Welcome back! Last week I began telling you about my journey dealing with hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism and the symptoms I was experiencing as a result of this disease. After being diagnosed, I began to research how and where to get my problem resolved. Once I had some information, I called local endocrinologists to ask two simple questions.
- Does your practice do a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy without a long incision and as an outpatient procedure?
- How many parathyroidectomies on average do you do in a year?
I called numerous practices near where I live, and unfortunately, I did not find anyone who did a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, and the number of parathyroidectomies annually per practice was usually two or three. I was told they could refer me to a surgeon, but it wasn’t necessarily their field of expertise. This answer didn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy. After all, they were dealing with my neck, and I had read the incision could be up to six inches long.
In my search on the web, I came across the website www.parathyroid.com, and it became a game changer for me. As I read and studied the information about this disease and how to successfully treat it, I began to have peace. I had been praying for wisdom, and I believe God led me here. For every question I had, there was an answer. The most significant deciding factor for me was the advantage of having minimally invasive surgery. I mean if you could choose to have a one-inch versus a six-inch incision or a fifteen to thirty-minute surgery versus a several hour surgery which would you choose? I knew I had found the place where I was supposed to be, and it was called the Norman Parathyroid Center in Tampa, Florida. They are one of a very small number of medical practices in the United States that specialize specifically in parathyroid surgery.
I filled out the information they requested and began my quest to get well. From the beginning of this process, it was a breeze. All of the people I spoke with were kind and never made me feel like I was asking foolish questions. We checked with our insurance company and learned my surgery would be covered. Honestly, it was a win for both the insurance company and me. There would be no overnight hospital stay, and I was able to go to the best in the field.
After we found out our insurance covered the surgery I had the option of doing an online consultation or traveling to Tampa in person. Hubs and I decided to travel to Tampa and turn it into a mini-vacation. Neither of us had ever been to Tampa, and I felt more comfortable seeing where I was going to be and meeting my doctor in person.
When I first met Dr. Politz, I could tell he was a very caring person. He did have some concerns because I had varying PTH levels, but he had his suspicions about why they were different, and it turned out he was correct. Dr. Politz asked me to get two more blood samples a week apart, both at the same lab, and have them put on ice immediately because the half-life of PTH in your bloodstream is about five minutes. Many times at your doctor’s office they will move on to the next patient or patients before taking your sample back to put it on ice.
Dr. Politz also noticed I was losing my hair and told me that was a sign of a parathyroid issue as well. He told me I would be amazed at how much hair I would have by November. However, because I didn’t have the surgery until September, I’m hoping for more hair by January. He also told me it drives his wife crazy because when they go out for dinner, he can look at people and point out who has a parathyroid issue. We both chuckled, and I went home with my lab sheets for two more pokes.
After my blood tests were complete and Dr. Politz received my results, he e-mailed me to let me know he was pretty sure there was an issue that needed to be addressed. This was a difficult time in my life because my momma was dying, so I put my surgery on hold for a couple of months.
The good news is I had no trepidation about my upcoming surgery. I knew I was going to a place that specializes in parathyroid surgery. These physicians have dedicated their practices and lives to helping thousands of people to overcome parathyroid disease.
While I was waiting for my surgery I was still battling with the symptoms I shared last week. At first, I thought it was because of all the stress related to my momma being sick and dying, but even after her death, the symptoms became worse. The fatigue was whipping my butt, and I was physically, emotionally and spiritually tired. I knew something had to change.
After momma passed, I knew I had to get the surgery done, so I scheduled my surgery for September 12th. Hubs, Ali and I booked our tickets and hotel for Tampa to get this surgery over with and enjoy a few days of recovery on the beach before flying home.
Sometimes the plans we make don’t turn out the way we expect them to. It is like the saying, “Wanna make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Right before we left to go on vacation with family in August, Hubs told me he had a blister on his foot. Ever since Hubs had his second hip replacement, he hasn’t had feeling in his left foot because of nerve damage. Hubs has been working very hard to become more mobile without his walker and cane. In the process, because he can’t feel his foot, he ended up developing a serious pressure wound. The doctor told us if he had gone two more days it would have been a critical foot issue involving a hospital stay. Let me just say, I’m not a nurse, but I learned to be one! It was the grossest thing I had ever seen or had to care for. God will give you grit you don't even know you have until you have to use it Share on X
As a result, Hubs couldn’t go with us to Tampa. I told him I could postpone my surgery, but he wasn’t having any of that! So, I called one of my dear friends and asked if she would like to go to Tampa, and she flew to be with Ali and me.
There were many things running through my mind, but God just kept telling me, “I’ve got this, and you are going to be okay!” That’s the very same thing God told me when my momma passed. I trusted Him then, and I do now. I don’t know what you are facing today, but I do know no matter how difficult or scary it may seem, you do not have to face it alone.
I know God has you and it is going to be okay.
Next week I will share with you about my surgery, the results and where I am in my recovery.
I have hypothyroidism and have never heard of the conditions you have. Very interesting and hope your surgery went well!
Hi, Cammeo!
You will have to read my latest post. I shared all the information about my surgery and the results. I am feeling much better.
I’ve never heard of this condition before. I’m glad you did your homework, and were informed (and covered by insurance)!
Hi, Patricia!
I am thankful for insurance too! I know there are many people who struggle with illnesses who can’t afford to see what is causing their symptoms. I believe that advocacy is so important. I’m sure my insurance company was happy because I saved them a ton of money!
Sending you love and prayers! I am so sorry you’re going through this, but glad they know what is wrong.
Hi, Courtney!
Thanks for your sweet words. There is great comfort knowing what is wrong and feeling better again.
My sister in law dealt with this. She had to have her thyroid completely removed.
Hi, Rachel!
My issue isn’t with my thyroid, but with the parathyroid glands behind the thyroid. Actually, it has nothing to do with your thyroid except that it sits behind your thyroid. I know it is all so confusing! Trust me I have got an education on this topic. I hope your sister-in-law is feeling better and on the mend too! Blessings!
I hope you feel better soon and that you were able to figure out what the matter what with your health. Wish you the best!
❥ tanvii.com
Hi, Tanvi!
Thank You! I did figure out what was wrong and stay tuned for next week to hear the results!
Thanks for sharing this experience. Praying for healing and a speedy recovery!
Hi, Jazz!
Thank you for your encouragement. Next week I will share the outcome with all my readers and the next steps to a better me. Blessings to you!
Such helpful information. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Hi, Julie!
You are very welcome!
I am glad that you had a good friend willing to go with you. I hope you are doing well and hope to read about your recovery soon.
Hi, Evelyn!
I am thankful too! You can read about my results in my new post. I am in recovery and doing great!
Sending you and your family healthy healing vibes. It sounds like you are on the right path!
Hi, Jessica!
I appreciate your thoughts and vibes! I believe we are finally on the right path and going full steam ahead!
Hope you’re doing well…
Hi, Marina!
I am doing much better and every day is progress!
Sending good thoughts your way!! Thanks for sharing this information and helping others know they aren’t alone.
Hi, Melanie!
Thanks for the good thoughts! I believe sharing is caring in most cases. (LOL) God doesn’t waste a thing and my prayer is to never let anyone think they are alone with this issue.
Sending you the best wishes for your surgery (and healing for your husband)! I’m glad that you were able to find a friend to go with you too!
Hi, Amber!
Thanks! I appreciate your sweet words! We are back on the road to recovery. I was blessed to have my dear friend go with me to Tampa. She is a keeper for sure!
This is so good to know, Sheila. It is so beneficial for those of us who have never been through a particular disease or illness to hear of someone’s personal journey. I was a beta reader for a friend who decided to write about her experiences with breast cancer, I learned so much. Her book is now in print and she is hoping others going through this experience will benefit from it. Thanks for sharing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi, Amy!
I am sure that was an interesting read and informative. I had never heard of hyperparaparathyroidism until I was diagnosed with it. So often doctors take our symptoms for aging instead of following through. It took a heart attack for them to thoroughly check my symptoms. I don’t want this to happen to someone else. My prayer is that it will encourage others to listen to their body and don’t take no for an answer if you believe something isn’t right,
I’m looking forward to reading how the surgery went! I think it’s wonderful that you took your own health in your hands and did research to find something for you.
Hi Christa!
I can tell you I am doing much better, but you will appreciate the ending of this journey. I would advise anyone who has to have surgery to scout around and look at the options and go with the one that will bring you peace.
Oh I hope this all gets resolved quickly for you and that you feel better. This is all really helpful info too.
Hi, Leigh!
I am doing much better and next week on my post I will share the results. I’m glad you found this information helpful!
So glad you are doing better, please keep us all posted!
I’m glad you are on the road to figuring out what is going on. It is so stressful not knowing why you are sick.
Hi, Theresa!
It is stressful when we don’t know what is going on with our bodies especially when a doctor doesn’t listen to you. I’m thankful for my doctor who listened and made me pursue the problem.
Wow what a process…hope you are doing better now!
Hi, Amanda!
It has been a process, but I am doing much better! Thanks for asking!