High blood calcium levels

[NedKel65]

Hi MPNers,

Recent bloods revealed high calcium level-Hypercalcemia ?? Haematologist is requesting further bloods anyone else have same issue ?

Have ET and PV

Thanks in advance

Kelly

[Kari1961]

Hi Kelly - I did a few years ago. I have PV and a regular blood test picked it up. I then had to have further blood tests, also a 24-hour urine collection, ultrasound and other imaging ( I was injected with a radioactive dye and put in a CT scan) You'll be referred to Endocrinology for the tests.

I was then diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and had the 'faulty' parathyroid removed. The parathyroids are next to the thyroid gland in the neck. I have a very light scar at the base of my neck, and recovered well after the op.

After the operation, I then had to have further blood tests every few days to make sure that my calcium levels had returned to normal - thankfully they had.

I believe there are a number of causes for Hypercalcaemia, including excessive Vit D intake. Hyperparathyroidism is the primary cause, though.

Hope you get your results back quickly. Kari

🙂

[Janis12 in reply to Kari1961]

And this is often the cause of osteoporosis which often goes undetected and is so easy to put right. My mother in law had osteoporosis with the classic curved spine, her GP just kept prescribing calcium tablets. If they had bothered to check it out they would have found the high levels of calcium in the blood stream. It was not until she fell and broke her hip and spent a month in hospital when further investigation took place and they found the faulty parathyroid gland. No amount of extra calcium would have put this right until the parathyroid was sorted. In the end my mother in law passed away which I often feel could have been avoided had her osteoporosis had been treated and therefore she may have avoided the hip fracture. Good luck.

[NedKel65 in reply to Janis12]

Thanks very much for your reply Yes I have read same with many people osteoporosis could have been a quick recovery with checking blood levels of calcium.

Can’t believe it can be that simple in many cases

[NedKel65 in reply to Kari1961]

Thankyou Kari1961 I appreciate your reply I’m hoping that I don’t have anymore long hospital stays so hoping it can be sorted out quickly 😀

[Penny-10]

Yes I have the same, high calcium and pth level. I also had to do 24hr urine test, nuclear medicine scan and ultrasound scan 6 months ago. Diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, have an adeoma on one of my parathyroids. I have just a slightly high calcium so had to have another ultrasound scan this week and having another blood test before seeing endocrinologist consultant beginning of November to decide if watch and wait or surgery to remove. Take care hope you get answers soon

[NedKel65 in reply to Penny-10]

Thanks Penny-10 hoping to get results on Monday 25/10 when I see ( virtually lol) my haematologist

[hunter5582]

I also experience intermittent hypercalcemia. After extensive testing it was determined that the erythrocytosis was the cause. Turns out that people with PV can experience elevations in measured calcium due to the excess RBCs.

[NedKel65 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks hunter5582 I still have lots of understanding and learning about MPNs it seems I go well for a few months then something weird pops up in blood tests and back to more tests and change in treatment

Hopefully I get the answers on Monday 25/10 when I see Haematologist

Thankyou for sharing

I feel I’m well supported by all on this platform

Such a lot to learn I’m thankful I can ask anything and get answers thankyou 🥰

[Beup]

Hi! I did a search and found your post. I agree with you that "weird" things suddenly pop up on blood tests that require new tx adjustments. I recently was dx with ET. After starting my only med, a baby aspirin a day, I noticed my potassium(5.6) and calcium(10.5) levels getting gradually higher. I get these checked regularly. I learned that aspirin can increase potassium levels and also the MPN specialist mentioned pseudo high potassium levels. I also learned to not make a fist during blood draws which can possibly increase potassium levels.For the high calcium my PCP ordered an ionized calcium test which was well within normal limits. She also did a parathyroid hormone PTH test which was normal. I saw Hunter's reply and my RBC is slightly elevated sometimes. I plan to see an endocrinologist. I watch my potassium and calcium and iron intake in my diet.

I was just wondering if you could share how your situation turned out. Thanks for your post!

[NedKel65 in reply to Beup]

Hi there Beup There was no follow up as such it was decided that it was a case of let’s wait and see, the next monthly bloods was within normal range

No real explanation other than inflammation possible causing it

I did have several different blood tests to check for other possible causes, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, other possible cancers

All were clear!

Sometimes I think these blood tests are as confusing to Haem as they are to me

[Beup in reply to NedKel65]

Thanks so much for your reply! That's good it returned to normal. Mine did as well, but then last draw calcium back up. Lol- It is definitely confusing for all. Hoping for better answers. 🙂

[NedKel65 in reply to Beup]

Hi Beup,Must have something to do with medication and or MPN

Wonder if anyone else has similar issues ?

[Beup in reply to NedKel65]

Hi! I agree. I think too naturally we have some fluctuations. We are forced to focus on it multiple times a year. Hunter says we have to advocate for ourselves. I think he’s right. I did see another post with calcium issues. I’m not sure how it turned out. My pcp said to see how next results go. Fingers crossed. Have a nice day