Health update

Hi all. After the results from my blood tests came in, I had to see an endocrinologist. My vitamin D levels were still low and my calcium was elevated. My PTH was also elevated. (parahyperthyroidism). The endocrinologist has upped my vitamin d an additional 800mg a day. He is hoping that this will straighten out my vit d levels along with the calcium and the pth. If not I will be adding prescription vit d supplemints to go with my prescription b12. They will be retesting my levels in 3 weeks to see how this is working. If the pth is still elevated, they are going to start looking at my thyroid for other possible problems. I never thought when I had this surgery that I would have to be this attuned to my health or this proactive in my healthcare. All the blood tests showed that my liver was working normally. I am afraid to go for the mri/ultrasound because that might not show anything either. The only thing I can think of is going to the er the next time I start getting these gallstone like pains again. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Arlene

Sorry to hear that you are still having trouble. It sounds like your endocrine system is out of whack--it may not even be from the WLS, but I'm sure that is complicating things. The only suggestion I have is to get some sunshine--Vitamin D is absorbed from sunshine through the skin. I hear that 15-20 min a day in the sun will give you more than you can get through diet or supplements. (Be careful and don't burn!) Joy

Oh, Arlene, I'm so sorry for your difficulties. Yes, we must stay absolutely vigilent about our personal health care and maintenance. We have not lost weight through weigh****chers or jenny craig or slim fast - we had our anatomy totally restructured - imagine if the L.A. freeway system was ripped up and rerouted, can you imagine the havok that would cause? That's what's happened inside of us. And we have to be aware of the consequences for the rest of our lives. Listen, be well, take good care of yourself and work with your doctor, who sounds like he/she is on your side! Keep us posted, ok? Reenie

Arlene, Sorry to hear about the thyroid issues. I total can relate as I have had problems with mine for almost 15year. On the Galbladder side. I would definetly go have the ultrasound done. I had mine out last month and my liver blood tests came back normal too. The ultra sound showed that I had stones and a thickening of the gallbladder. When it was removed the surgeon said that it was worse than they originaly thought, verrrry disease apparently. Anyway just because your blood test came back normal you still need to have the ultrasound done. Let us know how your doing. Leslie

Hi Arlene, I, too, have an elevated PTH level. My surgeon and PPC both told me it is usually an indication that your body is leaching calcium from your bones and that there may be a calcium deficiency. You see, your blood calcium will still read normal because your body is getting the calcium; just from your bones! Anyway, my doctors sent me to the hospital to get a DEXA Scan to see if my bone density was okay. It was....so the next route was to do an MRI of my brain to see if I had any pituitary gland problems. The MRI showed that my pituitary glad was, in fact, slightly enlarged. There was no tumor or mass, yet, but I have to have the MRI repeated in six months. I have no symptoms. All thyroid tests and Vitamin D levels were normal, too. They told me that if I did develop a tumor, that 95% of them are benign and that removal wasn't difficult. I am due to have the second MRI in October. I don't know if any of this helps! Good Luck and keep us informed! Karen

Arlene, I don't have a clue, but just wanted you to know I'm sending happy thoughts your way and hope they get all this figured out for you. Hugs, Connie

Hi Arlene, I hope this note finds you well and healthy! The March 2004 Board needs your help. Please go to the Board and read the post, AND THE SURVEY SAYS, and PLEASE respond to it by answering the few questions. We really need to hear from you. Thank you! Maureen