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Hyperparathyroidism Discharge Instructions


About this topic


You have four parathyroid glands that are each about the size of a pea. They are in your neck in back of your thyroid gland. These small glands make parathyroid hormones or PTH. This hormone helps control the level of calcium in your bones and blood. It also helps control vitamin D and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals are needed to keep your bones and teeth strong. They also help your muscles and nerves work the right way. ‚  
When your parathyroid glands release too much PTH, it is called hyperparathyroidism. This illness will cause the calcium levels in your blood to spike up. Too much calcium in your blood will cause high blood pressure and kidney stones. ‚  
Hyperparathyroidism can be treated by surgery and by treating the hidden health problems which caused this illness. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor may give you drugs to control PTH. Take them as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop taking these drugs even if you feel better, unless ordered by your doctor.
  • If surgery was done, your doctor will tell you about wound care.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • You doctor may order blood test to check the calcium level in your blood or urine. Do not miss these visits.
  • If surgery has been done, and you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Lower the amount of PTH your body releases
  • Replace hormones for women
  • Prevent loss of calcium from bones

Will physical activity be limited?


Your physical activity may be limited due to signs caused by this illness. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Ask your doctor if you need to limit how much calcium and vitamin D is in your diet.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.

What problems could happen?


  • Weak bones and a higher risk of a broken bone
  • Kidney stones or kidney damage
  • Pancreatitis
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Heart disease
  • Too much or too little calcium in the blood

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Bone or joint pain
  • You feel weak
  • More thirst
  • Need to pass urine more often
  • Belly pain
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have bone or joint pain, feel weak or thirsty, or have belly pain.

Where can I learn more?


FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/hyperparathyroidism/complications.printerview.all.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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