For a long
time, many years, I have felt tired, sore, and presented with many of
the serious symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was
treated with Plaquenil for Rheumatoid Arthritis that I never tested
positive for. Two years following treatment that did not help, I was
taken off the medicine and referred to a specialist who informed me I
had Fibromyalgia. Prescribed a number of medicines, exercise,
biofeedback, meditation--all with disappointing results--I felt I had
no control over my physical condition and I felt lost as how to find
out what was truly wrong with me.
I recall, for over a period of 5 years, I told my doctors I felt
chronically tired and I sensed something was wrong with my
metabolism--like I needed a jolt to boost my system into a higher gear.
I asked if there was any drug that could help, and I was told there was
not. As I had blood tests regularly I questioned if they had tested my
thyroid and was told they had and my thyroid was normal.
After getting stomach ulcers from the nsaids I had to take so often to
stem the pain. After experiencing a broken toe, a broken femur, a
diagnosis of osteoporosis--taking Fosamax and Calcium with Vitamin D
for over 2 years only to discover my osteoporosis had worsened, I
became more disgruntled and anger started to take hold.
When I became so tired that I was exhibiting symptoms of narcolepsy I
told my doctor I could no longer continue without something to keep me
alert during the day. I was sent to a sleep clinic and tested for sleep
apnea. I didn't have sleep apnea. I was to be tested for narcolepsy and
when I shared this with my primary physician I was given medicine, the
same that is used to treat narcolepsy. I found some relief using the
medicine, but soon discovered it did not have the ability to keep me
awake every day and sleep would hit me unexpectedly.
At one point I was sent to another physician who specialized in
Rheumatology. This doctor ordered a number of definitive blood tests
and as the lab results came back, copies were sent to me. The following
caught my eye and my interest:
PTH Intact - Out of Range 83 - Reference Range 10-65pg/ml
*********Interpretive Guide*********
INTACT PTH IN RELATION TO CALCIUM
NORMAL PARATHYROID - PTH NORMAL IN RELATION TO CALCIUM NORMAL
HYPOPARATHYROIDISM - PTH LOW OR LOW NORMAL IN RELATION TO CALCIUM LOW
HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
PRIMARY - PTH NORMAL OR HIGH IN RELATION TO CALCIUM HIGH
SECONDARY - PTH HIGH IN RELATION TO CALCIUM NORMAL OR LOW
TERTIARY - PTH HIGH IN RELATION TO CALCIUM HIGH
NON-PARATHYROID
HYPERCALCEMIA - PTH LOW OR LOW NORMAL IN RELATION TO CALCIUM HIGH
When I
expressed my concern with the above test results I was told I am not
taking enough Calcium & Vitamin D and to up my intake to 1,500 mg
Calcium and 600 IU Vitamin D daily. I told the doctor I was taking
1,800 to 2,000 mg Calcium and 800 IU Vitamin D daily, and had been for
some time. It was suggested by the physician that I should take it in
chewable or liquid form. Nothing further regarding the irregular
parathyroid lab results was addressed. I was dismissed. Uneasy with the
nonchalance my concerns were given I made another appointment to see
the doctor. Sad to say, I was humored and my worries disregarded.
I later saw my primary physician. I was asked what the doctor is doing
to treat the hyperparathyroid issue. I stated, "Nothing, other than to
tell me to up my intake of Calcium and Vitamin D and to do so in
chewable or liquid form." To which, the matter was dropped and
forgotten. By this time you can well imagine I am beginning to foam at
the mouth, as it were. I made another appt to see my doctor. I said I'd
like to have an Endocrinologist tell me there is nothing to worry about
concerning my parathyroid tests. Honestly, I didn't know we had
parathyroid glands, four all total--I'd never heard of them!
The Endocrinologist ordered a number of blood and urine tests. When the
results came back I was told surgery would be done to remove the
affected parathyroid gland and if the parathyroid growth didn't show up
on a scan they had in mind for me, surgery would still be done to
locate the affected gland. I had a sestamibi scan where radioactive material
was injected into a vein and I was scanned for a parathyroid tumor.
Four hours later (after the radioactive material had a chance to settle
in the desired areas of my neck) I had to return to have another scan.
Results showed I had a tumor on a parathyroid gland. Now the surgeon
would not have to explore each gland until the one with the tumor was
found--that was good to hear.
It was frightening to hear, honestly, but a relief to know the answer
had been found that would address my medical, physical, mental, and
emotional woes. :-) Well, at least those associated with a parathyroid
tumor.
There is more, but I really wish to get into the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism...
----- > But you may wonder, "What does the parathyroid gland do?" <-----
The parathyroid glands, of which there are four, are endocrine glands, each the size of a grain of rice. Their purpose is to regulate the calcium level in the body (bones and blood). They are in the neck behind the thyroid gland. Rarely, a parathyroid gland may be found inside the thyroid gland or in the chest.
Hyperparathyroidism - a condition little known or understood by patients and many practitioners. Tumors, testing, treatment, surgery. If you may have a parathyroid tumor, or get a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism, this information is offered to give you a "foot-up."