A review of being diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism at Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital

I am sharing my experience of being diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism during a follow-up visit three months after undergoing left lobectomy for thyroid cancer at Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital in April.

 

Thyroid cancer discovered when I went for a breast ultrasound and the doctor also performed a thyroid ultrasound.

I was scheduled for surgery immediately, and fortunately, it was only a partial resection, so I felt relieved.

After three months, I visited Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital again for follow-up and was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and hyperlipidemia.

I was completely caught off guard, not even considering hyperparathyroidism.

 

Hyperparathyroidism refers to a condition in which the parathyroid hormone is excessively secreted, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in similar areas and have similar names, but their functions are quite different. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that regulate overall body functions such as growth, development, reproduction, movement, and body temperature. The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid and consist of four glands. They secrete hormones involved in the body's calcium metabolism.

Fortunately, the calcium level is normal, and there are no other symptoms; only the cholesterol level is high. For asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, which is not severe and has no symptoms, no specific treatment will be administered, and only follow-up observation will be conducted.

However, they said you are deficient in vitamin D.

The role of the parathyroid gland is to regulate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. So, they prescribed vitamin D.

 

Prevention of Hyperparathyroidism

 

1) Maintaining a balanced diet

 

Foods rich in calcium: dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Foods rich in vitamin D: fatty fish, egg yolks, etc.

 

2) Regular health check-ups

 

- Regularly check blood calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels.

 

3) Adequate sunlight exposure

 

- Helps synthesize vitamin D with about 15-20 minutes of sunlight exposure per day.

 

4) Regular exercise

 

Appropriate exercise helps maintain bone health.

It is recommended to engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week.

 

Manage it for three months like a preventive measure for the parathyroid gland.

We decided to redo the blood test.

 

They say there's always another mountain beyond the one you've crossed, so I thought the thyroid cancer removal surgery was the end.

Hyperparathyroidism. I feel truly overwhelmed.

They said that if it gets worse, I might need another surgery, so I need to take good care of it.

 

Revisit the blood test later to check for hyperparathyroidism results.

I will share it.