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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Parathyroid Surgery Advisable At An Elderly Age?

I have been told I need parathyroid surgery due to elevated blood calcium count(10.5) however i have had that for 35 years and also use an estrogen patch which i hope helps with bone loss. I am 91 and do not wish to have an anesthetic,and I have fallen (tripped) and no bone breakage. What is your opion?
posted on Mon, 17 Jul 2017
Twitter Tue, 1 Aug 2017 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 1 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
Serum calcium levels with 10.5mg/dl seems to be fine and is not indicative of surgery at this stage.
However, kindly monitor your calcium levels along with phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels periodically.
You may need to take a call on undergoing surgery based on the levels of above parameters.
Hope the information provided helps.
Best wishes.
Regards,
Dr.Ashakiran.S.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Ashakiran S's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
As per the report you have furnished that calcium level with 10.5mg/dl seems to be fine. It is towards the upper limit of normal. Hence, this might not be an indication to undergo parathyroid surgery.
In my opinion, it would be better for you to undergo certain other investigations like serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in blood along with ultrasound scan of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
If there is definite abnormality in it, then you would need intervention like surgery.
Hope the information provided helps.
All the best and wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr.Ashakiran.S.
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Is A Parathyroid Surgery Advisable At An Elderly Age?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. Serum calcium levels with 10.5mg/dl seems to be fine and is not indicative of surgery at this stage. However, kindly monitor your calcium levels along with phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels periodically. You may need to take a call on undergoing surgery based on the levels of above parameters. Hope the information provided helps. Best wishes. Regards, Dr.Ashakiran.S.