If this is the first post you’ve read about my health journey with high blood calcium, then you may want to start here:What I Didn’t Know
It had been 6 months since my last check in with the Dr., and I knew I was getting close to my one year mark since starting the boron. Which had been our casual agreement…we’d both be comfortable trying the boron therapy for a year.
I didn’t want to call, or go in for blood work. I didn’t want to deal with it. The truth is, I knew that something still isn’t right. I’ve lost over 40 pounds with Trim Healthy Mama, and in many ways, I’m feeling FAR better than I did even 6 months ago, but something is still off. I finally gave in, and called to schedule blood work and a follow up.
On a whim, I asked for genetic testing for the MTHFR mutation, which is a naughty sounding acronym for a SUPER hard to pronounce long word that means that you have a genetic difference in how effectively and efficiently the body processes B vitamins. It’s common, and there were some things that I wanted to figure out about my health and my kids…to see if this was related.
Done, and done. Tests were ordered, and a bajillion vials of blood were drawn. Even though I’m nearing 40, I still feel inordinately proud of myself for making adult decisions and following through. My follow up appointment was two weeks later. No big deal. I’ll just wait and see my levels on the patient portal. I stalked it day and night. Nothing. Nothing….nothing.
Finally, I called the office, and the phone nurse informed me that there have been ‘some changes’, and that lab results will no longer be posted until after they’re reviewed with a Dr. Nice. I doubt that I’d have figured out my diagnosis if they’d had that policy in place a year ago. I would have been on a bazillion supplements and meds for symptoms instead.
So, I had to wait a WHOLE 2 weeks to find out my results. Boo. Hiss. I’m not good at being patient when it’s a goofy red-tape situation. So, I won’t make you be patient either…let’s get right to the point…
The Bad News
The boron didn’t work for me.
My blood calcium was still elevated at 10.6 (normal range: 8.6-10.2), and my parathyroid hormone was still pumping out non-stop at 40 points over the max range of normal (range of 10-65 pg/mL; and mine was 105).
If you remember from my past posts, my body is suppressing vitamin D as well in an attempt to prevent further calcium absorption…it was still VERY low despite supplementing and lots more time in the sun.
I’m not going to lie. I am disappointed. Big time.
Oh, and also, while we’re talking bad news and all: I’m a genetic mutant, two times over. So lots more research needed there, and I’ll be blogging about that as well…what it means/how I’m treating it, etc.
The Great News
The awesome, amazing news that got me 2 hugs from my Dr. is that, in addition to my 40 pound weight loss, I also have PERFECT blood lipid levels. The checkup from 2012 showed only 1 ‘ideal’ level out of 5, and everything else was in yellow or red. This time, I’m ALL in the green, baby! I know that there is a health privacy act and all, but I really don’t care if you see my blood lipid numbers. I’m proud of them.
Note: the 2012 test was on this cool little graph. The 2013 test was much more boring, so I put the chart in Photoshop and input this year’s numbers. I wanted to see a visual. The scale ranges on all tests were the same, except the HDL-C range was >46, and the LDL-C Direct, which is noted.
This makes me SO, SO, SO happy! This is all thanks to Trim, Healthy Mama. I’m back on the right track in this area of my health!
Decisions
After my Dr. went over all of my lab results with me, I asked what the next course of action was for the parathyroid. In all fairness, she and I both believe strongly in natural health alternatives, and this area of treating parathyroid tumors is uncharted territory. But things got a little weird. She started talking about an energetics based Dr. who lives in Ecuador, and how I could hop down there and it’s only $100 to see him…etc. etc. etc. She mentioned nutritional IV therapies for $300 a pop. “You’re SO close to beating this…”
Another side note about me: I’m not so great at hiding my thoughts with my facial expression. I hope I didn’t offend her. If she knew my husband, she’d know that he doesn’t ‘hop’ anywhere, and he hates to fly. Plus, the very mention of a trip to the Dr. ‘for only $100’ that ALSO involves passports and plane tickets…I’m not even going to bother mentioning this to him. I secretly wondered if she’d been hitting the tinctures a little too hard over lunch.
So, I’m back to the point of having a ‘big girl’ decision in front of me. If you’ve hung out here with me much in the remedies section, you know that I’m a HUGE fan of alternative healing and herbs. I know that they can work as well as or sometimes BETTER than ‘mainstream’ options.
But the numbers don’t lie. I know I’ve made great strides in some areas of my health, but thus far, the tumor is still very active. I put in a lot of study and what I feel like was ‘due diligence’ in applying the boron protocol. It just didn’t work for me. I’ve considered the pros and cons of continuing to pursue alternative medicines vs. the conventional treatment, which is surgery.
For me, it comes down to this:
- my body is dissolving my bones
- because my blood calcium is so high, it’s also refusing to intake calcium
- this has been going on since at least 2011, when my first calcium level came back elevated
- I turn 40 next year…time is not on my side for rebuilding bone mass
- I’m tired of feeling old and tired
- I am ready to tone and exercise, but I’m tired and my bones hurt. I’m too young for that junk.
- Calcification: this is where your body stashes excess calcium in soft tissues, arteries, corneas, joints…places where you don’t want crusty, hard layers of build up. Oh, and kidney stones. NO THANK YOU.
- The surgery is outpatient, and we have a very skilled and experienced parathyroid surgeon in our area. Like the old saying goes, “If you’re going to let someone dig around in your neck, hire a professional.”
- At this point, the cost of continuing to try new alternatives is going to take more time, and about as much money as the cost of surgery. And I can only tell if it’s working with more blood tests, adding more cost and time.
- With high blood calcium, your levels and symptoms fluctuate daily, hourly…and are very subtle. so it’s hard to know if alternative therapies are truly working or not. You really have to rely on the pth (parathyroid blood level test) and calcium levels to see if it’s getting better. And sometimes better just gets worse again, because of the natural fluctuations.
So this morning, after much prayer and consideration…after talking with my husband and then my kids, I made an adult decision. A decision that goes against my normal approach to health, but that I really feel is the right decision for my own personal health at this time. I called and scheduled surgery.
I share this, not because I want sympathy or advice…not because I think my life is any more interesting or important than anyone else. But if you’ve followed along on this series, I just feel like I owe you the rest of the story, and I’m willing to share my own personal medical decisions. I’m not offering myself as an example to anyone else for what to do, but just sharing where I’m at. Health care decisions are not easy, and there are dead ends sometimes. That’s just real life. I’m writing a post I never wanted to write, but I’m OK with that. It’s what needs to happen.
In the mean time, I’m so very thankful that I got a diagnosis…that’s HUGE, to be able to know the WHY, so that it can be addressed. I’m so thankful for the positive changes in my health and weight. Even though the parathyroid treatment was a bust, I WAS able to positively impact my health this year. To be honest, being ‘sick’…especially in this way, where it’s not visible or really apparent to others has grown me and challenged me…I’m grateful for the process, and for all of the little and big ways I’ve seen God’s hand and care for me. I know that I also need to face the issues surrounding the genetic differences for the sake of my own health and for my kids.
So I’m ready to move past this roadblock, and get on the road to rebuilding my depleted calcium stores. I’ll keep you posted on the surgery and on my recovery.
I sincerely thank every one of you who has read through this series, who has shared your own health struggles in private or in the comments. That alone has made sharing such a personal journey totally worth it to me. And for those who have and who will pray for me…I an humbled and so grateful for you.
I am so glad you are able to go into this surgery knowing you have done what research you could and and knowing that it is the best option for you. That is really important. And huge congrats on all the progress!
♥ Thank you for all of your support and help, Cynthia! I have no regrets for trying alternatives first. 🙂
Sometimes surgery is the best option. Never feel bad about the decisions you have made. You have tried harder then most with alternative medicine. God gave us surgeons to use and to help us. Alternative medicine will help you heal and live a more productive life. Congratulations on your diligence and determination, and making a really tough decision.!!!!
I had the surgery and it was a piece of cake. They said i could have morphine if i needed it but it was pain free so didnt need it at all. The scar didn’t look great so I bought a bunch of scarves to wear to work while I healed.
Thank you! This is SO encouraging!
So proud of you, mama! Look how far you’ve come in a year and all of the wonderful ways your life has changed! Know that we’re right here whenever you need us, and of course we’ll be praying…and sending food. 🙂
Thank you, dear friend! ♥
You shouldn’t feel bad, you tried the natural way first; you did all that you could so you wouldn’t have to think “what if”. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished and for inspiring and teaching so many of us!
So glad to hear this, and great that you tried alternatives first. I am a Operating Room nurse, and you will do GREAT!! I am sure you have a great surgeon and they will take very good care of you. There are worse things in the world than surgery and it is amazing the technologies that advance every day in this field. So much safer than years ago. Good luck, and I am sure you will be back to yourself in no time!
I’m actually looking forward to it at this point. 🙂 Thank you for the encouragements!
Gwen, I will be praying for you. I admire the way you made your decision. I pray that God will continue to guide you in your health journey. We have been finding out more and more about prescription drugs as we have tried to help my father-in-law with some health issues. It has taught my husband and I a lot and if at all possible any health issues that come up in our lives we would look into alternative medicine first. But that does not mean that we would never have surgery or never consider conventional medicine. We have witnessed how taking 7 or more drugs complicates things. It’s so sad, because some people just want a magic pill. And like you said, so many doctors just treat the symptoms. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Be sure to keep us posted. I just joined your blog today, so now I’m interested in seeing what the Lord will do, I would be honored to be a part of it by praying for you. May the Lord bless and keep you, may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
♥ Thank you!
Thank you Gwen for your courage and for sharing your story. You have brought awareness to a health issue that I knew NOTHING about and I too am considering getting this checked out. Nobody should judge you for your decision. God gives surgeons their skills for a reason. 🙂 Please keep us posted on your journey!
Thank you, Heather! I appreciate your support and kind words. ♥
Proud of you and praying!
Thank you, friend! ♥
Gwen, I only wish I had read this sooner. I’m going to have my vitamin C tested this week. I have a very strong feeling I have this condition and may have had it for over 20 years. 🙁 I started THM because of your progress pictures. Praying for a wonderful outcome on your surgery. Blessings!
I meant to say calcium, not vitamin C!!
Hope you get to the bottom of what’s happening with your health! Many of the symptoms mimic thyroid issues too, so maybe ask for a full panel of thyroid hormones to rule that out too. ♥
Just wanted to say that I’m praying for you and believe that God has you in His hands! I’m so blessed by your story. Not because of anything other than the fact that you sought to be led by God in a hard situation for you and your family, but also for the fact that when He led you in a direction other than the one you naturally want to go, you still follow Him. God bless you!
♥ Thank you, Melissa.
I have struggled with low iron for sooooo long. I was NOT going to have surgery! Well after years and years of iron supplements plus feeling like a slug all the time I finally did it. It was a very minimal procedure, just burning the lining of my uterus. My Dr said it would take 6 months to a year to bring my iron levels up, I think that’s if ai remember to take the supplements! Ha ha! I also eat spinach and other iron rich foods. Sometimes we just have to make hard decisions. I am so glad that you’ve shared your story and are continuing to be proactive.
Praying for you today. Surgery isn’t an easy option. Hugs.
Gwen, I can’t believe I somehow missed that you were having surgery! I read through this whole series tonight and love how you were tenacious in finding the root cause of your health issues. I admire how you steady followed each lead and can’t wait to hear now that the surgery is done how your health improves. You continue to be an inspiration to me!
I am just sad I didn’t know sooner so could have been praying!
I am so happy I found this. I w as introduced to THM in the past few weeks and gifted with a copy of the book. Every facebook post about it links back to you as a spectacular example of quick start and what to and not to do. Thank you for putting that time in posting all of this information for us. More importantly thank you for documenting your health journey. I kept reading saying, that’s me! I have low thyroid levels. Lowe enough for a low dose of meds but they don’t help me much. I’ve had recurring, extreme kidney infections over past 3 years that have hospitalized me. I was told I was producing too much calcium. I have every symptom you mentioned. My favorite place is in my bed lately. I just can’t maintain any energy level. We won’t talk about my once glorious hair. 🙁 in the past 6 months, my Hips have started to be painful and stiff. I can’t wait to make a doctors appointment. I’m hunting the blog for a follow up after your surgery. Would love to hear how you feel now.
I’m getting back to normal in so many ways! Far more energy and focus that I used to have prior to surgery and THM. ♥ Thank you for asking, and I hope that you get answers for what is going on with you!
Hi Gwen – just wondering how you are doing now? I read up to 5 (V), do you have more info? I have a Thyroid problem as well, I am on Meds but strongly believe it is not working correctly. Your blog inspired me to do more research as well. I keep gaining weight and feel just like you did. But, I am older, 67 now. with that said, I hope you are well into recovery and will keep you in my prayers. God’s Blessings – Ursula
Hi Ursula! My issue was with tiny glands underneath my thyroid…my thyroid was actually fine. 🙂 I’ve had some other health struggles last year and am feeling so much better. Thank you for asking! I’ll be sharing more this year about adrenal fatigue and health. 🙂
All I can say is WOW!!! Im a fellow thm’er and have stalked your website for nearly a year now. Ive also had the big girl decisions to make regarding tumors and surgery-no fun. and due to my weight loss stall on thm (im juggling the same 3lbs since the week before thanksgiving) I found this awesome info you’ve posted here!!! Thank you so much. I LOVE your candor. No judgement here, sister. God’s providence is all you have to remember, and possibly remind others about. :o) Ok, so Im off to read the next post and ditch my 10 kids on the tv so I can continue to keep my eyes glued to your words… :o)
<3
I am going theough the same thing at age 56 but my pth levels are always low or normal. Nothung found on scans but calcium is at 11.2 dr. Says surgeru..I am on a homeopathic remedy and wonder if i should try thr boron as well… The anxiety and neck tension is thru the roof but dr. Says unrelated…hmmmm…this is so hard i will’probably wind up doing the surgery but hate that they are going in blind ..these glands can hide in the thyroid or behind chest wall..robotic surgery formthat…ugh
I’d get a second opinion, and look at other reasons for having high calcium levels. Don’t be afraid to get second opinions when it comes to your health!
Hi,
I am coming across your blog in 2017. A few years in your future. While looking for my own answers.
I echo many of the comments and your own thoughts. You must do what’s right for your body. Western medicine does have a solid place. There are things that can’t be healed, and must be handled.
Thanks for telling the full story.
Hugs and light,
Cassie LMT
4 Essential Balance
Dear Gwen
Thank you so much for your story. I hope you are feeling fine now.
I have a question, if I may: do you know of anyone who has been able to heal a parathyroid adenoma, without surgery (since you had your surgery)?
I ask this because I have only 1 parathyroid left and it is causing hypercalcemia. An operation would mean HYPOparathyroidism as outcome and that is not a solution, but a trade. Also the area has been cut into twice making a third operation thorny.
I had 1 adenoma removed in 2001 and then also a thyroidectomy for papillary, follicular cancer. During this operation parathyroids were lost.
I don’t, Ines. I am so sorry for your troubles…I’d definitely find someone who does parathyroid treatment exclusively for a situation like this. <3
Why/how did you know your vitamin d was being suppressed? Vitamin d makes my neck swell up and hurt. I’m really struggling to find out what this growth in my neck is, very weak, long story. Please explain the vitamin d suppression you talked about. Thank you.
Anita
Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the intestines to allow the body to absorb calcium. My vitamin D stayed low, even with heavy supplementation during this time. My body was fighting taking in additional calcium since my blood levels were already so high. Hope that helps explain it better. 🙂
Since I’ve had the surgery, I’ve been able to supplement and return my D levels back to normal, as well as my blood calcium levels.
Im so glad to read your journey,it give me alot of knowledge about the parathyroid.
By the way,have you ever hear about Dr Jorge Flechas,he talk about the essential of boron for parathyroid.
Through your journey, I consider your boron intake is quite low (<10 mg /day),and Dr Flechas recommend 30-75 mg Boron per day to protect your bone from aging,even up to 150 mg perday to treat osteoprorosis.
Hope to see your reply!
Michael