Since Kris's recent total glossectomy/laryngectomy he has to take Vitamin D in the form of Calcitriol 2mcg per day
Post surgery he had severe calcium deficicency leading to tetany spasms and required 5 days of IV calcium replacement.
His Parathyroid gland is no longer functioning, so no hormone to stimulate release of calcium from bones. He has been on both calcitriol and calcium supplements. However at this weeks appointment with endocrinology the calcium has been stopped. He should be getting adequate calcium from the Fortisip, but will always have to take the calcitriol.
Interestingly, his Thyroid gland has also stopped functioning so is also now taking thyroid supplements. This was also discovered during his recent surgical admission.
The Drs attributed the thyroid dysfunction to the previous radiotherapy - completed 12 months prior. But not the Parathyroid. This they have put down to damage during Kris's extensive bilateral neck dissection performed during the recent surgery.
Life keeps getting more complicated. But we manage.
Tammy