Surgical Consult

I saw the Endocrinology Surgeon today for consult regarding the second parathyroidectomy I need. I learned a LOT.

The Endocrinologist I saw last month had ordered a thyroid ultrasound and the results show I have a couple of tumors there and they are small enough to not need surgery (or worry) however, repeat ultrasounds will happen at regular intervals to make certain they don't increase in size.

Having said that, the ultrasound the surgeon performed today shows that one of my parathyroid glands has attached itself to my thyroid. Because nothing is ever simple when it comes to my health, the surgeon told me this happens in less than 5% of people with hyperparathyroidism.

The next step is to have a laryngoscopy in order to check my vocal cords in an effort to find out why I have had so much difficulty swallowing the past several months and whether or not it is related to my hyperparathyroidism or thyroid. 

Due to the vagus nerve stimulator in my chest I am unable to have MRIs so I will be scheduled for a 4D CT scan as well as a Sestambi scan. The surgeon explained that these imagings, combined, may show which parathyroid gland(s) is bad. The surgeon went on to explain that until he is able to see the parathyroid and thyroid glands in surgery, he doesn't rely on the test results alone.

The surgeon was unable to locate the other two parathyroid glands.