Episode 10

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Published on:

2nd May 2024

Episode 10: Finding the Right Support Group for Hyperparathyroidism Patient to Patient Supprt

In this episode, Lisa Marie discusses the importance of patient-to-patient support groups, but more importantly, choosing the right support group. Lisa Marie shares insight on how to choose the right support group and what might be helpful to consider when choosing to join a relevant support group.

RESOURCES

The information shared in this podcast has been provided by several sources. These include outcomes from personal consultations with medical professionals, my own experiences, published research by expert medical professionals, and the NHS website. Please click on the links below for more information.

Hyperparathyroidism Support & Information - Patient-to-Patient Support Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/406980976340533

DISCLAIMER: Lisa Marie is not in any way medically trained, she is not providing medical advice, and the information that is shared is in no way a substitute for qualified medical advice. If you believe you may have this disease, then you must seek the most appropriate medical advice, this podcast aims to help you navigate your way to the right medical support and diagnosis.

Transcript
Lisa Marie: [:

I would like to touch. A little on patient to patient support groups for this short episode and their role in supporting any challenging health problem that you might be seeking to gain some insight from. It is extremely important that you choose the right support group for you. Sadly, not all support groups are equal and sadly, from my own experience, not all are run with the very best interests of their members.

So when looking for the right support group, it is important to look out for the following. That there is no hidden agenda for forming the group. For example, no personal gain for the founder of the group or founders. The support group, in my opinion, should not be run for profit. In other words, no support group should be, in my opinion,

[:

profiting from the health challenges of its members.

The group should be run by volunteers who have experienced the challenges that you might be facing, that they have first hand experience and understanding of some of the issues you might be facing. The group also needs to have a zero policy against bullying and negative behaviour and Willing to enforce that.

The admin team should ensure that there is a safe, non toxic, non threatening and non judgmental environment for its members to feel safe in, especially when they're sharing their personal journeys and asking for help and support. Information should not be from unverified sources. A good group will remain neutral and not enter into any.

paid partnerships or affiliations that would benefit the organizations that they might partner up with financially. So

[:

please, please be careful when choosing a group.

I hope that you found this series on hyperparathyroidism a patient's perspective useful. And please be reminded that this podcast is not providing medical advice and is no way a substitute for getting the right medical advice and support. Thank you for listening .

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Show artwork for Hyperparathyroidism: A Patient's Perspective

About the Podcast

Hyperparathyroidism: A Patient's Perspective
Lisa Marie candidly shares her personal journey with the disease, providing invaluable insights from a patient's perspective. Lisa Marie delves into the symptoms, challenges, and unique experiences associated with hyperparathyroidism, shedding light on its impact on daily life.

This is not a podcast about thyroid problems, underactive, overactive or thyroid cancers. This is a podcast about parathyroid disease, relating to the 4 tiny glands that sit behind your thyroid gland.

Throughout the podcast, listeners gain a deep understanding of the diverse symptoms that accompany hyperparathyroidism. Lisa Marie discusses the physical manifestations, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and bone pain, that can significantly disrupt a person's quality of life. She emphasizes the importance of recognising these symptoms and seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Please see the RESOURCES guide below.

One of the lesser-known aspects of hyperparathyroidism that Lisa Marie explores is its effects on dental health. She shares her own struggles with dental issues, including bone loss, which are common complications of the condition. By sharing her experiences, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of dental care in managing hyperparathyroidism and improving overall well-being.

Hair loss is another topic that Lisa Marie bravely addresses in the podcast. She discusses how hyperparathyroidism can contribute to hair thinning and loss, highlighting the emotional toll it can take on individuals already grappling with the challenges of the disease. Through her candid storytelling, she offers empathy and support to listeners who may be experiencing similar hair-related concerns.

Ultimately, "Hyperparathyroidism: A Patient's Perspective" provides a platform for patients like Lisa Marie to share their journeys, fostering understanding, empathy, and solidarity within the hyperparathyroidism community. By sharing her story, Lisa Marie hopes to empower others to advocate for their health, seek support, and navigate the complexities of living with hyperparathyroidism with resilience and hope.

ABBREVIATIONS:

HPT - Hyperparathyroidism.
nHPT - Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism.
PTH - Parathyroid Hormone Level.
ng/L - Blood chemistry measurement.
MP - Member of Parliament -UK

CLARIFICATIONS:
Hyperplasia verses single adenoma.

Hyperplasia affects all four glands and the glands become enlarged.
A single adenoma usually a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the gland.

RESOURCES
The information shared in this podcast has been provided by several sources. These include outcomes from personal consultations with medical professionals, my own experiences, published research by expert medical professionals, and the NHS website. Please click on the links below for more information. It also includes a link to a well-organised and run patietn to patient support group.

Hyperparathyroidism
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hyperparathyroidism/

Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7923978/

Hyperparathyroidism Support and Information - Patient-to-Patient Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/406980976340533

NICE Guidelines
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng132

Fibromyalgia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms/
https://www.fmauk.org/

Menopause
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/

Thyroid Function
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/
https://www.btf-thyroid.org/what-is-thyroid-disorder

DISCLAIMER: Lisa Marie is not in any way medically trained, she is not providing medical advice, and the information that is shared is in no way a substitute for qualified medical advice. If you believe you may have this disease, then you must seek the most appropriate medical advice, this podcast aims to help you navigate your way to the right medical support and diagnosis.

About your host

Profile picture for Lisa Marie Olson

Lisa Marie Olson

I am Lisa Marie, a patient with hyperparathyroidism and more specifically a variation of the disease called normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism with hyperplasia. Hyperparthroidism, is NOT thyroid disease.

I have been navigating this disease for what may be 19 years, a large proportion of my 23-year marriage and my 25-year relationship with my husband.

I am extremely passionate about raising awareness of this often debilitating disease, the damage it can cause if left undiagnosed and untreated, by sharing my journey here and where ever I can.