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morningdew

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Joined
Apr 22, 2010
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50
Reason
PALS
Country
AUS
State
WA
City
WA
Hello, everyone,
I have been quiet for a while because I have been in the limbo of waiting to see what would happen with my symptoms, and I didn't want to bore people, but I've continued to be with you.
I think I have good news. My GP has been working very hard on my case, here in the depths of country Western Australia, and believes he has come up with the answer. Repeated blood tests apparently demonstrate that I have primary hyperparathyroidism, which is usually caused by a benign tumour in my neck that can be removed. It seems the symptoms can mimic those of ALS, but it's all about calcium imbalance.
When this gland is overactive (not the thyroid proper), calcium is drawn out of the bones, muscles, etc into the blood, where it is taken to places it shouldn't be like the kidneys and heart. All my cramps, muscle twitches and weakness, fatigue, walking problems, etc, could be caused by this.
My doctor is so confident of the diagnosis that he has made an appointment directly with an endoctrinological surgeon, whom I'm seeing next week. However, he does want me to keep my appointment with my neurologist in January.
It looks as if I may be in the clear, so far as ALS is concerned.
Those of you who are still searching for diagnosis - make sure you have blood tests for Vitamin D, calcium, and PTH hormone (parathyroid). My neurologist didn't think of it, nor did a general physician I saw!
I'll report back after seeing the specialist. Love to all, Joan
 
Joan, what terrific news. I know you must be feeling (and rightly so!) very relieved and hopeful. Here's to next week's appointment--Praying the surgeon will agree with this and do the operation, and your problems do straighten out quickly.

And, you would not have "bored" anyone!
Ann
 
Dear Joan,
I am happy for you,hope your appt with surgeon
goes well too and your treatment is successful.
blessings and thanks for the good news.
Pat
 
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