POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:
THYROIDECTOMY/PARATHYROIDECTOMY
Dr Lindman would like you to be aware of the signs and symptoms that suggest you may have a low blood calcium level.
- The clinical symptoms depend primarily on increased neuromuscular irritability secondary to a decrease in ionized calcium.
- Patients usually complain of numbness and tingling sensations in the perioral area (around the lips) or in the fingers and toes.
- Muscle cramps are common in the back and lower extremities and may progress to carpopedal spasm (ie, tetany, cramping of the hands—see picture at right).
- Neurological symptoms, including irritability, impaired intellectual capacity, depression, and personality changes, may be present.
- Seizures of all types can occur in patients with hypocalcemia.
- Respiratory disturbances may develop from laryngospasm and bronchospasm.
If these symptoms occur, do not ignore them.
- Take 1 Extra-Strength Tums 3 times daily (If you are a diabetic, take 2 Sugar-Free E-X 3 times daily).
- If the symptoms continue, notify our office immediately so we can have a calcium blood level checked.
ENTcare office number is (334) 793-4788