What to expect before and after parathyroid surgery?
## Before Parathyroid Surgery- Consultation with a surgeon: You'll meet with a surgeon to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. The surgeon will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis of parathyroid disease and determine the location of the affected gland or glands.
- Blood tests: The surgeon may recommend blood tests to assess your calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. These tests help evaluate the severity of parathyroid disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- Medical evaluation: If you have other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, you may need to see other specialists before surgery to ensure these conditions are well-managed and pose no additional risks during surgery.
- Preoperative instructions: The surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow before surgery, such as fasting for a certain number of hours and avoiding certain medications.
After Parathyroid Surgery
- Recovery in the hospital: After surgery, you'll typically stay in the hospital for a day or two for observation and pain management.
- Pain management: You may experience some pain or discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication.
- Diet: Initially, you may be advised to follow a low-calcium diet to prevent hypercalcemia. As your calcium levels stabilize, you can gradually return to a normal diet.
- Wound care: The surgical site will be covered with a bandage or dressing, which will need to be changed regularly to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Follow-up appointments: You'll need to see your surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and check your calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.
- Recovery time: The recovery time after parathyroid surgery varies from person to person but typically takes several weeks to months.