It started with a Kidney Stone

By akatrikh • June 28, 2017

It all started with recurrent kidney stones. My kidney specialist was giving me medications to lower my calcium levels, however this was masking the hidden parathyroid problem that was creating the high levels of Calcium. When I visited Dr. Yeh, I was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. I had no idea I had this condition because the symptoms were not visible if it weren't for the kidney stones. I was lucky in a way to find out this problem because of the kidney stone, which revealed my high levels of Calcium. Doctors kept telling me to take more Calcium without realizing that the problem lie deeper with my parathyroid condition. The overall process was really nice and easy; Dr. Yeh is so easy to talk to and he figured out what the problem was right away. He performed an ultrasound, ordered blood tests, and decided to take me off my medications. I got two of my parathyroid glands removed. The recovery process was so smooth - I was sent home the same day of the surgery and went back to work a few days later. I'm feeling much better than before surgery and don't feel as tired as I was.

My advice would be to understand your diagnosis and ask questions for the Doctor before you go under treatment. Dr. Yeh eased my fears because he explained thoroughly why he is doing what he is doing. He was interested in finding the true cause of the problem and ensuring that the surgery was warranted. The entire UCLA team values communication and I believe that's so important.

Tags: calcium levels, Dr. Michael Yeh, Endocrine, Endocrine Surgery, Endocrinology, kidney specialist, kidney stones, lower calcium levels, parathyroid problem, patient stories, primary hyperparathyroidism, Surgery