Parathyroid

[Mel72758]

I had one blood test done and calcium was high. My doctor wanted a second blood test done and the results were normal. I thought with all my symptoms that I have all sounds like parathyroid. Finally an answer to why I feel like I do.
With test coming back normal I still don't know why I continue to feel bad everyday. Is there any other way to test for parathyroid?

[Barb135]

What symptoms do you have?  Have you had your thyroid levels tested?

The only relationship between the thyroid and the parathyroids is their location in the body; they serve entirely different functions. We, typically, have 4 parathyroids, that are located behind the butterfly shaped thyroid gland, which consists of 2 lobes and one isthmus.

Endocrine specialists associated with hospitals, are, typically, not the best ones to go by, since most of them look only at TSH and they go by the numbers when assessing thyroid function.  You have to find someone who will look at actual thyroid hormone levels and put more importance on the symptoms than the numbers.

Calcium levels do not have to be "out of range" in order for there to be a parathyroid issue.  I agree that you should have PTH tested and request a scan.

Some symptoms of parathyroid can match some of those of hypothyroidism.

To learn more about parathyroid issues, check out the following website:
www.parathyroid.com

[Brigee]

Yes! Ask your doctor to order a PTH test, in conjunction with the calcium testing. That checks the level of parathyroid hormone in your blood. Personally, I just went through three years of this roller coaster ride. My calcium was NEVER really high, just right on the upper edge of normal. I knew something wasn't right, so I insisted they check my parathyroid hormone. Sure enough, it was high. Unfortunately, my doctor thought that was due to insufficient Vitamin D levels, so she had me take Vitamin D3 supplements. However, after repeated testing and AFTER my Vitamin D got into a "normal" range, my PTH continued to skyrocket.

Long story mercifully shorter, she finally ordered a scan to check for an enlarged parathyroid and there it was! I had surgery to remove it exactly a month ago, and I am feeling better every day.

[scflygurl]

Get a second opinion and if necessary get a third. It took me 3 hospitalizations over 2 years before I was diagnosed correctly. I had to have my throid glands removed completely. I still have my parathyroids. Look for an endocrin specialist associated with a medical facility, such as a hospital you trust and then make an appointment.