RA and hyperparathyroidism

[Jakey2020]

I have RA and hyperparathyroidism.. can this make me depressed.. I’m tired and low so life is pretty grim at moment

[JenniferW]

nhs.uk/conditions/hyperpara...

According to the NHS website, yes it can.

What sort of treatment are you on? And do you take any supplements?

[Jakey2020 in reply to JenniferW]

I’m on methotrexate and vit D!!! Also venlafaxine and folic acid!!!

[JenniferW in reply to Jakey2020]

I don't have hyperparathyroidism but do have an underactive thyroid and take vitamin D. It took several months for the vitamin D levels to increase. Antidepressants can take a while to work too, but sometimes they can make things worse, if they make you feel rotten, maybe you should ask the doctor for a review. Also do you see a counsellor? If not you can ask to be referred to someone.

[JenniferW]

BTW you might get more of a response if you post this on the Thyroid UK forum.

If you have access to your last set of blood tests and put them in the post with the ranges that would be helpful to the administrators so they can tell you if your treatment looks like it is working.

[KittyJ]

Having a chronic disease can cause you to have a low mood, especially when first diagnosed, NRAS have a good help line and website with lots of info, tips and publications on various topics you can download or order copies. Please speak to your doctor too.

[cyberbarn]

It is also worth remembering that in some people inflammation is causing depression. If the inflammation is reduced then the depression often subsides.

[Hippo1234567]

sending hugs. It’s difficult to cope with chronic illnesses, I’m with you on that one.

[Jakey2020]

Thanks everyone, it helps knowing I’m not alone in all this.. love to all ..

[Bethsmum]

Hi, I’ve had hyperparathyroidism, diagnosed thro’ blood tests when I was being investigated for a cause for my chronic depression. Depression is a symptom of hyperparathyroidism. I also have RA & Sjogrens Syndrome, both of which carry a risk of depression. Any chronic illness will also make you susceptible to low mood and fatigue. I hope you are having treatment for both the RA & HPT. If you’re not already on anti- depressants, can I just say they have been a life- saver for me. Good psychological therapy too, though I had to wait almost 40 years and go through several admissions to psychiatric wards to get the right therapy! NRAS has great advice for coping with fatigue. Life can be grim sometimes but with the right treatment and support, life can be loads better. Sending you big (gentle) hugs, hope you get the right help soon!🤞🥰

[Jakey2020 in reply to Bethsmum]

what are they doing about your hyperparathyroidism? They say only cure is removal of diseased gland.. I’m on venlafaxine for depression but seem to be dropping in effect!! X

[Bethsmum in reply to Jakey2020]

Hi Jakey2020, I’ve had 2 lots of surgery over 10 years. (Sometimes the gland. fails again) I also had drug treatment in between times (cinacalcet) but it’s true that the only real treatment is surgery. The surgery is usually pretty straightforward &the recovery is easy. Do you see an endocrinologist? Mine was really helpful-I recently was discharged as all my bloods have been normal. I’m on Venlafaxine too its been a great drug for me tho’ I’m on the max dose+ another anti- depressant too. I’m not surprised your Venlafaxine seems to be dropping its effect with all you have going on . Maybe you need a wee bit more until your other health issues get sorted? Are you seeing a psychiatrist or are you under care of your GP for mental health? I’ve realised over the years that my mental and physical health are totally entwined, but getting some medics to take this has been difficult! Drugs alone aren’t that effective for depression, for me the “talking therapies” have been invaluable. Hope this has been helpful for you!🥰

[Jakey2020 in reply to Bethsmum]

Thankyou Bethsmum, what is max dose of venlafaxine? I’m on 150mgs a day.. I also heard a friend I had helped with her friends bad mouthing me so that made my nerves worse !! Glad I have this support as I have no family nearby ❤️❤️❤️

[Bethsmum in reply to Jakey2020]

Hi, the max dose of Venlafaxine is 375mg, I’m really lucky in that I have minimal side-effects. Late reply as we were travelling yesterday for a long weekend away . Moany-faced RA is complaining about this as usual, but it’s worth it for a wee family reunion😊

[Jakey2020 in reply to Bethsmum]

Aw that’s lovely .. enjoy!!! And Thankyou x

[Amb1xkr]

Hi I had Hyperparathyroidism diagnosed about 15 years ago. Before it was diagnosed I was becoming very depressed and dark moods, extremely tired could fall asleep any time, tearful etc. had tests and had surgery to remove one parathyroid which they identified as the problem. Couldn’t believe the difference it made post op. Have them checked out MRIs etc

[Jakey2020 in reply to Amb1xkr]

Thanks for that.. I am waiting for another scan to find it.. hope I feel more like myself once it’s out!!! Did it make you feel unwell and not yourself??