Taking Calcium After Parathyroid Surgery

What kind of calcium management would you need after parathyroid surgery? In this video, UCLA Health's endocrine surgeon Kyle Zanocco explains.

After parathyroidectomy, your blood calcium levels might fluctuate due to your parathyroid’s role in calcium regulation. You can expect a prescribed calcium supplement, often using Tums (calcium carbonate tablets). Dosage and frequency are tailored to your needs. In some cases, vitamin D supplements, like calcitriol, are suggested to enhance calcium absorption by doubling its effectiveness.

Post-surgery recovery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, and you’ll gradually reduce your calcium supplement intake until it's no longer necessary. Remember that every person is different. For more personalized advice, talk to your endocrine surgeon or endocrinologist.