Living With SHPT
Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Healthcare providers who treat CKD monitor for SHPT. This involves checking blood levels and watching for some of the symptoms of SHPT, such as pain near the stomach, pain near bones or joints, and feeling tired or low on energy.
Often, people who have been diagnosed with SHPT never had symptoms. But if left untreated, SHPT can cause serious health problems, such as issues with your bones or heart.
Treatment is available for people who have SHPT related to CKD stage 3 or 4 and low levels of vitamin D. Rayaldee® (calcifediol) extended-release capsules is an oral medicine approved to treat the imbalances noted in SHPT.
Your healthcare provider will check your blood levels of
- Vitamin D
- Parathyroid hormone
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
You may also have other tests to monitor for other changes that can occur with SHPT, such as x-rays to monitor your bones.
Be sure to let your healthcare provider know how you feel.
The symptoms of SHPT can be mild. Some people don’t have any symptoms at all. Your healthcare provider will be better able to help if he or she understands how you feel.