I had my thyroid removed 10 years ago due to cancer (followed by radioactive iodine) and when I contacted the doctors to find out if my parathyroids were also removed, they didn't know. What kind of problems can I expect if they were removed and what can I do? (NOTE: I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since this surgery that is progressively getting worse)
Surgeons should always try to preserve the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery. Sometimes, it is not possible to save all four parathyroid glands, as a parathyroid gland can be attached to or within the thyroid gland itself. This is ok, though, since you really only need one parathyroid gland. One gland can make enough parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate your calcium levels.
If one,...
