The Parathyroid Forum

[Admin]

Any one know a good endocrine surgeon in Massachusetts?
Our new member Kayo will be needing a good surgeon in Massachusetts soon.
I'm sure that one of our members had surgery in Boston a few months ago. Can anyone remember who it was, or did I just dream it?

Simon

[LoriO]

Not in Massachusetts but one state down in Connecticut here. If the person doesn't mind driving a couple of hours I would highly recommend Dr Carling at Yale/New Haven Hospital.

Or I'm sure if they called Dr Carling he should be able to recommend someone up in the Boston area.

http://surgery.yale.edu/people/tobias_carling-2.profile

[Admin]

It might have been you I was thinking of Lori, my US geography is not very good.

[Kayo]

Thanks, Lori! It's nice to have options. I certainly don't mind driving if it means seeing someone who knows what they're doing.

Based on a recommendation, I talked this week with someone at the office of Dr. Francis D. Moore at Brigham & Women's in Boston. He's high up and supposed to be quite experienced in thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. His office seemed knowledgeable about hyperparathyroidism, and said that based on my scans (all of my imaging is online and accessible to them) they said it's likely Dr. Moore would want me to have a 4D-CT redone by his own technician before coming in for a consultation. I was a bit put off by this at first, but then considering what Norman says on parathyroid.com about so many scans being done incorrectly, I decided it makes sense for someone who knows what they're doing to want a proper scan done. (If others have opinions on this, I'd appreciate it--starting to get overwhelmed by all of this now.)

Still, there's another surgeon at Mass General, Dr. Randall Moore, who I've been looking into as a possibility. All of this depending, of course, on being able to switch to a better health insurance carrier.

Jennifer has also found a place in New York that, similar to the Tampa group, specializes in parathyroid surgeries--and has a far less expensive consultation fee for out-of-staters.

[LoriO]

Kayo, don't be put off by them wanting to do their own scans. When I went to see Dr Carling they originally had planned for me to have the 4D CT scan done. They decided not to after they got the results of the Sestamibi scan since the adenoma showed up very clearly on that. They did insist I have an ultrasound done with them even though my endocrinologist had done one too. I think the surgeons US is a little more thorough then the one my endocrinologist did. CAn't blame them as he is the one having to cut into my neck and not my Endocrinologist!!!!

As for chosing my surgeon, once my Endocrinologist told me I would need surgery she said I could go to Yale, or have it done at the local hospital. I asked her, if this is was her and she needed this surgery, where would she go and who would she have it do it. She immediately said Dr Carling at Yale. So easy decision for me.

Brigham and Women's as a hospital overall has a great reputation.

My experience at Yale was excellent. Dr Carling tries to avoid using general anesthesia during surgery and used a local and sedative with me. No intubation and a fraction of the recovery time. I walked into the OR at 0730 and was home by 1230.

[Kayo]

Hi there. I know I've been quite silent, but wanted those of you who had offered your advice on finding a surgeon in my circumstances to know that I finally have surgery scheduled for September 20th at Boston Medical Center. The surgeon I met with is a significant improvement on the one I was sent to originally and I have high hopes. Thank you for the support and advice.

[Admin]

Hi there. I know I've been quite silent, but wanted those of you who had offered your advice on finding a surgeon in my circumstances to know that I finally have surgery scheduled for September 20th at Boston Medical Center. The surgeon I met with is a significant improvement on the one I was sent to originally and I have high hopes. Thank you for the support and advice.

Great to hear you found a surgeon that you're happy with!
Best wishes to you for your surgery.

Simon

[LoriO]

Glad you found a surgeon and one that you feel confidant in! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[lolly48]

I live in Massachusetts and have recently been referred to Dr. Carrie Lubitz. She practices @Mass General Hospital in Boston, but will be doing my surgery @ MGH Danvers, MA. She has excellent credentials and performs the minimally invasive parathyroid surgery, which is exactly what I was looking for. I am scheduled for a consult with her on January 28th. Her office number is 617 724-4000.

[NancyMI]

Lolly,
Good to hear that you have found a surgeon. Let us know how your appointment goes. How are your calcium and parathyroid numbers?

Nancy MI