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Success Stories

Parathyroidectomy Patient Has Speedy Recovery

UM Surgeon Douglas Turner, M.D., uses minimally invasive procedure to remove Juliana Dulmage’s enlarged parathyroid gland

Juliana Dulmage

My doctor first discovered my condition because of high calcium levels from a routine blood test. I didn’t have any symptoms, but she suspected that I might have hyperparathyroidism, an enlargement of one of the parathyroid glands. She recommended that I see Dr. Elizabeth Streeten, an endocrinologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dr. Streeten was very helpful. She confirmed the diagnosis, initiated tests to determine which of the four glands was enlarged, and referred me to Dr. Douglas Turner, a general surgeon who specializes in thyroid and parathyroid tumors at the Medical Center. Dr. Turner confirmed Dr. Streeten’s diagnosis and explained the surgical options. He’s a very pleasant person, responsive to questions and a good listener. He has a good sense of humor, and I was very happy with him as my surgeon.

On January 23, 2004 I had minimally invasive parathyroidectomy surgery during which Dr. Turner removed the enlarged gland. I was in the hospital overnight and went home the next day.

After the surgery, I tried easily for a few days but otherwise felt fine and recovered very quickly. I returned to my normal activities pretty much right away.

Ten days after the surgery, I had follow-up blood tests to make sure my calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were normal. Six weeks later I had more tests and the results were again normal.

The doctors and hospital staff at the University of Maryland Medical Center were very attentive and very supportive. Renee Gruel [General Surgery/Surgical Oncology Nurse Practitioner] was excellent. She was very caring, well informed, patient, and helped me make a good decision regarding my anesthesia. She was the person I called whenever I had a question.

My husband especially appreciated the fact that Dr. Turner, Renee, and other members of the staff kept him informed about what was happening during and after the surgery. He felt very supported by them and the system.


This page was last updated on: July 11, 2007.

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