[yorkieParticipant]

My brother, aged 65, has recently been diagnosed with Myeloma but his symptoms seem to be the same as Hyperparathyroidism.

The specialists re the latter say that it is often misdiagnosed with many doctors being unaware of the condition. Hyperparathyroidism is treatable and curable.

Has anyone come across this and have they asked for a second opinion.

Thanks.

[ellenModerator]

 

Thank you for your post, my name is Ellen and I am one of the Myeloma Information Specialists here at Myeloma UK.

I am sorry that no one, as yet, has replied, this may be because hyperparathyroidism is rare and no one on the forum has experience of it.

Both myeloma and hyperparathyroidism can cause raised levels of calcium in the blood, but this perhaps is where the similarity end.

The parathyroid glands produce a hormone that helps control the body’s calcium levels. In myeloma patients, calcium levels can be raised because of the effect myeloma can have on the bone.

Briefly, myeloma can thin and weaken the bone and in doing releases calcium from the damaged areas into the blood, hence levels are increased.

Myeloma is diagnosed using a whole range of tests and investigations – not just the calcium levels – and anyone suspected of having myeloma should be referred to a haematologist.

I hope this has helped and perhaps one of the forum users will come along with similar experiences.

However if you do have any questions that I can help with pease do not hesitate to get in touch either by email to askthenurse@myeloma.org.uk or by calling the freephone Myeloma Infoline on 0800 980 3332; I or one of my colleagues would be very happy to talk things through with you.

With best wishes

Ellen

 

[yorkieParticipant]

Thank you so much, Ellen for noticing I had not had a reply and dealing with that.

I have been told that hyperparathyroidism is common though frequently undiagnosed. I am going with my gut feeling here (rarely lets me down) but also if my brother has this condition it is treatable whereas myeloma is not and it may be wishful thinking on my part. My brother had an op on his neck about four years ago (pharyngeal pocket) and I am wondering if the parathyroid was ‘damaged’  during this very invasive op.

I have written this week to the hyperparathyroidism specialist at Spire to see if he can help me as I am not sure what the difference is – does it show in a blood sample and if so what do they look for in hyperparathyroidism.

My brother was on Velkade and at first it worked well (60 paraprotein level to 7.5) but doc not happy with a level of 7.5 and is now talking stem cell treatment. My sister and I are wondering about a second opinion but not sure how to go about this.

I may have to come back to you – what an excellent site yours is!

Thank you

[Author]

Posts