Has anyone had low PTH levels? My last three months levels have been low and just now stopped Calcitrol on neph recommendation. My phosphorus and calcium are both within range so I'm not sure what's causing it.
I see my primary doc on Mon and I'll ask her but was curious as to anyone else having this. I still have my glands so that's not the cause. I do have Graves Disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism.
Thats good. It means the dialysis is working in taking off your extra phosphorous. PTH is linked to Phos. So good.
BTW, PTH is Parathyroid and not thyroid. Not sure if Graves affects both.
I don't think it's caused by Graves but they say hypoparathyroidism could be linked to an autoimmune disease. I'm happy with the low phos (no binders) and the low potassium but isn't low PTH a problem? Next time I see a neph I'll ask. I've been going in early, they call and say a chair is available, and haven't seen a doc there this week. I see my regular doc on Monday and will ask her.
not sure what low is for you. Just so you know and I just found out, the levels (lab results) of what is considered normal on dialysis is different than non-dialysis. So ask the doc.. But if your calcium level is normal, than a low PTH might not be bad.
Low for me seems to be under 150 and mine was 59. Neph had me stop the calcitrol I was taking but continue the D3. Not sure when I'll see him or when they might draw blood. I go in on Sat so will ask them then.
That may do it. When my nephologist was trying to lower my high PTH, he prescribed Vit D3 and calcitriol. But he titrated the calcitriol slowly over the year, i.e. 3 x a week, then after several months, 2 x a week, then, once a week until my PTH was in normal range then he discontinued it. Now, I'm only taking vit d3 and my PTH level stays in normal range. I'm not on dialysis but I hope this info helps. BTW What found out at the time was that hardly anyone understood how to manage PTH Levels. Several of my doctors knew it was bad, but they had no idea how to manage it until I found that great nephologist who has sadly moved away. Good luck
I ha ve been put on something called "active D-3". It is prescription strengrh and not OTC.
The thyroid and parathyroid are two different organs that control different things in your body. Hypo/hyperthyroidism has nothing to do with hypo/hyperparathyroidism. Therefore there are different medications for each. I have to take Sensipar each treatment for hypoparathyroidism. Lab results taken for dialysis patients do have different ranges for several items (not all) checked each month. These ranges are used by the labs specifically for dialysis patients. Of course, a low/high for one person may have symptoms but the same number for someone else may not show symptoms. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone your parathyroid glands release to control calcium levels in your blood. It also controls phosphorus and vitamin D levels. When my PTH is too low I feel a lot of pain in my bones. It is quite painful....
YAnd when PTH is too high it is also painful.. sometimes the PTH Glands become engorged with PTH Hormone and they go searching for Calcium and if they don't find it, they take it from your bones...There are 4 PTH Glands that sit behind your Thyroid...3 of mine were bad and were removed...such a relief...Surgeon told me that I want to keep my PTH numbers in the range of 50 to 80...Calcium at 9.5 and to be cautious with Vit D...I have been on Dialysis for almost 3 years...and those are my last lab readings
