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Hello. My Grandfather Has Been In The Hospital For A
Question: Hello. My grandfather has been in the hospital for a few days. He is weak, he's been having muscle cramps and he's having a very hard time walking. His blood work shows hypercalcemia, low potassium and slight anemia. Thyroid seems to be fine. Kidneys look healthy in ultrasound but he has elevated creatinine levels. He was dehydrated when he came into the hospital. Do you have any idea what could be causing all this?
Brief Answer:
A number of causes
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but Hypercalcemia is probably the cause of low potassium level. This means that diagnostic approaches should be directed towards finding the cause of Hypercalcemia.. If kidney and thyroid dysfunctions have been excluded and roled out, then this could be due to hyperparathyroidism. So, I would recommend that you he gets a blood test for parathyroid hormone levels. Another cause of Hypercalcemia could be increased blood level of vitamin d. So, I would recommend that he gets a blood test to measure vitamin d level.. if both reasons are excluded then Hypercalcemia could be due to a body tumor, so I would recommend that he gets a full body ct scan.. I hope you find this helpful..
A number of causes
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but Hypercalcemia is probably the cause of low potassium level. This means that diagnostic approaches should be directed towards finding the cause of Hypercalcemia.. If kidney and thyroid dysfunctions have been excluded and roled out, then this could be due to hyperparathyroidism. So, I would recommend that you he gets a blood test for parathyroid hormone levels. Another cause of Hypercalcemia could be increased blood level of vitamin d. So, I would recommend that he gets a blood test to measure vitamin d level.. if both reasons are excluded then Hypercalcemia could be due to a body tumor, so I would recommend that he gets a full body ct scan.. I hope you find this helpful..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Parathyroid seems to be ok.
I should add that he was healthy and active until last week. He lifted weights frequently. He did have a problem with muscle cramps.
No broken bones, bruising or infections if any sort.
CT scan is today.
If you think of anything else to add or have any questions for me I would love to hear from you.
Thank you!
I should add that he was healthy and active until last week. He lifted weights frequently. He did have a problem with muscle cramps.
No broken bones, bruising or infections if any sort.
CT scan is today.
If you think of anything else to add or have any questions for me I would love to hear from you.
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
CT scan
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, Hello again...
Sorry for the delay in my answer...
Since parathyroid gland function is normal then I would strongly recommend a full body CT-scan/PET-scan to exclude any tumor formation as Hypercalcemia is commonly the first presenting symptom of tumors.
I hope you'll find this helpful..
Regards
CT scan
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, Hello again...
Sorry for the delay in my answer...
Since parathyroid gland function is normal then I would strongly recommend a full body CT-scan/PET-scan to exclude any tumor formation as Hypercalcemia is commonly the first presenting symptom of tumors.
I hope you'll find this helpful..
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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