I had a parathyroid gland removed on Thursday (four days ago). The surgeon was very happy - PTH fell already during the operation and my calcium was normal when they discharged me. I have since developed pins and needles and have been taking calcium supplement.
The scar itself doesn't bother me at all and I don't need painkillers anymore, which is great.
However, I am still very weak and still mostly in bed. Is it normal? Am I expecting too much too soon? Is it to do with calcium maybe falling too low?
How many days should it take before I feel strong enough to even look after myself? When should I start to worry?
Thanks
Hello, I live in the USA and I'm having the same problems as you. I had a Parathyroid Gland removed November 19th, 2013. I'm still so weak! My incision is fine too, no pain. I'm just extremely weak! I'm able to pretty much take care of myself now, but I get really weak and tired and out of breath when I try to do very much at all.
I even went back to the hospital a few days after my surgery because I felt so bad. My blood work seemed OK, calcium level was in the normal range. I am beginning to worry too, this doesn't seem normal. I hope someone in the medical field answers our questions. My surgeon doesn't seem to know what is wrong with me.
Hi Nancy,
Good news! I started to feel better about 5/6 weeks after the surgery; since then I have felt better than in some years. I regained all my energy from before, and it seems that the days are longer now - I can do so much more than before. More energy, sleeping well, it's all good. My blood work is normal, and I feel quite happy :-)
So... Chin up, you might start feeling really well soon. Be patient. I wasn't and I think it was one of the problems. It takes longer for some people to recover from surgery than for others.
Let us know how you're doing.
All the best to you!
I
Hi ivil,
Thank you so much for writing me back. I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better now. I have already noticed that I don't have as much pain in my bones! If this weakness will just go away! I'm wondering if my Calcum level may feel too low for me after being so high. 5 to 6 weeks sounds like such a long time! I'm not very patient either!
Thanks again
Did you have any short term memory problems or foggy brain before or after having your parathyroid removed.
Just about to take my wife through this operation (18th August 2015) surely it can't be as bad as the last 18 months?
Hi, I had my surgery on Monday, (10th). It's gone very well up to now. My calcium dropped from 125 to 25 almost immediately. I am more tired today than yesterday. I also have pins and needles, in my fingers, mostly. My stitch, ( it's one continuous fine metal thread, with what looks like a hippy bead on each end) is being removed on 19th. I didn't need any pain meds, apart from straight after surgery. :-)
Operation cancelled because limited beds means the allocated bed goes to a Cancer patient. Gutted.
Hi Phil,
So sorry to hear that for your wife,
Have they given her a new date?
Mine was cancelled on a Thursday was due to go in on a Friday, then went in on the following Monday,
I hope the wait isn't to long 
Does she know how many she has to have removed and were the scans acurate?
Where abouts in the country is she having the op?
Good luck for when it goes ahead.
Fluffy
She is to have two removed (the bottom two). The operation is to take place at Morriston Hospital Swansea (local) by Mr Roger Morgan (Endicrinology and General Consultant Surgeon). But he is restricted by the number of beds available for post op recovery.
Hello
Just wondering if your wife has had the op yet after the cancellation? If so, I hope all went well and that she is doing all right. I had surgery 6-7 weeks ago, not quite there yet; but, hoping things will improve soon.
Just got date for operation (Parathyroidectomy) 28th September 2015. Surgeon returns from holiday on 21st so this is earliest possible. At least we have it in writing ( I know it's no absolute guarantee but what can I do).😀
So pleased she has finally go another date. I am sure she will be ok; the op was fine and it really doesn`t cause much discomfort so, tell her not to worry about that. Already, my scar is pale and flattening down more after only 6 weeks; I used oil on my scar to help it heal. I had awful symptoms of Parathyroid disease for 2 years; the worst was the exhaustion and insomnia. As you say, it can only get better for her after the surgery. I wish you both well.
Hi Phil,
Will keep fingers crossed for you and your wife, hope it goes ahead 
If it does,let us know how she get's on, hopefully as they know which two are faulty they should be in and out quickly- thinking realisticly, whatever time they say she will recover by double it, and if she recovers before then she is doing well
You may want to look into your wife seeing a good physio after the brusing has gone down, to work on her neck and back area- depending on how much movement she has in her neck scar area and maybe a local homapath.
Good Luck- Fluffy
That's good advice, certainly we'll contact the physio (they have a walk in clinic so it should be easy). I'll let you know how we get on.😉
second operation cancelled due to bed shortages. When will they get round to doing it ( been on list for over a year)
Operation cancelled due to bed shortages
I had one parathyroid gland removeddue to a tumor on oct 21,2015 still feel numbness in my hands and I feel weak overall especially my legs how are you feeling? How long did it take to feel better after the surgery?
Hi I just had the surgery on October 26, 2015 and I still feel poorly. I don't know what pins and needles are but my muscles feel like somebody poored acid on them and my stamina hasn't gotten any better. I don't know if I was overzealous in thinking that I would bounce back but that I've quickly come back to reality. I'm 47 and didn't bounce back. My doctor didn't put me on calcium supplements but in turn put me on 5000 units of vitamin D3. I feel no difference. I need advice. Any would be welcomed.
Sincerely
Traci
It sounds like you and I are feeling the same. I still take Tordol everyday because my muscles hurt. It's been a while now and I wonder how long it's going to take before i see change. I pray you feel better soon. Let me know how you get along.