I had a kidney failure in 2008 and for almost 10 years I was on dialysis. Then in March of 2017 I had a transplant. Lab tests showed my parathyroid levels were very high. I was prescribed medicine and the dosage was increased from low to very high.

My calcium was high and there was a thought that the new kidney might help. But after 3 months it was still high. I was referred to Dr. Livhits - she ruled out cancer. But on July 20th, 3 parathyroids were removed.

It was a small incision and it never hurt- I didn't need pain pills. I thought it might hurt to swallow but that was fine and my voice was fine.

The scar was smaller than I thought it would be and is healing beautifully. It was good experience!

Tags: cancer, dialysis, Dr. Masha Lihvits, Endocrine, Endocrine Center, Endocrine Surgery, endocrinologist, Endocrinology, endocrinology, kidney failure, kidney transplant, pain pills, parathyroid levels, patient stories, small incision, ucla endocrine cetner