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After parathyroid surgery

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Cris.Leggs
Cris.Leggs

5 weeks now after surgery and am unable to take calcium supplements, I cannot tolerate them in any form. Is it possible to get enough through food? Has anyone else had this problem, please help!!! If I take calcium I urinate so excessively that I end up in the hospital, have severe dry mouth and muscle weakness.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • anna22907
    anna22907 Cris.Leggs

    Posted

    You have parathyroid surgery because you calcium is too high, why are you prescribed calcium? Have you had all parathyroids removed?

    I have had one taken out, have been prescribed vitamin D supplement because it was low but this has unfortunately pushed by calcium back up to pre-surgery levels and I have urinary and abdominal symptoms back.

    Leave a message with your endocrinologists secretary and get them to phone you back with advice.

    • Cris.Leggs
      Cris.Leggs anna22907

      Posted

      Hello Anna, I am taking calcium because after surgery your calcium drops drastically and you need a supplement. Also you noted that your Vit D was driving up your levels to pre-surgery levels. This is usually not the case, generally when levels increase it is due to a possible 2nd tumor. Please go to parathyroid.com. This is the Norman parathyroid Center, their website has so much good information. Hope you start feeling better soon.

    • kevin11481
      kevin11481 anna22907

      Posted

      My understanding on why calcium supplements are used:  after surgery, particularly if patient exhibited significant bone loss, the dormant remains glands will take time to equilibrate.  The bones will begin to pull calcium back into bone at rapid pace, causing lower Ca level. Supplements act as stop gap to avoid dangerous low levels after surgery
  • tana_33
    tana_33 Cris.Leggs

    Posted

    Hi Cris The need of calcium supplement is very variable post op. I needed 3 000 mg for 6 months but I was very high before the op. You can find calcium in milk and cheese of course but I am lactose intolerant so I ve found it in natural water Rozanna (magnesium and calcium) but I was able to take Carbonate to complement. There are many form of calcium Good luck with that

     

  • kevin11481
    kevin11481 Cris.Leggs

    Posted

    Just had my parathyroid gland removed (1). I was put on Ca supplements after surgery as Ca dropped after the one gland was removed. This is intended to be temporary to avoid low Ca levels caused by other 3 glands adjusting to surgery. I too struggle with irritable bowel symptoms and GERD. I am lowering dosages now. I hope it improves

    this seems to be standard protocol over 3 week time frame

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