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One of my member friends wrote me (name withheld) that she had visited an endocrinologist, had done all the tests, and got a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Yet the endo doc didn't want to treat that. Wanted to put her on Fosamax. Now do any of you who have had or do have hyperparathyroidism have any idea why the CAUSE would not be treated? I really don't.
Hyperparathyroidism Cancer Surgery Forteo Osteoporosis Fosamax Kidney stones Reclast
Hi Millie,
I have just been doing a little research on the parathyroids today. The 2 usual medical treatments for hyperparathyroidism have been 1. do nothing or 2. surgically remove to parathyroid. The third treatment option is relatively new: bisphosphonates. All so confusing...
millie123,
That is exactly what I have. Only surgery will take care of the problem. Nothing else except removing the adenoma. Believe me if taking bisphosphonates worked I would be well instead my osteo gets worse and worse every year.
Yeah, I thought they had to do surgery to remove the problematic parathyroid gland(s). I think there are four of them?
I cannot imagine why she would not be treated, as all
3 endo Dr's I have been to want to treat with surgery;
I have put this off as finding an experianced surgeon
for this in this area seems difficult, also I do reasearch
to find alternative treatments. A lot depends on the
calcium level-over 12 they seem to treat.
I am trying strontium citrate to try to lower calcium
and up phosphorous, and help regulate pth.
Will need a blood test to see if it is working.
Can you tell me her blood calcium level? Thanks.
1julie: You're kidding. Oh, no. Are they treating babies with them yet?
susi: I don't know the blood levels. But she says the endo didn't want to treat her for the hyperparathyroidism until she started having gastro problems and kidney stones! (What a kind and understanding doctor. And then he prescribes Fosamax.)
Millie123,
My former dentist must also be your friend's doctor. I was having trouble with my wisdom teeth and he said we should wait until they rot to pull them because it's easier that way! Huh??
Needless to say I got a new dentist. Maybe your friend could get a second opinion?
I enjoy reading your posts. You bring a lot of positive energy to this site. And bring up good questions, too.
Millie123,
I think of this in the category of: If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail...
Dear Millie123:
I found a website of a Doctor in Florida that does an inoffice procedure to remove the parathyroids. Not a big deal according to him and he can isolate the parathyroid that is causing the problem and it might be just 1. Doesn't do them all. Has taught other Docs his procedures as well. Have your friend look into that. If interested I could do a search and be more definitive. Search "parathyroid" and see if you can find him.
Yeah, I like your hammer and nail. Seems most of the Docs are in this category for treating "supposed Osteo" folks.
The latest news from this member is that the doctor who referred her to this endo isn't happy. So he's referring her to another endocrinologist. And she's a very long way from Florida. But maybe someone who isn't can use the information. Thanks.
Good news at last! I recently wrote about Forteo and the exclusion of it's availability to members of my insurance company. Then my Endo wanted me to have Reclast Infusions, this I refused. Since my last post I have worked diligently and yesterday I was fully approved and will have to pay only $30 per month for the prescription of Forteo. Hooray! I start Forteo on 11/11. I'm so thankful to everyone who replied to my questions. Maybe now...I will finally make some improvement and stop breaking ribs with a simple cough. It was because of my unexpected weight lose of twenty-eight pounds in six weeks that my Endo tested my parathyroid, as well as many bone cancers. My parathyroid results came back normal, and no cancer of the bones. I have only Sever Osteoporosis. A special thanks to Millie123...You are both knowledgeable and humorous.
Susie: Congrats! And thanks for the compliment.
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