Primary Hyperparathyroidism can be a difficult condition to diagnose and manage but it is important to remember that surgery is the only cure and most patients, even elderly ones, recover very well and feel so much better.
However, PHPT is often misdiagnosed or patients are told to ‘watch and wait’ which is now an outdated approach in all but a few cases. Learning as much as you can about the symptoms of PHPT to aid diagnosis and supporting your patient pre and post surgery can make a big difference to quality of life which in some people can be very poor. Many may have been living with an undiagnosed condition for years with increasing impact on the body, in particular bone, kidneys and mental health.
What can you do to help?
Educate yourself.
- read the NICE PHPT guidelines 2019
- read the section on Primary Hyperparathyroidism on our website
- watch our specialist advisors on our webinar ‘All About Primary Hyperparathyroidism’
- watch our patient presentation given to endocrinologists in 2022.
Take appropriate action
- Carry out appropriate blood tests and scans asap
- Timely referral to an endocrinologist, or preferably an endocrine surgeon, improves outcomes.
- Communication is key between you, the hospital and your patient especially if long delays are affecting access to diagnosis or treatment. Chase results or appointments. Call the consultant if necessary.
- Remember that a high volume surgeon is needed to avoid possible post surgical hypoparathyroidism
Blood tests
- total calcium
- parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- vitamin D (25 OH cholecalciferol)
- serum phosphate
Follow up
- Care and regular monitoring is important after surgery. Ongoing treatment or urgent tests maybe needed in between hospital appointments. Endocrine nurses are not always widely available.
- Signpost our organisation for reliable information on our website and ongoing patient support in our online group and telephone helpline.
- You can order leaflets from us free of charge
If you have any questions please do get in touch via our helpline 01342 324091 or email our CEO Liz Glenister