#hypoparathyroidism

[dennyssausage]

Tw/cw: chronic health issues, talk of needles, talk of surgeries

Hey everybody! So I don’t talk about this a lot. Actually I think I only have one post about this and it’s only about one of my conditions and it was more lighthearted which I will try to make this

So at the ripe age of 12 years old in the beautiful year of 2020 your girl went to their first ever non-pediatric doctor. I got a full ass physical and she got to my neck and was like “huh that’s odd” my mom never thought anything of it because ever since I was young I had a weirdly puffy neck. Almost looked like I had an Adam’s apple despite being born a female. My doctor ordered a biopsy and I was scared so my mom told me if I could do it without anesthesia she would get me whatever I wanted so I asked for a Nintendo switch. Long story short, I got my switch but the biopsy hurt like a son of a bitch but it was fine bc I got animal crossing :D

August 18th, 2020 was the day my switch got there. And randomly around noon my grandma came over with no announcement but I didn’t care my grandma was here I’m happy so the whole day I’m waiting for my switch and my mom seems off. She’s quiet and sad. The next day after I get back from my uncle’s house (bc she sent me there the day before after my switch got there) she pulls me to the side to tell me what my diagnosis was. The first thing she told me was to not worry unless she told me that there was something to worry about. I agreed. The diagnosis? Papillary thyroid carcinoma. In other words? Thyroid cancer. The good news? It’s the most common type. The bad news? Very rare in children. And little 12 year old me was still considered a child. Hadn’t even had my first period yet. I got surgery in September, getting my thyroid removed along with 2 of my 4 parathyroid glands.

Later on something happened. I was playing my switch, and my hands began getting tense. I could barely move them and they were tingly. I ran to my mom to show her and she immediately called the doctor. They told my mom I was seizing up and having a calcium attack and to immediately give me tums, as they are high in calcium. She asked how much and the doctor simply said enough until my hands relax again. She gave me the tums and about 2 hours later my hands relaxed. For the next 2 years I was taking 12-16 tums a day. One day I began losing my appetite, and losing weight. The tums had diluted my stomach acids to the point where I almost died. Again. We went to another doctor in South Carolina who prescribed me critical, which is a calcium supplement. I’ve been talking that for the past 4 years now with no issues.

The condition I have is very rare. It’s called Hypoparathyroidism. It is not simply a calcium deficiency, as my body can produce calcium, but my body can’t regulate it. The body has 4 parathyroid glands, which release calcium into the body. I had 2 removed, which typically would not be a problem, as naturally the other remaining 2 would take the job of the missing 2. However, that did not happen. I have been on calcium supplements for 6 1/2 years now. But recently they created the one and only prescription for hypoparathyroidism. It has been around for 2 years now. It is similar to an insulin shot. You open the cap and inject it into your thigh or stomach. My doctor said she has many patients on it and there have been no complaints so far. My mother let me make the decision (surprisingly) and I decided to try and go on it. I am currently on my way back to my home state, going from South Carolina as I type this out. Anyway idk how to end this.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk

[heleftnowwhat]

10 Month Update

It’s been 10 months since I broke my knee. And as mentioned in my last post, I also fractured my tibia in October and my femur in December. After the new year, my knee doctor ordered a bone density scan. He also ordered blood work. Additionally, I needed to see someone at the bone clinic. And finally, he said I should go back to physical therapy again. I had a bone scan in 2024. The comparison…

10 Month Update

[scholarshipportal]

(via Parathyroid Gland Disorders: Hyperparathyroidism vs Hypoparathyroidism—Causes, Symptoms, Labs, and Treatment)

[nerdygirlwithanxiety]

I keep forgetting June first is literally hypoparathyroidism awareness and honestly...I wish it had a full month awareness. Argued with do many people about it when they found out I had it. What's worse was that they didn't believe me. It's that freaking rare

Another example; Back in 2008-2009 three children in Phoenix Arizona ended up with the disease and I was the third one. It's pretty fuck up to think how many are unaware about this illness but understandable because it's a thyroid doctor thing not a regular doctor but still. I feel like regardless of the position I feel more people need to learn about the illness (along with hyperparathyrpidism and hypocalciuma) besides just a few.

For those that don't know what it is;

You have four glands on your thyroid correct? Well those glands produce both calcium and vitamin D and without that you basically die. Now this is where it gets interesting because those glands shut down when the illness starts and I mean my glands ARE DEAD meaning they can't be fixed. So when I hit ten years old my calcium began to drop rapidly it took a week for the hospital to find out what was happening (mind you I'm quoting what my mom was describing in the past. I remember absolutely nothing because of my brain shutting down during my tetany - I will comeback to this- episodes). If it weren't for the last day I would of died between 1- maybe 2 in the morning because how low my calcium was.

How do I get this illness cured? You can't. Either you live on meds the rest of your life or needles.

Is this dietary;

In my case no. Somehow I got this illness out of a stupid fluke.

Is this genetic?

This is a 50/50. In my case no it's not, I got super lucky that it's not genetic (none of my family members have this crazy illness) but it is possible for it to be genetic for others.

What are the signs and symptoms?;

Well anon I'm super glad you asked because I can tell you that's a list;

In my experience mind you I don't know if it's the same for the other surviviors who's also fighting this chronic illness on their daily life as well (I'm super proud of those who have this illness and fighting everyday. Keep up the hard work.)

So there's this weird tingle sensation that happens in certain parts of the body (mainly legs and arms in my situation. Again everyone night be different. I'm just talking about this from experience) I like to describe this as 'pins and needles' I only use that because I don't know how else to describe it.

Claminess. That shit fucking sucks. If you notice someone's acting clammy (I'm sure 50% of the time they're probably ok but I'd still check) they're probably not feeling well

Starvation- this is another I don't know if it's common to other people that have this illness but basically *I* lose my appetite weather it's from overdosing or if my levels are dropping I won't know and in that moment I would be too tired to care.

Blackouts - when this illness started for me (this I actually remember) I was getting ready for school one morning and my mom was helping me brushing my teeth I was finally feeling better enough to go to school or so i thought. After I finish brushing everything and I mean EVERYTHING went black. I ended up spitting all over the counter before my mom layed me down. I ended up waking up seeing her crying at my side.

Tetany - this us severely hard to describe since I never actually felt it or noticed it during my blackouts but from what my mom describe it is that it almost looks like a gramalseizure. My body tensed up my eyes went different directions and finally my lips peirce shut. How long will it last? Depends how low the calcium and vD is. But it's basically muscle spasm

Muscle cramp is something I deal with everyday at random times. Let me tell you...it. is. Uncomfortable. Especially with the pins and needles (or that fucking Charlie horse)

Is there a way of treatment?

Yeah but I'd still go to the endocrinologist for the meds.

How do you check your vitals to see if you're okay? Usually the ENDOCRINOLOGIST and I can't stress this out people ENDOCRINOLOGIST (very important doctor for the people who have this illness) have to request some bloodwork to check if your CALCIUMnand VITAMIN D is good or if its low or if it's high.

So what's the difference?

*sigh*

Hypoparathyroidism is when your low on calcium and vitamin D

Hyperthyroidism is when you're overdosing on calcium and vitamin D

Meanwhile hypocalcium affects the calcium overall.

Oh to make matters worse for my illness I got a cyst on my throat now too. Hisimoto. So yeah that's cool.

So anyways thought I'd post about it especially since June was hypoparathyroid awareness month and again..not many knows about this illness. If you have this illness and wanna share your experience or wanna rant out your feelings you may reblog this post and poor your heart out because again people do need to be aware of this illness and people do need to at least be aware it does exists and it's not just some bullshit thing people are making up (i had that experience when I was in the hospital overdosing me because a doctor accident updosed me not paying attention) so...ye 👍👍 happy LATE LATE hyperthyroidism awareness month and stay safe everyone (ik it's July but I never finished writing this out and it's been in my drafts for over a year)

[vaishnavicmi]

Living with Parathyroid Disorders: Coping Tips and Long-Term Outlook

Parathyroid disorders, though medically manageable, can impact quality of life if not carefully monitored. Understanding how to live with these conditions empowers patients to lead healthier, more active lives.

Coping with Symptoms

Chronic fatigue and mood changes are common. Regular rest, exercise, and mental health support are crucial.

Dietary management plays a vital role. For Parathyroid Disorders, avoid calcium-rich foods. For hypoparathyroidism, maintain a calcium-rich diet.

Monitoring hydration is essential, especially in hyperparathyroid patients prone to kidney stones.

Mental and Emotional Support

Join support groups for chronic illness

Cognitive therapy or counseling may help manage depression or anxiety

Educate family and friends about the condition to build a strong support system

Long-Term Outlook

With proper treatment, most individuals with parathyroid disorders can lead normal lives. Regular follow-ups with an endocrinologist, routine lab tests, and bone scans help track disease progression and prevent complications.

Get More Insights On- Parathyroid Disorders

[drdevendrachaukar]

Expert laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatment in Mumbai by Dr. Devendra Chaukar, featuring advanced surgical, radiation, and chemothe

Post-Surgical Hypoparathyroidism: What You Should Know Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is a common complication following thyroid or parathyroid surgery, often due to accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Symptoms like muscle cramps, tingling, fatigue, and mood swings result from calcium imbalance and require timely care.

Dr. Devendra Chaukar, a top hypopharyngeal cancer specialist in Mumbai, stresses early detection and expert monitoring to avoid long-term complications. He is renowned for handling complex head and neck surgeries with precision.

Diagnosis includes blood tests, calcium level checks, and bone scans. With the right treatment, patients can lead a normal life.

If you've undergone neck surgery and notice unusual symptoms, don’t delay. Learn about advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatment in Mumbai with Dr. Chaukar.

[the-autistic-system]

Y'all tell me why my body just has to rack up every rare disease ever (let me be dramatic), Recently my doc did some labs and my calcium came back low; did more labs to find out why, and the verdict? I have hypoparathyroidism.

Now hypothyroidism runs in my family, so idk if it could be hereditary, but it could be from damage done to my parathyroids– not from surgery, but from when I had covid two (2) years ago (looked it up if that could happen and there have been cases reported of hypoparathyroidism after covid so), that's when my symptoms started, but I had bigger things going on so we hadn't caught it until now. Treatment is simple though, just take the right amount of supplements everyday.

💕 love being chronically ill lmao

[doomhole]

cw: personal, medical

So a while ago, I started having what is commonly known as "formication", the hallucinatory sensation of having something on your skin, in my case specifically around my mouth. And yeah, I'm a mentally ill trainwreck, but I know my own hallucinatory symptoms, you know? I'm not a skin picker nor have I ever had tactile hallucinations, so this stood out.

Consulting the well-known Doctor Google gave me, besides the usual options (anxiety, panic attack, psychosis), the possibility of a parathyroid dysfunction. Which is something people take supplements for, specifically calcium, vitamin D and magnesium.

So... seeing as that's pretty much harmless to try even if it wouldn't help, I gave it a shot.

Literally three days later, formication gone. Whoo! Parathyroid problem or placebo effect? Who knows, I didn't care, my face stopped feeling weird!

That was like, over a month ago. Now last week, I ran out of those supplements, and being my adhd self, I totally forgot to order new ones, having already mostly forgotten why I took them to begin with.

Guess what it bugging me today.

Yep, it's my old friend, formication around my mouth.

...

I am wondering if I should see an actual doctor about this. Given that this may actually be a real physical issue and not just me being busted in the head as usual.

However, the temptation to just take the supplements again and be done with it is very real. Why would I even have a parathyroid issue? I haven't had neck surgery nor do I have autoimmune disease or a family history of hypoparathyroidism, so my only possible avenues are chronic magnesium deficiency from malnutrition or an undiagnosed endocrine issue. AKA chances are the doctor will just send me home with an eyeroll and a script for antipsychotics.

Even though this could possibly be linked to my hair loss, shit skin and nails, digestive issues, and the inexplicable severe hypertension I already take 3 prescription drugs for.

Anyway, I ordered new pills.