid sebati scan.  I have been looking into minimally invasive surgery--- have read parathyroid.com ( Dr Norman's website).. BUT  cannot go to Tampa..  I have heard mixed things about the sebati scan, vs ultrasound and cat scan...anyone have any of  these tests?   I am hoping to complete my search for the right surgeon shortly......it's a big decision. !  Anyone out there who has had it done. .......please contribute any and all details.  Thanks!!  ps.. I discovered I had this only because of my primary Md's close follow up on my thyroid levels. Out of the blue, I was suddenly being worked up for hyperparathyroidism,, and unfortunately, all tests confirmed this is what I have.   Glad to be with supportive people here,,it helps.  Wishinig everyone  the best of health and happiness.  Keep in touch,

[Thypatient]

Thanks for touching base.  Wow, it sounds like you've been through a lot already.

I had both, u/s and the scan, and neither told the dr much before surgery regarding my parathyroids (u/s did relieve a thyroid problem though).  I think the scan is helpful in most cases though.

As for a surgeon, again, I'd start by seeing who your current drs recommend.

I can certainly relate to: "Out of the blue, I was suddenly being worked up for hyperparathyroidism."  I kept thinking, where in the...did all this come from?  That thought came after, "What?"  At one point a nurse pulled out a huge illustrated anatomy tome to show me what they were talking about - I had no clue.

Please keep giving updates.

[Trish915]

Most teaching hospitals in most large cities have doctors that are skilled at minimally invasive and open surgery if you are not a candidate for minimully invasive.  Where do you live?

Trish915

[softlights]

Hi trish,

I live in Northeast, and yes, there are tons of md's  but not sure of how many Experts in this field. Have read parathyroid.com.. however don't want to travel out of state in case any complications arise,, so am looking locally. However, I think I would go to Florida, if I was less anxious about something unforseen happening.  Thanks,,  Anyone here have feedback re their surgeons?  

[medicmommy]

Hello and ((((((((((((((((((((HUGZ))))))))))))))))!
I am 1+ year post HPT adenoma removal with the mini surgery. I could go into gory details about how it took 4 years and changing Drs to be diagnosed, and the misery that entailed (7 kidney stones in 2 years amongst multiple other things)....But I'm sure you're familiar with some of this by now...
I'm from the Pacific NW, and had my surgery done by an excellent surgeon, Dr John Ryan, at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA...The Sestamibi scan was painless, and pretty fascinating...it revealed only one tumor that showed up like a light bulb clear across the room!
The morning after the surgery (I didn't have to stay the night, and the surgery was only 30 min long), I felt better already...The headaches, heartburn, gut and muscle pain were GONE! I could remember things, and the bone pain was less...I had this cute little bandage on my throat (for some weird reason, it reminded me of "Curious George Gets an operation"-must have been the meds...LOL)
Now, a year later, you have to look very close to see the scar...I still take 2 grams of calcium citrate every day (I'm 43, and have no time to lose replenishing my calcium stores that the HPT made my bones give up) but my PTH  and calcium levels in my blood remain normal...And I feel really well...It is really important to find a surgeon who is experienced in this surgery, because if they aren't, they can do permanent damage to you...Good luck, and don't wait too long...                     ~Melinda