I was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism about 14 years ago. My internist’s recommendation was to continue to monitor the blood calcium levels and watch for symptoms. Overt symptoms did not appear, with the exception of what I believed was an episode of kidney stones. As the calcium level increased I was referred to an endocrinologist who recommended continued monitoring. I got bone density scans periodically with normal results until about two years ago when the bone density dropped into the osteopenia range. My doctors felt this was consistent with readings for a woman my age—73, and were not alarmed. In August of 2011, my endocrinologist ordered a CT scan of the neck, but said he didn’t see anything unusual. He recommended continued monitoring. In the spring of 2012, I began experiencing bouts of general malaise and fatigue with increasing arthritis pain. By June, my joint pain had increased and I was having bone pain in my legs resembling shin splints. Finally in August I went to see my internist who ordered blood tests. She called me the next day to say that my calcium level was higher than it had ever been at 11.4 and could be the cause of my pain. She recommended that I increase fluid intake to decrease the symptoms and to see my endocrinologist right away. I made the appointment, got the blood tests required for my visit, but the appointment had to be postponed for several weeks due to an emergency in the doctor’s family. When I inquired about the results of the blood tests I was told the calcium level wasn’t too high and that I shouldn’t worry about it.

Frustrated, I began researching my condition on the Internet. I found that the symptoms can be subtle, easily mistaken for other illnesses, and realized that I had been having many of these symptoms for some time. I was impressed with the web site of UCLA’s endocrinology team and especially impressed with their research on hyperparathyroidism, which suggested that surgery is just as helpful in mild cases as it is in severe ones. I wasted no time in making an appointment with Dr. Avital Harari.

Dr. Harari’s exam was very thorough and included a multi stage CT scan as well as an ultrasound. She was able to detect an enlarged parathyroid gland and recommended surgery to remove it. My surgery went very well. Dr. Harari was careful to utilize safeguards to prevent damage to the vocal cords and within days many of my painful symptoms had started to subside. My experience with Dr. Harari and her team couldn’t have been more satisfactory. She was very responsive, encouraging email correspondence and responding quickly with the information and help I needed. The hospital staff was professional and very caring. I am recovering nicely.

But that’s not the whole story! During the initial exam, Dr. Harari discovered two nodules on my thyroid gland. She ordered a biopsy, which proved to be inconclusive, but she determined my risk of thyroid cancer to be about 50%. I opted to have the thyroid removed. Both surgeries were done at the same time. I have had hypothyroidism and have taken thyroid hormone supplement for nearly 40 years so taking additional hormone is not a burden. The incision scar is almost gone now—seven weeks out of surgery. I’m feeling better than I have felt for a long, long time. The pathology report on the thyroid indicated that one of the nodules was cancerous, but it was very small and encapsulated. An ultrasound of the lymph nodes in my neck showed them to be clear and no further treatment is recommended. I am very, very grateful for Dr. Harari’s skill and thoroughness. I believe she saved me from a much more serious illness by her careful examination and care. She’s my hero!

Mollie Vanderzyl, Retired School Administrator
Riverside, California