Detecting Susan’s Serious Health Issue & Adding Vitality to Her Life
Susan’s Results
- Balanced hormones
- Diagnosed parathyroid issue
- Increased energy
- Reduced hair loss
Unlike most stories featured here at Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine (WIFM), Susan, age 51, had no major concerns about her health or wellness prior to becoming a patient. In fact, she didn’t think she was sick.
Two factors prompted her curiosity about her health. She had started menopause early at age 48 and was experiencing some hair loss. Second, in summer of 2021, Susan went in for her annual exam and learned she had a slightly elevated calcium level. However, her primary doctor wasn’t concerned with the test results.
“I’d always wanted to check my hormone levels, but it wasn’t until then that I decided to make an appointment with Dr. Page and undergo further testing,” Susan recalled.
Susan’s Journey
As soon as the test results with WIFM were in, Dr. Page wanted Susan to see two specialists—a hematologist to rule out a major blood disease, and an endocrinologist to provide insight on her elevated calcium level.
“I immediately saw my health was in amazing hands,” Susan said. “Dr. Page knew what tests to do and knew I should see these specialists.”
Dr. Page’s instincts to investigate further were correct. The endocrinologist detected a tumor on one of Susan’s parathyroid glands, one of four glands that control calcium in the blood.
“Within a month or two of testing, I was referred to surgery at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. I never felt I had a tumor in my neck and didn’t really know what feeling better was like until my tumor was removed,” Susan shared.
Thankfully, the tumor wasn’t cancerous, but it had been overproducing. This caused the other three glands to “sleep.” By August 2022, six months post-op, Susan’s parathyroids and hormone health were back to normal.
“Now I have more energy and less anxiety,” Susan said. “I sleep better, feel happier and have some new hair growth. I didn’t feel sick before, but I feel even better and stronger now. People tell me I look about 10 to 15 years younger than my age. What’s incredible for me is that I feel younger, too.”
Susan’s Advice for Others
“Don’t assume you know your health. Leave it to the professionals to see what’s going on in your body. You might look or feel healthy, but there might be more going on than you think. One way I’ve made my health a priority is by using our Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to help pay for expenses. There are so many things you can do to prevent cancer and grow old gracefully.”
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