I kept feeling tired, unable to concentrate, and depressed. I had originally been diagnosed with osteopenia and took Fossamax. Dr. Vikram Kamdar, who is a first-rate endocrinologist, kept close watch on my calcium, and PTH levels, both of which were elevated over several months. It often takes a long period of monitoring before the endocrine anomaly can be identified.

Even if you have a calcium level that’s between 10.0-10.5 (which is “normal”), double check and make sure you don’t have hyperparathyroidism. It’s so easy to miss, and I never would have know had it not been for Dr. Kamdar’s knowledge and insight. He ruled out early onset of osteoporosis and, after he noted high PTH levels, Dr. Kamdar authorized a Sestemibi scan. He subsequently diagnosed me with hyperparathyrodism and referred me to Dr. Harari,for consult.

Dr Harari performed my parathyroidectomy 10 July 2012. I wanted to add my surgical experience because I didn’t see any comments about her talent and vast knowledge about the endocrine system. I couldn’t have been more confident in a surgeon: my confidence was well-placed. She is personable, provides a succinct overview of the surgery process, recovery, and possible complications. Her comments were clear, concise, and easily understandable. She is absolutely brilliant, and I learned a lot from her about this under-diagnosed condition. Dr. Harari discovered one enlarged parathyroid prior to surgery.

During surgery, she noted that I had growths on all four parathyroids and removed 3-1/2. She made a minor incision that, only two months later, is invisible. No one knows I had surgery unless I point it out to them. Post-surgery, I had a sore throat for only two days.

The parathyroid glands control calcium levels, so make sure you have a lot of calcium citrate (not calcium carbonate, such as Tums: the body doesn’t digest that form of calcium well). If you have a parathyroidectomy. I usually take about 7 grams per day, but check with your doctor first so you will know the appropriate doses for you: everyone’s different. I also take calcitrol to balance my vitamin D level. I also take renegel to lower my phosphorous levels which became quite high after surgery.

A note of caution: you may feel some tingling in your extremities after surgery, which means you have low calcium after the surgery, I felt pins and needles throughout my body: the feeling was similar to having “pins-and-needles” in your feet. If this happens to you after surgery, go to your doctor or ER right away. Your calcium levels may have dropped too low. This condition depends on your own body chemistry and not everyone has this experience. Also, your phosphorous level may increase significantly, so expect to have a blood test very soon after surgery.

I will have to take calcium–and perhaps renegel and calcitrol–for the rest of my life: it’s a small price to pay in exchange for how great I feel now. I’ve taken a lot of supplements all my life, so I hardly notice taking a few extra calcium pills every day.

If you’re looking for an excellent endocrinologist and endocrine surgeon, Dr. Kamdar and Dr. Harari are a dynamic team who take excellent care of their patients. I will never be able to thank them enough for all of their careful attention and how much better I feel because of them.