PTH! FIGHT FOR IT! DO NOT let ANYONE talk you down!

RNY Sept 29, 2010 130 lbs gone.

Having already changed my eating habits, the transition wasn't so difficult for me. I have followed my protein shakes, balanced (very small) meals and many more vitamins than I was led to believe.  But I have been faithful, because I wanted to be healthy, being thin again was not my motivation.

Less than 2 years after surgery, Mayo disowned me as a patient. Said I hadn't been in for more than 2 years, while my last labs theres was dated 3/22/12. *shrug* That was ok, I still followed the program THEY gave me and had my labs done annually. I have BEGGED 3 different doctors to include the PTH among my labs.  All said, it wasn't going to happen because my thyroid  was fine and my Ca (calcium) was in the normal range.  I finally told the last 2, it doesn't matter what my Ca shows, if my fillings are falling out, there is a good chance something is wrong with my calcium. Still NO!

Dec 31, 2014 I got a short, "sweet", note Your scan shows you have osteoporosis. BTW, Happy Birthday. And oh, you also need to have more tests for your mammogram, there was a suspicious spot on left breast. Happy New Year.

Signed the doc and the docs assistant

I share this, not for your pity and tears. I believe everything happens for a reason and tonight, before I make a 900 mile trip to see a different doctor, I want to save at least ONE, hopefully more, from my fate.  If they accepted money for your surgery, they OWE you the proper lab work.

God Bless and Happy New Year Everyone,

Terry still loving life

I'm so sorry you've had trouble getting your labs ordered.  My doc always orders the ones I ask for.  And that always includes PTH.

Hey Kelli, I've watched you since before I had my surgery.  It's nice to see you again.  You're always so kind and helpful.  I've learned some tough lessons.  Speaking of doctors, my doc retired so I've had to try to find someone new.  They are quick to tell me they treat other Rnyers, but I've learned having them as a patient does NOT mean they know the special needs.  If they aren't willing to listen and learn, get out quick and don't look back. *sigh*   Not my preference in life, but I now find it very necessary.  All their patients can have the bypass, but it doesn't make the "doc" a good mechanic.

There is just no reason for them not to order labs you request.  If they think a PTH level is unnecessary, it's fine for them to tell you that.  But if you are having other labs drawn, and are willing to pay for the PTH, there is no reason not to order it.

Not only did they tell me that, they told me it was too expensive and unnecessary.  Of course, the one I got the greetings from included, she would set me up for that PTH I've been concerned about. Ya think?  I suspect someone now knows a big mistake was made.  It's just too bad they don't listen.  All they have to do is their own research if they don't believe the patient.

They don't have to pay for it.  If you want to pay for it, why does it matter to them how expensive it is? 

That is exactly what I said to one of them, then I asked her if the insurance co. was taking money out of her pocket if she allowe  d the test (especially for people over 60).  The look on her face said it all and in 24 hours, I got a letter from her, telling me I would have to find a new doctor within 30 days.  No reason given.  Honestly, I haven't spoken in a rude way to any of the docs.  This one had just set up appts for me with 3 other docs and I had to cancel them all.  Where would they send the tests?  None of the tests were for the PTH though.  It is so frustrating, especially when you try to do the right thing.  I figured I should at least share with others, so they can be prepared. Take their proof with them if necessary.

I am new - what is PTH and what does it test for? Sorry for your worries! Hope things turn out OK. It is appalling that they wouldn't have called you in person to tell you this news. You definitely need new docs! Good luck!

Sharon, PTH is the parathyroid hormone.  Short story, if your parathyroid is high you have hyperparathyroid, which could mean that your bones have started leeching calcium from your bones to compensate for not having enough.  

Usually a high parathyroid level is accompanied with a low D level, which is a reason to check you vitamin D level.  You may also have a high calcium level, which isn't really accurate but it's because of the calcium being leeched from your bones.

Terry, have you been having your D level checked all along?  That should have been enough to have them check your PTH if it's been low.  

This is why it is important to get the results from our labs.  It's not enough to have them done.  Most doctor's don't pay attention to low level, only when they are flagged as being too low or too high.  It is important to catch the levels before they get to that level and begin to supplement and track to make sure the downward trend is reversed.