← Return to Hyperparathyroidism caused osteoporosis--now what treatment?

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@closetmonster93

I need some input with this from anyone who can chime in. I was diagnosed with hypercalcemia and severe osteoporosis. The osteoporosis was a diagnosis in 2022/23, and then Hypercalcemia in 2023/24. My labs kept showing a high rate of calcium in the blood, and after multiple labs, I begged my doctor to do more extensive scans, testing. He ordered scans for parathyroid, thyroid, kidney, stomach, heart. All the xrays or scans came back what he called normal, however, my labs tell a different story. Everything in a comprehensive lab testing is off, way off and has been for over, 2years. How if everything is normal on a scan, but the labs aren't, where do I go from here? I have a doctor that has to be pushed in the right direction, or he will do nothing. I have to advocate for my health because he will not take the time to research and do the right things. He is an Internist. Here where I live, there are a shortage of Rheumatologists and so the waiting list is over a year, its like almost 2 years. So, from the Reclast infusion, I had a severe reaction to biophosphinates. Unfortunately, that will not be an option for me because of that, I am still reeling from side effects. How do I find out if this is a parathyroid issue? What are the symptoms, etc? Or something else/ I am frustrated because, I am not getting answers, and my doctor is not proactive, and my health is severely declining. I joined these forums to find other options and knowledge that I can utilize to make informed decisions. Is there correlations between osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, that are really caused by other issues, or are they one in the same?

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Replies to "I need some input with this from anyone who can chime in. I was diagnosed with..."

I am tagging @michaellavacot in the hope he can share with you what he has learned about hypercalcemia and severe osteoporosis. Or at least you can commiserate with each other.

Hi @closetmonster93 - Hypercalcemia with osteoporosis screams primary hyperparathyroidism. While there are other causes you need to check out, the odds are here.

I put together a video segment on hyperparathyroidism based on Dr. John Bilezikian, who is a top osteoporosis doctor. You can watch the segment here https://youtu.be/xKNdqISXkFY?si=80l-T3gQ7iDvVxMw&t=2205 . The entire video should be helpful but this link is to the segment on hyperparathyroidism.

@closetmonster93 your story sounds so familiar.

If your bloodwork shows a high calcium level, and you constantly feel like you have the flu, you need to get someone who is familiar with parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands regulate the calcium levels in your body, especially your brain. They say, if your calcium is over 10.2 it’s high, and high calcium is almost always caused by a tumor on one of the glands.

It’s not common so most doctors don’t know how to handle it.
You may want to Google Parathyroid,com the site is from a group of surgeons who specialize in parathyroid problems. It is jammed packed with information.
I had my surgery there in Tampa, Fl with Dr. Norman.