Tip'sfriend,
I am somewhat startled to read that the physician who finally confirmed your diagnosis kind of shrugged and didn't discuss with you the option of surgery.
Was he/she an endocrinologist?
In all your research I'm sure you've learned that hyperparathyroidism is caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Overactive parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormones, which in turn stimulate increased levels of calcium in the blood stream.
The excess calcium released by the bones can lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Also, a person w/hyperparathyroidism can develop kidney stones, because of high levels of calcium excreted into the urine by the kidneys.
Did the doctor tell you if the cause in your case is an adenoma (benign tumor) on one of the parathyroids? Or is yours due to simply an enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands?
Either way, SURGERY to remove the affected gland(s) usually cures this disorder.
When performed by an surgeon who is experienced in that procedure, the operation is totally successful (we're talking complete cure) in over 95% of cases... and serious surgical complications are quite uncommon.
The surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic and usually you can go home after about 6 hours in the recovery room. Occasionally, a patient may become hypoparathyroid after surgery and blood calcium levels may drop too low. Although this is uncommon, the surgeon will usually recommend calcium supplements in order to avoid this and to restore bone density.
Surgery is considered a totally appropriate treatment even in people without symptoms, but often folks with mild hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) and without symptoms or complications sometimes choose to be followed medically.
For instance, if for some reason, the doctor thinks surgery for you is not an option (and I'd need to hear a good reason!) it is essential that he/she monitor you regularly to avoid later complications. Monitoring would consist of clinical evaluation and measurement of calcium levels and kidney function every 6 months, annual abdominal x-ray, and bone mass measurement after 1 to 2 years. If the disease shows no signs of worsening after a couple of years, the interval between exams may be lengthened. If you and your doctor choose long-term followup, you should try to drink lots of water, get plenty of exercise, and avoid certain diuretics, such as the thiazides.
Don't despair, this is a treatable situation and again, if you are feeling lousy and have symptoms, please discuss surgery with your doctor, preferably one who doesn't shrug!
zuzu xxx
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