What Parathyroid Patients Say About Parathyroid Surgery at the Norman Parathyroid Surgery Clinic.

What Patients Say About Surgery at the Norman Parathyroid Clinic.

Read what parathyroid patients from around the US say about their parathyroid disease and their experience at the Norman Parathyroid Clinic. Each of these patients had parathyroid surgery performed by Dr. Norman.
Updated: January 04, 2009

Parathyroid patients are concerned about finding a doctor on the Internet and trusting that doctor enough to allow him/her to operate on their neck. They should be concerned! Parathyroid surgery is tricky, and finding an expert parathyroid surgeon can be one of the most important health decisions you will ever make.

This page is put here at the request of our parathyroid patients. They say that being able to read about the experiences of other parathyroid patients has helped put their mind at ease. Each of these patients has written their own story and has asked us put it here... because they want to help other parathyroid patients who are going through the same thing they went through! We put new stories here every week or so.

Patient: R.S. Sacramento, California. Homemaker, Mother of 2 small children:
I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism in December 2003. After visiting three in-network surgeons, and having two negative sestamibi scans, my physicians said a standard bilateral neck parathyroid exploration was my only option. I have two young kids, and was devastated at the prospect of a major operation, a huge incision, and a long recovery. I contacted Dr. Norman, who felt the odds were in my favor of having a single adenoma that could be treated with a minimal operation. He does 100% of his operations as mini-operations REGARDLESS of the scan results!

I traveled from California to Florida (3,000 miles!) to have my parathyroid surgery performed by Dr. Norman. After a sestamibi scan was performed at Tampa General Hospital, Dr. Norman was able to determine where my adenoma was located (two previous sestamibi scans at Kaiser hospitals in California were negative). Sixteen minutes and a 3/4 inch incision later, I was cured (sure beats a four hour surgery and an incision up to eight inches!). I left the hospital an hour after the surgery. That evening I was able to have a celebration dinner with my family (at Disney World!), without the need for any pain medication. The whole process (including pre-op, scan, operation AND recovery) took less than 4 hours. It was easier and less painful than going to the dentist! I am thrilled with the results and am very grateful to Dr. Norman. The long trip was well worth it! I can’t believe any doctor would allow a patient to go through the standard operation when there is such an amazing alternative available. I greatly appreciate everything Dr Norman did, from his prompt response to my first email, all the way through his phone call to check on me the evening after my procedure. I am absolutely thrilled with how well the surgery went, and can’t believe how easy (nonexistent) the recovery was. It’s amazing to find a doctor who cares so much about the outcomes of his patients’ surgeries.

Patient P.W. Dallas, Texas. Physician (Dermatology)
I initially found Dr. Norman on the internet, but my search did not stop there. I also spoke to several surgeons in my area who knew of Dr. Norman and spoke very highly of him..."he's the parathyroid guru" they all said. I then spent some time talking with Dr. Norman on the telephone so that he could address many of the questions that I had. I also had all of my parathyroid x-rays and medical records sent to him so that he could share his opinion about my hyperparathyroidism in a knowledgeable manner. Dr. Norman and I e-mailed each other many times so that he could assess all of my concerns. When my husband and i arrived at Dr. Norman's office in Tampa, there were patients there from all over the world who were seeking his advice and anticipating their surgeries. Dr. Norman's reputation goes far beyond Florida - far beyond the United States.

I know that "finding a doctor on the internet" seems like a "new fangled way" of handling things. I would suggest, however, that in this modern age when we bank on line, invest on line, and even attend universities on line, it is consistent that we would find our medical experts this way, as well. There are also web sites on which you can check all doctors' credentials, affiliations and legal status. I went to several of these sites to "check out" Dr. Norman and received only the greatest feedback.

I had never had surgery in my life. The closest I had ever come was a long manicure so I was tense and fearful. I must tell you that the parathyroid surgery was soooooooo very easy. It took about 15 minutes. I had surgery on a Thursday, had dinner in a very nice restaurant that night, toured Tampa on Friday and was back in my office seeing patients of my own on Monday morning!

I'm terribly "hung up" about cosmetics and appearances; I was worried that I wouldn't be able to deal with having a scar. Well, my surgery was in the middle of October, 2003 and for months now, I haven't been able to find the scar. I can't even find it. My husband can't even find it. What a relief! I cannot recommend Dr. Norman more highly. I am so happy about what he did for me and for my future.

Patient: E.S. Queens, New York. Medical Oncologist / Hematologist (Physician)
Dear Dr Norman: This letter is written for the purpose of posting on Parathyroid.com web site. Thank you very much for the superb parathyroid operation you performed on September 1, 2005. You changed my life dramatically!! I can walk without difficulties for the first time in years. My muscle and bone pain went away immediately after the surgery (editorial note: bone pain usually goes away within 12 to 24 hours after the operation--it is often very dramatic).

I was very apprehensive about having this parathyroid operation. My anxiety level was unbearable. As a doctor, I was very afraid of surgery and it took me many years to finally choose a doctor. Now I know, not only emotionally but also intellectually, that there is no one better, more intelligent, more experienced, more talented, and more skillful than you are at taking care of parathyroid problems.

Before I decided to go to Tampa, I explored many medical centers between New York and New England, where - I thought - the best medicine had been practiced. You alone have done more parathyroidectomies this year than entire departments of some of the centers I reviewed had done in the past decade! My choice became obvious. Besides having the most experienced surgeon, I also wanted the most intelligent one. Having searched the web for months and reading your publications in medical journals (I see you publish in medical journals every 2 months or so--far more than anybody else), so I decided to ask you for help.

I had a cystic rib lesion and consequently pathological rib fracture a number of years ago. Blood tests confirmed the diagnosis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism. Surgery was never my option since I was so much aware of possible complications. I had to work and never had time to become sick. Having experienced multiple kidney stones in the past, recent bone fractures, and at the end severe muscle and joint pain, I started to realize that something was very wrong. My symptoms worsened which forced me to overcome some of my anxiety and pursue treatment.

I had never found a doctor I could trust in this matter. I was very frightened. I was sure that all the letters from your previous patients were too good to be true. I was wrong. Everything is real. You are an amazing doctor and I felt comfortable from the very first moment I saw you. During the operation you found a massive tumor ( 8 x 4 x 2 cm.) lying against the deep cervical spine, displacing the esophagus and carotid arteries. It took you 14 minutes to save my life. YOU ARE SUCH A GENIUS!! Needless to mention that my scar is unnoticeable, and I never required any pain medications.

I was very impressed by professionalism and kindness of every single person whom I encountered at Tampa General Hospital. My special appreciation goes to your anesthesia team. Before this surgery I was SO AFRAID of going to the operating room and fortunately I do not even remember being there. I regained my awareness in the recovery room finding one inch tape on my throat. No words can express my gratitude. I am so happy that you agreed to be my doctor. Please feel free to give my telephone numbers and/or email address to anyone who is still hesitating. Thank you Jim. Thank you for a job well done.

Patient: G.S. Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Internal Medicine Physician.
I am a 62 year old retired physician. In April, 2006 while undergoing routine labs a slightly high serum calcium was noted incidentally. I had had many previous normal calciums, and so didn’t think much about it. Although for years I had been treated for hypertension, and recently my pressure swings were wildly up and down. Moreover, I had trouble concentrating, I had muscle cramping, and severe acid reflux. Although it seems so patently obvious to me now, sadly, neither me nor my internist put the picture together at that time. I resolved to get a repeat calcium in three months. Three months later, my calcium was again slightly high. Not enough to be alarming, and easily dismissed by a lot of physicians. At this point, the possibility of a parathyroid adenoma entered the picture since my parathyroid hormone was high. Fortunately, I had not yet developed osteoporosis or kidney stones, but those would have surely followed.

Knowing that parathyroid surgery was the only viable option, I made inquiry with my local general surgeon, an excellent practitioner whom I would trust for all general surgery. The plan was clear. He did 1-2 per year. It required a 4-8 inch neck incision, dissection and exploration of all 4 parathyroid glands under general anesthesia, taking 3-4 hours, followed by a two-three day hospital stay, not to mention the risk of hypocalcemia or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. And, he would only give me a 90% or so cure rate. There had to be a better way. So I took the advice I had been giving my patients for 30 years: Your health is way too important to leave to doctors. You take control of it, the same way that you meticulously research buying a car.

An internet search took me to Dr Norman and Tampa General Hospital. I read his extensive parathyroid web site, and the mini-parathyroid procedure he did to remove the adenoma. Now I am by nature a skeptic. If something is too good to be true, it generally is. And I believed that there were no secrets in medicine. Everyone has access to the same drugs, the same techniques. Why should there be this technological gap between my surgeon at home and Dr. Norman?

Fortunately, I had access to the entire world of medicine. I was not shy about getting on the phone and calling endocrine specialists around the country, as well as the best surgical clinics in the world. I must have spoken to a dozen specialists, most of whom had first hand experience and had nothing but praise. Anyone who is doing 11-13 of these procedures daily, had to be the real deal. My own internist had seen less than 10 parathyroid patients in 30 years, which probably explained why other surgeons didn’t bother to learn a technique that they would only rarely use.

The rest was easy. I called Dr. Norman’s office and they had the ball rolling immediately. The forms were filled out, the records sent, Dr. Politz called me at home to discuss my concerns, and the surgery was scheduled. The techniques of fighting with your insurance company must be left to another chapter. Suffice to say, your insurance company is interested in the money, not the best treatment for you. They want the perception of caring, without actually giving a damn except for the dough. The whole package in Tampa was one-third what it would have cost at home. This got the insurance company’s attention, and I only had to invoke the name of the State Insurance Commissioner a few times. At Tampa General, the day of surgery, I was the 8th parathyroid surgery case that day. I joined the other patients in the waiting room, all clutching our boxes of calcium tablets. In turn, I was taken to the scanner. IMPORTANT: By the way, don’t even get a sestamibi scan at home. Chances are it’s a waste. The scanner in Tampa is higher resolution, and the tech is more skilled at visualizing the glands. So save time and money, and just get scanned in Tampa. Your symptoms and your chemistries make the diagnosis, and Drs. Politz and Norman will review those results and tell you if you need an operation. I was glad I had made that decision.

Prior to surgery Dr. Norman went over the scan with me, explained the procedure, answered my questions, and introduced me to the OR team. I was given a light anesthesia, and 16 minutes later a walnut-sized parathyroid adenoma was removed, and an incidental benign thyroid nodule was removed. I left the hospital in the early afternoon, was ambulatory the whole day, and enjoyed Cuban food in Ybor City that night. No pain medications were necessary. Dr. Norman gave me his phone numbers, and called me that night, although everything was uneventful. Now here is the part everyone needs to know. Within 24 hours, my acid reflux was gone. Within 24 hours, my muscle cramping had disappeared. I am now three weeks after surgery, and I am off all anti-hypertensive medications. My blood pressure has been normal ever since surgery. I was having trouble concentrating, especially reading. And that symptom has also resolved. To say this is life-altering surgery is an understatement.

Anyone has to be out of their mind, to have the traditional parathyroid surgery when this technique is available. The older technique should be banned as an outdated malpractice. When this minimally invasive surgery is so readily available, the more invasive and extensive surgery should be considered a battery on the patient. Your insurance company can fly you there, pay for the hotel stay and meals, and throw in a few tickets to a Buccaneer game, and they will still be far ahead. Don't worry, that won't happen.

Thank you to Drs. Norman and Politz for a job well done. For anyone who has hyperparathyroidism and would like to discuss this personally with me, please do not hesitate to call. I have given the Norman Parathyroid Clinic permission to release my phone number on request.

Patient: J.Y. Columbus, Ohio. Physician (ENT Surgeon).
Hello Dr. Norman--I will be 3 weeks post op this Thursday from my 16-minute parathyroid operation, and am doing very well. The wound is healed and it is already almost invisible. I Feel very very good! You and Doug do wonderful work and I can't thank you enough, especially for putting me on your schedule and fixing me so quickly and efficiently. You are indeed a Prince among men!! Everyone in your organization/office and at Tampa General were just terrific, professional and competent. Below is the lab work I got back today--It shows I am cured.... Of course, I knew I was cured by how good I am feeling. Thanks to you!!!

Patient: D.S. Washington, DC. United States Congressman.
Dr Norman, Since my parathyroid surgery in early October 06, I am amazed at how different I feel. Life as a congressman can be very trying with many people pulling you in many directions. I was feeling so bad but I thought it was just the stress of my job. When my doctor told me that my high calcium could be causing me to be miserable I was astonished. Now that you removed my tumor (in 14 minutes I might add!), the extreme fatigue has disappeared and I no longer desire to sleep during the day. My wife and all of my staff keep asking me if I am tired, not able to believe the sudden change in my life. I also sleep the entire night without waking and the sweats I had during the night are gone. I am back to the land of the living, enjoying life once again. My mind is more clear and my memory is finally back to where it was when I was young! I truly want to thank you for saving my LIFE!! Most congressmen have pictures of big money donors on their wall. I have a picture of my parathyroid tumor! You saved my life by taking that thing out of me. You better visit me every time you are in Washington DC!

Patient: I.C. New Haven, Connecticut. Physician (Pathologist)
Dear Dr. Norman and Dr. Politz, It is three weeks today that you successfully operated on me to remove my parathyroid tumor (in 16 minutes I must say!). I want to thank you and convey to you my everlasting gratitude. Every day positive changes are taking place in my body. It feels like a heavy fog has been lifted and I am experiencing life anew. I went back to work and my co-workers cannot believe the difference in me, especially after my first failed surgery at Yale. The absolute joy of going to sleep and only waking up the next morning! After years of insomnia! Not being tired all the time! No recurring headaches! My depression is lifting! And very important!! I feel like a woman again. I thought that the sexual side of my life was over. I had no libido at all. I just accepted that I was getting older and sex was not part of my life any more. Well, I am jubilant to report positive changes in this field, as well!! THANK YOU! Everybody in your parathyroid team and at Tampa General Hospital are absolutely wonderful, professional, efficient and courteous. Thank you to one and all. God bless you in the the tremendous work that you do.

Patient: M.R. Boston, Massachusetts. Physician (Internal Medicine)
Dear Jim, Two weeks ago today you performed my parathyroid surgery. I have had an excellent recovery and already many of the symptoms I became used to have disappeared, as you said they would. I could never express to you how grateful and appreciative I am for your care. Your entire staff reflects your passion and dedication to your work. Thank you for being so personally involved with every patient. I have never experienced this kind of care. My husband and I have informed all of our doctor friends about your work and how very personal you are with each patient. They are amazed. I am now preparing for the kidney surgeries I must have because we waited to remove the parathyroid tumor. I wish you could be the surgeon! Thank you for your help, dedication and personal care. You have touched my heart and I will never forget you.

Patient: S.C. Denver, Colorado. Physician (Hematology and Oncology)
I am a 42 year old female oncologist writing a letter so others can read my experience with this complex and life-destroying disease. My calcium was high, and of course, I sought out the best parathyroid expert in the country. Everybody I asked told me the same thing... go to Tampa and stop worrying. To be brief, I thought that I didn't have any symptoms... but I knew I had to get the tumor removed anyway. Dr Norman told me that I would be surprised, that a month after the operation I would feel better. I doubted him and kind of laughed at the suggestion. Well, it's now two months later and I can't believe how right he was. The operation took 14 minutes and I went home 1 hour later. I was back to work seeing patients in my office the next day. Within a week I could sense a change. Now, I can't believe it. I am more active, I feel better, I can concentrate more. Even my husband says I've changed. It's hard to describe, but now it seems I was in a fog for a while, and I didn't realize it until the tumor was out. Not a day goes by now that I don't tell another doctor about my experience. If your calcium is high...even a LITTLE high like mine was (10.4 - 10.7), then let Dr Norman take out the tumor and get your life back! Everything people write about him is true... he is THE world's expert in this disease. That's why all the doctors go to see him!

Patient: B.T. Dallas, Texas. Physician (OB-GYN)
Dear Jim and Doug. Wow! You guys are good. The surgeons at my hospital admitted to me that they can't do what you do. Heck, we all know that a surgeon that has done 8000 of any operation is going to have better outcomes than one that does 20 a year. Every one of the surgeons here told me to go to Tampa. Now I understand why. The efficiencies you have in your practice is unlike those in any doctor's office in the country. The team you have put together at Tampa General Hospital is nothing short of incredible. To think that you cured my parathyroid problem with an operation that took only 15 minutes is astonishing. Its now 3 weeks and nobody here can believe I had the operation... the scar is almost invisible already. Thank you for doing what you do. The love your patients show you is very understandable now that I have seen you in action for myself. May God continue to bless you and your families so that you can continue to help people for many years to come. I'll be sending all my patients with parathyroid problems to you... even if I have to buy their airplane ticket for them!

Patient: R.F. Augusta, Georgia. Physician (Family Practice).
I am a 49 year old family physician in a group practice of 14 physicians in Augusta, GA who had hyperparathyroidism for approx 5 years prior to my micro-parathyroid surgery with Dr Norman. Being a physician, I knew the standard parathyroid surgery for a parathyroid adenoma was a complicated several hour operation requiring general anesthesia and a prolonged recovery time. The potential complications of loss of voice and hyp0parathyroidism worried me. Needless to say, I was not anxious to have the surgery done. For several years, I had talked to multiple doctors and searched the medical literature hoping I could make a rational decision. Eventually learned of Dr Norman and was elated to learn that he had perfected an outpatient procedure which could not only reduce the operative time to less than 20 minutes without the need for general endotracheal anesthesia, but had a reduced complication rate. I was also reassured that he performs over 1800 of these operations per year, many more than any HOSPITAL or UNIVERSITY in the world! One of the most critical parameters in surgeon selection is the number of cases done and this is especially so with surgery involving the parathyroid gland. After years of research, the decision of whom to do my surgery was a most obvious one; Dr Jim Norman.

When I initially contacted Dr Norman, I found that both he and his nurse Kelly were very understanding and answered all my questions. They told me most of the patients from out of town had their surgery on Thursday and were back to work on Monday. When I told the other physicians in my group that I would be back to work so soon, I don't think they believed me. They even recommended that I schedule more time out of the office which I did not.

I went for surgery on August 14, 2004 and there were absolutely no surprises. I woke up from surgery in very minimal pain. In fact, the only pain was a very mild sore throat. I was discharged from the hospital by 10:00 am (I was Dr Norman's second case of the day) and was eating breakfast with my wife at 10:30 am. I took no medication for pain, not even Tylenol. The afternoon of the surgery I went to a museum, and that evening my wife and I went out for dinner. And yes, to my colleagues' amazement I was at work the following Monday and saw 26 patients. I expect in the near future they will ask me "I just diagnosed a patient with parathyroid disease. What was the name of that doctor you went to?" I will smile and say to them, "That would be Dr Jim Norman".

Patient: J.P. Salt Lake City, Utah. (Pediatrician)
Well, it was one year ago today my wife and I flew to Tampa so that she could have Parathyroid surgery from Dr. Norman on May 18th. In a procedure that lasted about 15 minutes, you cured her parathyroid disease, and helped her feel better than she has for over a decade. As a 44 year old woman, she didn't understand why she lacked energy and seemed to be slowing down. And boy, was she cranky! Now, she has much more energy, gets fewer headaches and migraines, and has a much better disposition than she has had for years. I'm REALLY grateful for that! The tumor that you removed, you said, had been growing for more than ten years, and within a few minutes, you essentially cured before we even left the building. Just the other day over dinner, she just blurted out "I feel so much better than I did before I had that surgery with Dr. Norman."

As someone who didn't know very much about parathyroid glands 18 months ago, I have to say that your website not only educated us about parathyroid disease, but gave us information that we and our doctors here in Utah did not have, and offered a procedure that is not only innovative, but relatively inexpensive and almost fool-proof. In our best hospitals with the best endocrinology surgeons in Utah, she would have been in the hospital for two days and had a much more invasive procedure. We were in the hospital at Tampa General for no more than three hours - most of that just preparing for the procedure. I said goodbye to her, and within 20 minutes you came out to tell me she was done. You are a genius, and the surgery you pioneered is absolutely incredible. So what I'm saying, is . . . . JIM NORMAN IS ELVIS! You totally rock!

PLEASE post this letter on your parathyroid website. I can't say enough to people who might be facing the possibility of parathyroid surgery . . . only that having surgery with the Norman Parathyroid Clinic is the ONLY way to go - no matter where you live or how far you have to travel. Everything you read on this website is real. This procedure works. If you need it . . . you've got to go to Tampa. You'll never regret that decision.

Patient A.B. Detroit, Michigan. Psychologist.
Hi Kelly - I am about six weeks post op and I wanted to write to thank you (the office staff), Dr. Norman, and Dr. Politz for my parathyroid operation and uneventful recovery. I was self-diagnosed following the discovery that I had severe osteoporosis. My dentist told me about another patient of theirs who had been in three week earlier with osteoporosis and they said: "He was diagnosed with a parathyroid problem." That sent me off to the internet and I found Dr. Norman's educational and valuable website. I had my family doc fax my file and labs to you and we corresponded by email. I was coming to Florida for two months in February and March and you worked me into your schedule on 3/27/07.

Everything on your website was true. We stayed in a hotel in Ybor City that gave us a fantastic deal because we were your patient. We drove to TGH the day before to practice the route so we wouldn't get confused early the next morning. From the time we arrived at the hospital and the valet took our keys to park the car, everything worked like clockwork. Dr. Politz gave me my life-long companion jar of calcium pills, Dr. Norman spoke to us between every one of his procedures (I think I was number 8), and I was so reassured, when the OR team came to give me my anesthesia, I was ready to go. My wife says I started chatting with the anesthetist and the OR supervisor as soon as the medication was put through my IV and I was totally relaxed. (So relaxed, in fact, that I really didn't want to slide off the gurney onto the table -- I was happy where I was. Please thank the OR team for their patience with me).

I was in a flea market with all the colors and smells and noise of a foreign market when CLICK! I woke up in the recovery room. Just like that. My wife came in and Dr. Norman stopped by to tell us that I had been cured. He had found my adenoma and gave me a picture of it -- I plan on using it for our Christmas card this year. I felt better the moment I woke up. I am 65 years old and I thought the depression, loss of energy, and bone pain were simply the normal results of getting older. Now I know differently. I feel better every day, my energy level is way up and the depression is gone. My wife says "Thank you" too because I gather I had been a real trial for about 4 years.

You, the office staff, Dr. Norman and Politz, and TGH made a miracle seem so mundane and easy. My blood work shows completely normal levels . I went back to my endocrinologist and he estimates that we will have reversed my bone-loss in one year. Unbelievable. I know you hear this all the time but I had to write to tell you how thankful we are that we found you and that I was able to have my surgery done right the first time. I have this teeny little scar on my neck that is fading away and within the year, the effects of my disease will be gone but I will never forget the experience I had with you. I so appreciate Dr. Norman's work, the effort it took to create the MIRP and the wonderful team you have put together in Tampa. It was all exactly as you said it would be.

Patient: J. K. Denver, Colorado. Physician (General Surgeon).
I had surgery 3 weeks ago in Tampa and must write to encourage anyone in need of parathyroid surgery to go to you two in Florida. After at least ten years of suffering needlessly with intermittent high calcium levels and a lack of energy and depression, I now feel like a new person. I underwent years of useless tests, and a needle biopsy, which only caused my tumor to inflame and caused more complications for the surgery. Thanks to your web site and dedication to helping those of us with this problem, I am healed both physically and mentally. Thanks for your impeccable surgical skills. Now I understand how a surgeon located in Tampa, Florida is by far the number one parathyroid surgeon for people living in Colorado. We simply cannot do what you can do, and will never be able to catch up. I now understand why so many doctors here in Colorado send their patients to Tampa. Thank you once again... my family and I will be indebted to you forever.

Patient: S.W. San Francisco, California. Physician (General and Thoracic Surgeon).
I'm writing like everybody else so patients know that if they can afford to get to Tampa, that is what they should do. I live in a town with lots of good doctors, but every doctor in this large city combined will not do in their lifetimes the number of parathyroid operations that Dr Norman does in 1.5 years (my calculations, not his). As a surgeon, I know the value of experience in the operating room. There is nothing more important. He is a wizard operating in the neck. If you can afford to make the trip... don't even think twice. Get the best surgeon you can and then stop worrying about things... That's what I did! By the way... Dr Norman... how in the world did you do my entire operation in only 11 minutes?

Patient: C.T. Atlanta, Georgia. General Surgery and Surgical Oncology.
Jim, I just wanted to thank you and Doug for making a potentially complex operation so simple and I want you to put this on your website so others know that you are the surgeons for other surgeons. Yep, I've done a few of these parathyroid operations in my career, but usually avoided them because I know how difficult it can be sometimes. When I found out I had hyperparathyroidism I was relieved to know there was a reason why I felt so bad and optimistic that I was soon going to be feeling good again. But this was dramatically overshadowed by my fear of a 6 hour bumble-F#%*# in the operating room as some surgeon rooted around in my neck picking at my nerves. I was fortunate that I saw an endocrinologist who was very blunt with me. After telling me that he could get in trouble with the local surgeons at Emory, he told me that there really was only one place to get this fixed... in Tampa. I had seen some of your journal articles, but never paid much attention because I didn't perform parathyroid operations. Once this Emory endocrinologist told me to go to Tampa I did my homework and was amazed.

Well, it is now 2 weeks after my parathyroid operation. I can't believe how simple you and Doug make the entire event. I can't believe you do 12 of these operations every day... where no other surgeon would dare put more than 2 of these on his schedule. Now I understand. My operation took 16 minutes... total. I got a photograph of my tumor (suitable for framing!). And I watched you work the room like no surgeon I have ever seen. The efficiency is incredible, and the personalized care you gave every patient was amazing. I've been around surgeons for many years, and you have an incredible gift. I feel like a new man. My clearness of thought is back. My stamina is back. My ability to concentrate is back. My energy is back. I can't thank you enough. Now I know why everybody in Atlanta (and everywhere else) comes to Tampa if they can. You are a role model for all surgeons.

Patient: XX. Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Chief of Cardiac Surgery, University of Pennsylvania.
Jim, my story is typical of the other doctors who you operate on every day for parathyroid disease. I had been feeling bad for a couple of years but attributed it to my very hard work schedule. Finally I had my blood checked and we found I had hyperparathyroidism. I immediately asked the head of ENT at our institution and without hesitation he said "you don't want to do this tricky operation here, you have to go to Tampa to see Norman". Of course, I had to check further... aren't all the experts in the northeast, or at least at some major university in the north? So the next day I called one of my buddies who is also a heart surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. He didn't know anything about parathyroid so he said he would ask around for me. He called me back 2 days later and said that everybody he asked didn't hesitate, they all agreed that if they had to have parathyroid surgery they would get their butts on a plane to Tampa.

After seeing the way you have your practice set up, I can see why you are so successful. I was the first of 12 parathyroid operations on a Monday. I had no scans prior to coming to see you (no reason to waste time and money on scans that are not necessary!). Your scan took exactly 10 minutes then we went to the operating room where the entire operation took 17 minutes. In that time you removed the large tumor and proved the other three glands were normal... thus 100% cure rate. My wife and I left the hospital by 10:00 am and we went out for lunch. I was back at work operating on other patients 2 days later, feeling better than I have felt in years. I am amazed and impressed with your skill. I've seen many surgeons in my life, but you are very special and have been blessed beyond what is a natural ability. Thank you for giving me back the joy of my life. It is true, nobody knows what you know about parathyroid disease.

Patient: C.C. Dallas, Texas. Physician (Endocrine-Parathyroid Surgeon)
OK Jim, I guess I have to write something to put on your website. Your talents are remarkable. Please put this letter near the top with the rest of the doctors. I am a surgeon, and actually perform thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Patients come to my office with information from Parathyroid.com and ask me if I perform the same operation that Dr Norman does. I used to tell them "well, more or less we do the same thing". I'll never tell them that again. There is nobody in the world that can operate their way around the tricky anatomy of the neck the way you can. Yes, it is true, you are the doctor that other surgeons go to when they need a surgeon. You can perform 4 or 5 operations routinely in less time than I can perform one, and the efficiencies of your staff at the hospital is nothing short of incredible. You have been blessed with a mind and hands that are far beyond what we see in our field. Thank you for what you have done for me, and may you continue to be blessed for years to come.

Patient: P.P. Los Angeles, California. Medical Oncologist (Physician)
Dear Jim, I wanted to say thanks for such a wonderful job on my neck! I've avoided this parathyroid operation for the past 10 years because I was concerned about the operation and its potential complications. Well, 14 minutes and a 1 inch incision is nothing to complain about. I think we spent less than 3.5 hours total time in the hospital, including registration, sestamibi scanning, consultation, operation, and recovery room. You are the perfect model of "high specialization" in medicine, making the complex into something extremely easy and efficient. Thanks again from me as well as from my wife and family! I'll be telling everybody in town about your expertise and will gladly show off my tiny scar--if they could see it! You truly are the world's best!

Patient: G.N. New Mexico. Urologist (Physician).
Dr. Norman (Jim): I want to personally thank you and the hospital staff for the excellent care I received last week. Having undergone two parathyroid operations the "old way" at two separate hospitals I think I can appreciate what I experienced there better than most. My first parathyroid operation took nearly 3 hours and was unsuccessful. My second took nearly 5 hours and was also unsuccessful. I had to stay in the hospital 2 days for the first operation and 3 days for the second. As I told you previously, after much research I knew that I wanted my surgery to be done the "new way" and wanted you to do it.

To walk into a hospital, register (paperwork!), be prepared for surgery, consult with a surgeon, undergo nuclear medicine imaging, be operated upon, be cared for in the recovery area and be able to walk into my hotel room in less than 5 hours is truly remarkable. But that is what happened. Your technique, expertise and care is, of course, exemplary. But I also want to commend the hospital staff including the nurses, transporters, nuclear medicine technologists and clerical people. Every person I encountered was congenial, efficient and professional. I'm doing well thanks to you and everyone involved. I'm finally cured!

P. S. Please, put it on the web site so others can see that Tampa really is where doctors go to have their parathyroid problems fixed.

Patient: P.M. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Operating Room Nurse
Dear Drs. Norman and Politz--Your website contains many expressions of thanks and many compliments from your parathyroid patients but, I also felt compelled to sing your praises. Having my parathyroid surgery by you both was the best decision I could have made. It was as perfect as any surgical experience could be. I almost felt like my days in Tampa were a mini-vacation. I also felt like such an educated consumer/patient having read your amazing parathyroid.com website from start to finish multiple times.

As an RN working in large teaching hospitals all my life, I was concerned about having parathyroid surgery because I know that, even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. But you were both so friendly and also compassionate at the same time that my husband and I were immediately put at ease. You made us feel special and we appreciated all the times you met with us from Dr. Politz greeting us upon arrival and explaining what to expect and giving me my bottle of calcium pills, to Dr. Norman showing us the Sestamibi scan and reassuring us in his witty manner that he did, in fact, know what he was doing and had done this procedure "a few times before." I arrived at Tampa General at 6am and was napping in my hotel room by noon before going out to a great restaurant that Dr. Politz had recommended (Berns Steakhouse) where, yes, I did have a great steak dinner on the evening of my surgery! (Our waiter also gave us a tour of the wine cellar and kitchen.) Thank you, Dr. Politz for this recommendation.

My parathyroid surgery was on Monday, I flew back to Michigan on Tuesday, and was back to work as an RN at the hospital on Wednesday. One week later, my incision is so minimal and with one dot of makeup it is invisible. Thank you both for being all the Medicine should be--a combination of expertise and compassion. Send my thanks also to all the associates at Tampa General, as each and every one of them was friendly and efficient and seemed to care about me. Dr Norman, that is quite an impressive system you have organized for your practice in Tampa for taking care of parathyroid patients. You and Dr, Politz are the best. Thank you again and you can use me for a reference if you ever need another one!

Patient: XX. US Congressman. Washington, DC.
Dr Norman. I am still overwhelmed by your superb surgical skill and personal kindness and warmth. You have touched my life in a significant way and words cannot fully express my admiration and thanks. I can't believe that my endocrinologist told me that this really didn't need to be fixed, and that an anti-depressant would be more appropriate. It's now 2 months since my 16 minute operation and my life has changed. I've written this endocrinologist on my most official letterhead telling him how much he can learn of this disease from you. Shame on these doctors for pretending to know about a disease that they see infrequently and haven't studied more than 2 days in their residency. Speaking as a politician, it is no wonder there is a malpractice problem in the US; endocrinologists speak as experts when they know little about the disease at hand. I know you tell me there are lots of great endocrinologists, but you couldn't prove it in my case. If a congressman gets such outdated, uninformed advice, think what is happening to the average person out there. I sure am glad Al Gore invented the internet so we can learn from great minds like yours. I will be indebted to you forever for giving me back my mind and my joy for life. You have saved my life and I consider you a friend forever.

Patient: R.D. Denver, Colorado.
ATTENTION: If you're considering having parathyroid surgery, PLEASE read this. Dr. Norman and his staff are the VERY BEST and I STRONGLY recommend contacting them if you have this condition. I myself recently (Feb. '05) had this procedure done there in Tampa and would like to share my story with you.

My name is Richard, I'm 32 yrs. old and live in Denver, CO. I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism about 6 months ago and was told by my PCP that I needed to have surgery to correct the high levels of calcium in my body (11.3) which were causing me to have kidney stones. I knew nothing about this condition and procedure and began seeking out advice. I saw 4 doctors here in the Denver area and they ALL told me that the operation was "extremely difficult, they would have to FIND the growth, I would have at least a 6-8 inch scar on my throat and be in the hospital at least 2 days and out of work for 1-2 weeks." As you can imagine, I was scared to death. So, I began doing my research on the Internet and one day just happened to come across Dr. Norman's web-page. It was like a MIRACLE! I then contacted the office after going through the site and they gave me the name of a woman here in town that had the same procedure done by Dr. Norman. We talked and the rest is history. I sent numerous e-mails to Dr. Norman's nurse, Kelly, asking about the procedure and she answered ALL of them. Dr. Norman himself even called me to talk and explained EVERYTHING. To me, that showed that they really cared and wanted to help me get better.

We walked into the hospital that day at 6:30 a.m. and left before noon the SAME day. The surgery itself took about 14 minutes. I had really no pain at all, but used an icepack for a few hours. I used no pain medicine afterwards and have maybe a half inch scar on my neck. Since I was so scared, Dr. Norman even moved me up one person so I could "get out of there and start relaxing." I was able to eat that night and had no problems at all. Dr. Norman even called us at our hotel that night to check-up on me.

The entire trip to Tampa to see Dr. Norman and his staff was great. He and Kelly were tremendous from start to finish. We still communicate and I'm doing just fine. DON'T listen to YOUR doctor. Dr. Norman is the expert and knows exactly what he's doing. He saved my life and he can do the same for you. I would be more than happy to talk with ANYONE who wants to know more.

Patient: W.F. Boca Raton, Florida. General Surgeon.
Dear Jim, This is the first fan letter that I've ever written. As a fellow surgeon I have had a lengthy career in which I participated in the care of many patients. Now that I am the patient, I must say that I was overwhelmed by your expertise and care. You have established a unit that is manned by a compassionate and well-trained staff, all of whom are a credit to themselves, to you, and to Tampa General Hospital. As you predicted, I enjoyed a smooth and uncomplicated postop recovery. My wife is simply amazed to notice the increase in my energy level. We thank you for your friendship and the courtesies which you extended to us. We wish you good health and continuing success. I will continue to be your biggest fan.

Patient: S.R. Physician (Neurosurgeon). Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Jim, Please put this short note on your website. I've been around surgeons and operating rooms most of my life. I have never seen a system so efficient and perfectly run. Every surgeon I talked to around here, and all that I called by phone told me that I MUST find the best surgeon I can, but to expect a 2-4 hour operation and a day or two in the hospital. I watched you perform 12 parathyroid operations by 2:00 pm (I was number 10). I watched you and Doug treat every patient with care and expertise as if they were your own family member. I watched you present them with a photograph of their tumor. I watched them hug you as they left the hospital an hour or so after their operation. I checked the anesthesia record and my operation took just a bit over 14 minutes. Any patient with this disease that doesn't seek the expertise of your hands and mind is a fool. God has blessed you, and in turn, you bless many people. I will tell everybody I meet.

Patient: T.C. Actress. Los Angeles, California
It's been almost 2 months (11/27/06) now since my Parathyroid surgery and I just wanted to let you know that I feel absolutely wonderful and to say everything that was on your website and what past patients wrote, was right on! The surgery and recoup was such a non-event, I can't believe that I had any worries at all. I even had a great Cuban dinner later that night and enjoyed it!!! My doctor here at home was not real thrilled that I found a surgeon on the Internet and was going to Florida for my Parathyroid Surgery. She was worried that I would not be cured but I knew I could not do it the old way so this was my only option if I was ever going to have it done. And believe me, I waited almost 2 years!! When she saw me a little over a week after surgery, she was totally impressed and wanted to send me over to the head surgeon at UCLA to take a look at my incision (or what little there was of it to see...<g> And my lab results showed that I WAS cured at last. I no longer hurt all over and have more energy then I've had in a very long time. If anyone asks for a reference, please feel free to give them my number or email address and I'd be happy to discuss my experience. No one should wait like I did when you can feel so much better and happier now. You, your office staff, and all the folks at Tampa General, are top notch! Thanks again for taking such good care of me and explaining everything to my worried husband and parents at the time. They too tell everyone how professional the whole experience was.

Patient: P.W. Boston, Massachusetts. Cardiac Surgeon
Dear Jim and Doug. Thanks for taking such good care of me. There is a general consensus here in Boston that we have the best doctors in the US. Well, everybody up here told me that if I wanted the best surgeon to operate on my neck, then I had to go to Tampa. I had heard of you and your work over the years, and had seen you speak at a surgical meeting or two. Little did I know that I was growing my own parathyroid tumor and would need your expertise. I was the second of 12 operations you performed last Tuesday. I was out of the hospital by 9:07 am, only 45 minutes after my 14.5 minute operation. I went to the airport directly from the hospital and made a noon flight back to Boston. My wife took me to a nice dinner later that night and I was in my own operating room the next morning operating on my own patients. Your skills are far above your peers, yet your down-home, friendly style makes all the patients love you. Count me in that crowd, and thanks again for making me whole again. I'm feeling 10 years younger already! Feel free to use me as a reference for anybody in Boston who thinks the best doctors are up here. Not the best parathyroid doctors, that's for sure! Please feel free to put this note on your website.

Patient: D.J. Operating Room Nurse. West Palm Beach, Florida
My energy level and sense of well-being is already much better since you took that “alien parathyroid ” out of my throat. My experience with you, your staff, and the hospital was positive in every way. Thank you to everyone who participated in making, what could have been a traumatic experience, into almost a pleasurable one. I feel great, and you guys are THE BEST! You also removed ½ of my thyroid, with a sizable tumor, at the request of Dr. Kaye. Nobody can believe that you removed half of my thyroid and my bad parathyroid in less than 30 minutes and I went home less than 2 hours later… and my scar is less than 1 inch. Even though my doctors know how good you are and are the ones that FORCED me to go to Tampa to get your expertise, they are still all amazed how you can do this so quickly, safely, and successfully through such a small incision. You have been given a gift that few surgeons have… and these are the words of my endocrinologist. Now I agree! Thanks for sharing your gift with so many appreciative patients!

Patient: PM, Temecula, California, Performer/Educator
If any parathyroid patient reading these comments is nervous about traveling a long distance to have a parathyroid operation with a doctor who seems too good to be true and is unknown by your local doctors, please pay close attention to what I have to say in this patient forum. I was scared to trust a website, too, so it took me over a year to get up the courage to go to Dr. Norman in Florida....not that I didn't check him out before I left home! I did every bit of research I could to be sure he was a real doctor, was on staff at Tampa General, and was indeed a Board member with no complaints against him... and never a malpractice claim.

I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism two years ago by my smart, young internist, who then sent me to an endocrinologist. I learned, subsequently, that many endocrinologists, even highly experienced ones, are unfamiliar with this rare illness and are often totally unaware of the minimally invasive operation Dr. Norman offers to cure it. Their practices involve mostly diabetes and thyroid patients. In spite of my numerous, painful symptoms, I was told by my specialists that I was not a candidate for parathyroid surgery and I should simply go home and suffer. One endocrinologist told me I might never need an operation in my lifetime. Another sent me back to my internist to be tested for fibromyalgia because, in his opinion, "a 11.3 calcium level could not possibly cause symptoms". Because I had read Dr. Norman' s website from front to back, I realized, in that moment, that this doctor was seriously lacking in knowledge about this illness. (editors note: HOW DUMB! ANY elevated calcium level can cause very serious symptoms).

But, I sought out a third opinion in California from a world class physician, who concurred with Dr. Norman's data and recommended his minimally invasive operation. So, I flew to Florida to have Dr. Norman do exactly what he tells you he will... cure hyperparathyroidism in about fifteen minutes (in most cases). The experience is unbelievably simple and comfortable, and I was eating lunch an hour later and touring Busch Gardens the next day. Honestly! My muscle and bone pain started disappearing before I even left Florida two days later! Here I am a month later, like all these other patients, feeling wonderful. My energy is increasing by the day and I am back to my healthy "young" self. After the operation, Dr. Norman informed me that I probably had hyperparathyroidism for at least eight years since the tumor on my parathyroid was so large.

My point is this...if you are wavering about coming to one of the most experienced doctors in the world for hyperparathyroidism, you need not worry. In my opinion, he is an outstanding surgeon and a highly skilled parathyroid specialist who truly knows all aspects of this illness. He can give back your life like he has mine and thousands of others. And, I might mention he is also a compassionate human being with a great sense of humor. People come to him from all over the world. I encourage you to check him out before you go to Florida, but your trust will not be misplaced. Dr. Norman is the real thing.

Patient: A.S. Jacksonville, FL. Administrative Assistant - Prudential.
It has been 2 months since my parathyroid surgery and I wanted to thank you both so very very much for the professionalism, the kindness and the expertise you both showed to me. It was a rare experience to have someone always call me back when they promised, and to call to check on me after the surgery. WOW.

After the doctor here had told me that I would have to live with what he called possibly "mild" hyperparathyroidism, I just could not imagine living my life with the fatigue and the multitude of other symptoms I was having for over a year. Having always been such an active person, one that everyone counted on to get things done, the quality of my life was getting so hard for me to live with. I was experiencing so much pain in so many different joints & muscles in my body that trying to sleep was nearly impossible. My hip pain (where they said I had the bone loss) was nearly unbearable at times. (Editor's note: her doctor calls this "mild" disease because her calcium was not above 11.5--this is bad advice!!! The height of the calcium does NOT correlate with the severity of symptoms. Read "10 Parathyroid Rules of Norman").

I just wanted you both to know how blessed I feel to have found your website. I get teary eyed just thinking where I would be right now if I hadn't. I have been able to sleep like I used to and get up refreshed and ready for a hard days work (which I like). I have my energy level back and a whole new attitude on life (especially since the doctors here scared me into thinking I had cancer). I have not had one muscle pain or joint pain. The hip pain has disappeared completely. The terrible acne I was having is even clearing up. I would never have believed all this was because of the hyperparathyroidism but I am convinced now. I have a great respect for the balance of calcium in our body and take mine faithfully.

I just wonder if you have any idea how much you do for people and how much admiration and appreciation your patients have for you and the wonderful way you touch their lives. I know you have changed mine. The whole experience was wonderful. My husband still raves about how great the hospital staff, you and Kelly were. He can not believe how well it all went, and he is grateful to have me back to normal. He had such anxiety about me finding a surgeon on the internet but he is so happy now that I did.

I'm sorry to be so long winded but I could not let any more time go by before I told you all this. Thank you again so very very much. Feel free to give my e-mail or phone number to anyone that has concerns about coming to you for the surgery...I will forever be one of your biggest fans.

Patient: M.S. Charlotte, North Carolina. Medical Malpractice Attorney.
Kelly, I just wanted to add my voice to the many others who are so grateful to Dr. Norman and you for giving us parathyroid patients with hyperparathyroidism an alternative to the old-fashioned standard parathyroid surgery. As a nurse and a medical malpractice attorney, I am personally loathe to any surgery, knowing as I do that bad outcomes do occur. However, when I'm told that I must undergo surgery or continue to lose calcium from my bones, then I look for the least invasive surgery, the most experienced surgeon with the best outcomes, and as little down time as possible. My endocrinologist recommended a general surgeon who performs standard surgery with a 6-8 inch incision and recovery period of 6 weeks. This was not acceptable to me. I work full time and have a son getting married in September. Most dresses don't allow for 5 inch neck incisions! The Internet introduced me to Dr. Norman who offered an alternative I could live with: minimally invasive surgery, a one inch incision, and no down time. What could be better!

I had surgery 3 days ago, drove home from Tampa to Charlotte with my husband the day after surgery, played with my grandchildren and went out for dinner yesterday, made dinner including baking pies today, and feel great. Thank you, Dr. Norman, for your caring, competent ways. Now I can go on with my life uninterrupted and wear a sexy dress to my son's wedding.

UPDATE: 3 months later: Kelly, please convey my thanks to Dr. Norman once again. My son is being married this Saturday and as Dr. Norman told me, my incision is barely visible. I can wear my beautiful dress and feel good about the way I look rather than look like my throat had been slashed if another surgeon had performed the surgery. I just told another patient that I feel like singing your praises to the world and I do. Thanks to both of you and I'm going to have a great time this weekend!

Patient: A.W. Memphis, Tennessee. Wife of Plastic Surgeon
Thanks for a superbly orchestrated experience. I'm well on the mend here 1 week later and can't believe how much better I feel already! Thank You, Thank you, Thank you! And thank you for treating me so special when you have so many parathyroid patients to take care of.

I have never heard my husband be so complimentary of another physician, especially of another surgeon. He truly admires what you are doing and your "incredible skills" (his words). Thanks so much for being so skilled that you changed my life in 17 minutes! UPDATE: 3 months later: Wow! I feel great! I'm back to my old self and virtually every problem has gone away. I'm so glad we figured out that hyperparathyroidism was causing my symptoms and that you were there for me to cure me so quickly and expertly! Thanks!!!

Patient: T.O. Syndicated Newspaper Columnist.
Read his story as published in hundreds of newspapers June 2006 by clicking this link... will open new window.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/14715825.htm

Patient: C.Q. Colonel, US Air Force (Ret). Houston, Texas
Dr. Norman, I had no idea what to expect coming down to Tampa General but you need to know that it was the best medical experience I have ever had. I knew I had made the right decision when I met a lady in the waiting room who had the wrong parathyroid removed by another doctor and was left with a terrible scar. I watched how Dr. Politz talked to the family before and after and I think you have a great partner in him. When I awoke, everything was crystal clear: my hearing, vision and movements! I had to touch my hand to the bandage because I didn't think I had surgery. Shortly, you were there explaining I had a huge tumor removed. You returned with a picture and answered my email questions. I almost want to cry when I think about how many people are being treated, as I was for years: my endocrinologist watched this tumor for 7 years and then finally agreed to send me to other less qualified surgeons to receive a huge scar and a 50/50 chance of success or less. Since the procedure, my blood pressure has dropped 20 points. That was three weeks ago. Cholesterol is perfect. The stiffness I felt around my hands, wrists, face and knee caps is gone. My energy level is way up. The only negative is I waited too long to see you. Thank you, Drs. Norman and Politz. I will never forget either of you and I appreciate the new life you have given to me.

Patient: C.B. Boca Raton, Florida. Attorney.
Dear Dr. Norman and Dr. Politz: I just wanted to take the time to thank you for being two of the most wonderful Doctors in what I would imagine the entire world. You are not only blessed with the knowledge but with a kind heart when treating your patients. I wonder now a week after my parathyroid surgery, how is it possible that I feel so different. My energy levels are way back up, my depression is gone and my bones even feel younger!! I get nervous thinking it won't last it is so unbelievable. I also sit and think where were my doctors in diagnosing my parathyroid problem?? I honestly feel like I lost perhaps 10 years out of my life. I was always sleeping, miserable and contemplating what was causing this. My calcium bounced up and down and my PTH level was high and still they said "We will watch it" watch it what destroy me? (Editor's note... She is right... watch what??? Watch the tumor destroy your life slowly????). Then I decided to research my symptoms and there you both were on the internet. Your staff guided me from day one and scheduled me for surgery six weeks from my first call. When I arrived at the hospital so early in the morning there was Dr. Politz with his smiling face to greet me. The nurses were terrific, the scan a breeze, and then I met you Dr. Norman I felt like I had known you for years, you were so patient, kind, caring, and most of all confident in what you do!

What more can I say, except thank you, for my tiny incision, removing my bad parathyroid gland and my thyroid nodule in only 16 minutes and giving me back my life. I wish I could go on the circuit and tell the world---watch your calcium if its up call Dr. Norman and Dr. Politz-no discussion. Take care, you run a tight ship with two great captains.

Patient: A.C. Austin, Texas. University Professor (LETTER TO ANOTHER POTENTIAL PATIENT)
Hello Ann, Funny, we're both from Austin and have a parathyroid problem... here is what you need to know...
I am happy to recommend Doctors Norman and Politz. They are truly the experts in the field of parathyroid disorders and surgery. I understand being concerned about not meeting the doctors first. I was, too. I think that's totally understandable. In fact, I was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (say THAT three times!) THREE YEARS before I did anything about it. I had hoped to get things under control short of surgery. That was dumb!

But let me tell you something very important. As it states on the parathyroid.com website, this condition does NOT go away without surgery. AND if you let this calcium level continue unchecked, IT REALLY WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE. I learned A LOT in the three years I waited. I so wish I had gone immediately for surgery. You see, the body really doesn't like high calcium levels and the longer the levels are high, the worse the symptoms get. Eventually, most (really, ALL) will suffer needlessly and have possible heart problems, particularly valve problems (calcified valve), osteoporosis, and other complications. All this is talked about on the website and in various links on the site.

I had NO general anesthetic. I wanted to avoid that. My operation took 16 minutes and I left the hospital 1 hour after the operation. I flew back home to Texas the next day. Because their was no general anesthetic, I recovered very quickly and I am 56---near your age.

Ann, I am a HUGE skeptic about doctors and the medical profession in general. I will swear on my mother's life, there are NO BETTER SURGEONS than Jim Norman and Doug Politz for this condition. I totally trusted them and they did an excellent job. I had this condition for at least 10 years, come to find out. I now actually sleep through the night. I haven't been able to relax like this in years!!! My hair quit falling out. It's beautiful and thick like it was in my twenties. These were two of my big symptoms (insomnia and hair loss), but I also had high blood pressure and osteoporosis. The calcium loss in the bones IS reversible, but taking calcium daily is imperative after the operation. The doctors emphasize that, especially following surgery. I had followup blood work 3 weeks after surgery and my calcium level has returned to the normal range (9.7). I was and am ELATED.

I didn't realize how bad I felt until AFTER the operation. It does improve your life. Some people rave that they are completely changed--It's a life altering experience they say. I do not doubt that for a minute. It wasn't quite that dramatic for me, but it IS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I'VE EVER MADE. Do it ASAP. I totally understand being hesitant and also nervous about the operation. I hope this info helps quell negative emotion because I know I was scared and looking back, there wasn't a need for it (although nervousness before any operation, even just a little, is expected, I think). By the way, about me--I am a professor at ACC. I research thoroughly and I researched this via books, the internet, two local doctors and a couple surgeons here in Austin. I wanted the BEST and I KNOW I got the best.

I also know--and I will repeat---you need to get the offending gland OUT. I wish someone had stressed this with me years ago. That being said, I'm so grateful Dr. Norman and Politz exist and have done MANY thousands of these surgeries. Think about it--if they don't have it "down" by now, they're idiots. But I've met them and I can tell you that they are experts, professional, handsome (I know, not good criteria to decide on a surgeon, but they're pleasant to look at) and they both are personable and CARING.

Patient: C.P. Chicago, Illinois. Securities Broker.
You operated on me on May 10th and found that all four of my parathyroid glands were enlarged. You took the top two out and parts of the bottom two. I got the results of my first blood work back today, and my PTH was 16 and my calcium was 9.9. Obviously the 17 minute surgery was a perfect success! I want to thank you for taking such good care of me. I am feeling so much better every day and I am planning to really enjoy my daughter's wedding this Saturday now that I am feeling so much better. I owe you a debt of gratitude that I can't possibly repay. Thanks again for all you have done for me. It makes me happy, but sad, every time I tell someone here in Chicago, IL that the best doctor care I have ever received came from 1200 miles away in the form of Dr Jim Norman and Tampa General Hospital. I can't even get my own doctor, one mile away, to return phone calls or respond to me in a prompt fashion. You are everything your website said you would be and more. Thanks again for everything. Please tell your whole staff how awesome they are and how much I appreciate everything they did for me. Take care and I am sorry I was such an awful patient! (Editor's note. Even people with 4 bad glands can have a mini surgery at our clinic, less than one inch incision, under 20 minutes).

Patient: D.D. Detroit, Michigan. Chemical Engineer - Dow Chemical:
Healthy skepticism is what I have for informational Web sites. Can you trust what's stated on a Web site? How do you choose a doctor to do a complex parathyroid surgery when that expert is half a country away? These are just a sampling of the many questions I found myself asking in March, 2003. Our local surgeons perform only "collar" surgical procedures. This operation requires a side-to-side neck incision. This was rather unappealing. I began searching the Web to educate myself on hyperparathyroidism. That's when I found Dr. Norman.

After thoroughly reading all the parathyroid information, I needed some independent verification for at least some of what I read. Dr Norman's site claimed he himself held patents inventing Minimally Invasive Radioguided Surgery (MIRP). As a person who's spent their career in science, I ordered copies of these patents and read them. Sure enough, Dr Norman had indeed pioneered this breakthrough procedure. My hopes went up. I emailed Dr Norman's office with some questions. To my utter astonishment, Dr Norman himself replied to my email. Dr Norman and I spoke by phone and he patiently addressed my concerns and questions.

From the moment I walked into Dr Norman's office, to the time I left the hospital, patient treatment was first class. Dr Norman is a very personable doctor. He took time to explain the surgical procedure and what to expect after surgery. During the admission procedure at Tampa General Hospital, I privately asked some of the staff for their candid opinions of Dr Norman and his surgical staff. Their response: "they're the best". From my personal experience, they were right. Without reservations, I would highly recommend Dr Norman as a FIRST choice for parathyroid surgery.

Patient: H.M. Boston, Massachusetts. Failed First Operation, Tumor in Chest.
Please put this on the web site! Can't thank you and all the staff enough for my incredibly simple parathyroid operation! Just received my post-op blood test results: PTH is 40.6 and calcium 9.2! For those who don't know about me, I was one of the few whose parathyroid tumor was in my chest, not my neck. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and went through 2 series of venous sampling, a failed operation and attempted parathyroidectomy that resulted in removal of half of my thyroid, and more sestamibi scans and other tests than I could count. Everything was inconclusive, the tumor was reported everywhere from my jaw to my chest and I joked that it was probably somewhere in my feet! After passing 2 kidney stones and having 5 more too large to pass found, my endocrinologist (up here in Boston) recommended you as a possible hope! What a blessing! The staff at TGH found the tumor on the first scan (in less than 5 minutes). You, your staff, Dr Bloom and the people at UCH got everything ready for Wednesday October 17. I could not believe it when my brother told me it still only took 20min and without the Polaroid snapshot you left me, it would have been hard to believe it was out. It was too easy! Friends out there, know that wherever your tumor is, Dr Norman CAN get it, mini surgery, and all! Thanks again! Editorial Note. This is a routine case of a parathyroid tumor that was easily seen in this lady's chest PRIOR to her first operation. It was seen on EVERY sestamibi scan she ever had (a total of 6 of them!)... but EVERY one was misread by the radiologist and none of the scans were seen by her surgeon. Thus, her surgeon operated on her neck... and had ZERO chances of finding the tumor because it was not in her neck. 7 hours of operating and they took out her NORMAL thyroid gland since they couldn't find the parathyroid tumor. Then she had several MRI scans, CT scans, angiography, and venous sampling. These tests are dumb and NOBODY should have these tests. Pick your surgeon wisely and this nonsense should not happen to you! We operate on tumors in the chest every week. Most had an unnecessary operation prior to coming to us. Don't let your local general surgeon operate on your parathyroid glands!).

Patient: P.R. Denver, Colorado. Registered Nurse.
Kelly: I cannot thank you enough for your professional and efficient assistance that allowed me to have a tumor removed from my neck in 14 minutes. I am grateful for the well done parathyroid Website that put me in touch with Dr Norman, who is obviously, the best at what he does in the world. You and Dr Norman are to be complimented on having a smooth running system so well coordinated to offer your patients the most pleasant and positive outcome possible. As previously discussed, I would be happy to speak with any potential patients about my experience. You may share with them my email address.

Patient: J.P. Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Norman, Your peanut butter cookies will be on their way to you tomorrow. I am doing great following my 11 minute parathyroid operation! We all were amazed of the way we were treated by your personnel and you. I think the health providers up north need some lessons on how to treat patients. Hope you enjoy the cookies, we love you!

Patient: IH. 84 Years Old. Two Previous Failed Parathyroid Operations.
I am a 84 year old female. For approximately the last twenty years I have been in treatment with a world renowned endocrinologist at New York's Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia-Cornell Universities. She has been monitoring my bone density and above normal calcium levels. In 2002 at her recommendation, I was operated on for removal of the diseased parathyroid gland that was causing the high calcium levels in my blood by a top rated surgeon at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Unfortunately after a four hour operation he was not successful in locating or removing the parathyroid tumor, as he explained, it must be in my chest and he did not want to open my sternum to find it due to my advanced age and that I lead a very active and sporty life. Since my blood calcium levels were slowly rising to between 12 and 13, my endocrinologist was searching for a new surgeon in this field somewhere in New York for a repeat operation, the 2002 surgeon having passed away in the interim. She found a reputably top surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York. With him I had my second unsuccessful operation in 2006 which also lasted over 4 hours. The surgeon asserted that since he did not find the bad gland in the neck, it must be in the chest behind the sternum, which he did not want to open because of the difficulty of this procedure and recovery required for an 83 year old patient. For me his decision to not open my chest was in retrospect very fortunate. After this operation my endocrinologist was unable to suggest other remedies for my dangerous calcium condition, except to suggest to stay away from milk, cheese, yogurt and other high calcium foods. I'm quite unhappy with her that she did not try harder. Why do they think the best doctors are all in New York? If a doctor is not in New York they can't be an expert?

My husband was unhappy with this answer and started searching on his own. This led him to the website of Dr. James Norman at Tampa General Hospital who claimed that when other surgeons were unsuccessful in finding and removing diseased parathyroid glands he had a 99% plus success rate. My husband contacted him and in October 2007. PRIOR to operating, Dr Norman reviewed all my scans and said that the previous doctors had misread the x-rays and that the tumor was in my neck in a very typical location and that he could remove it in less than 20 minutes. Dr. Norman operated on me and found the bad gland within four minutes in my upper neck, not my chest. The whole operation took just 16 minutes. My neck incision was only 1" and was closed with a band-aid. I was discharged from the hospital by noontime the same morning. Now my latest blood calcium levels are normal and I feel fine. My children say I act like a new person. Dr Norman has saved my life, and made my doctors up here in NY look like beginners. He knows more about this disease than all the doctors I have ever seen combined.

Patient: C.S. Brusnwick, New Jersey. Operating Room Nurse.
Dr. Norman, I want to thank you for making my surgery on July 8th such a wonderful experience. Working in the operating room every day at a large hospital allows me to appreciate the good surgeons from the bad. And the great ones from the good ones. If only the rest of the patients out there knew what us operating room nurses know! Now I know why you operate on so many nurses (at least one per day!)... because we understand that not all doctors are good, and few are great. You are great, and everything about the entire experience was great. Keep up the great work, and take care of yourself ! We need you to live a long time!

Patient: N.M. West Palm Beach, Florida.
I never knew I had a parathyroid problem because you don't feel calcium being leached out of your bones or kidney stones forming, but after reading about bones, stones, groans and moans that are a part of hyperparathyroidism I realized what caused my past kidney stone attacks and my osteoporosis and my stomach problems. I was told I had a high calcium level by my family doctor and that is how we found it. I had a friend who had been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and was just going to Dr Norman the following week. I was anxious to see how she did and she described it as "incredibly simple, just as he says on his web site". So I had my operation and all went perfect. My operation took 15 min and I went home in 1 hour. I was fine after - no pain at all. Keep Reading!!!

I was going on a trip to Europe the week following my parathyroid operation and right before I left (It was on a Sat night at dinner time) I got a little concerned because I had a lump under my incision. It didn't hurt but I could feel it when I put my hand there. I called Dr Norman's private number and apologized for calling at dinner on a Sat. but he was so kind, and said that was why he gives people his number. He assured me that it was just swelling and would go away in about a week so off I went to Europe and he was correct. I never had a problem and it disappeared quickly.

While on the cruise, I still had a little redness by my 1 inch scar and even though my friends said you could not notice the scar - it wasn't even a week old - someone came up and asked if I had just had a parathyroid operation. I said yes and she said she would never had noticed but that she had had the same operation. She had had hers done in Tampa by Dr. Norman. Here we were in Spain and we both had the same Doctor! Her scar was completely gone and we couldn't even find it.

While I was waiting in the hospital in Tampa for my turn - I was number 10 for the day and had it done before noon... I was talking to other patients who were waiting for their turn to be cured. One girl who was scheduled right before me had come from Indiana and had had the operation done in Indiana previously and they didn't cure her. It was a 5 hour operation and she had a 5 inch scar and had been in the hospital 3 days and they didn't get it out. (Couldn't find it). She went to another doctor and had another operation with another 5 inch scar and again was in the hospital 3 days and again they didn't get it. Then she heard about this doctor in Tampa (Dr. Norman) and came down to Florida. He did the operation in 12 minutes and with a 1 inch scar and got it. I saw it that day with my own eyes. I am so glad I heard about him and that I lived close enough that I didn't give it a second thought about going to Tampa (I only live 250 miles away in West Palm Beach... and all the endocrinologists here send their parathyroid patients to Tampa). Another patient that day was from California and a couple of them were from New York and Texas.

I talked with my family doctor about Dr Norman and he said, "he is the guru". I was sure that since he was so well known and was the "guru" that he might be all business with no bedside manner but both he and Dr. Politz talk to you before surgery and they have the best bedside manner ever. I know this is not important if they do the job but it is very nice as a bonus. As you can see, I'm very pleased with the whole thing and my calcium level is normal now. I feel great, and am so glad I had this done.

Patient: L.G. Tampa, FL. Yoga Teacher
Dear Dr. Norman: Yesterday I burst into tears (of joy) in the shower because, for the first time in more than three years, a handful of hair did NOT fall out when I shampooed! I’d been complaining of hair loss for years but was told by my doctor that it was probably because of stress and aging. I now know that it was just one of the symptoms caused by the parathyroid adenoma which you so skillfully removed from my neck on November 6, 2006.

Let me state for anyone reading this that I was NEVER officially diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism by my internist. He mentioned it as a possibility, but also said my repeated elevated calcium levels were really "not that high". When my parathyroid hormone level tested in the normal range, he suggested we wait six weeks and run the blood work again.

Meanwhile, I was miserable. I had terrible acid reflux which had caused hoarseness and a constant cough, and I was on two Prilosec pills a day. I had been suffering with bouts of burning diarrhea for about three months. I had been diagnosed with osteopenia six years earlier at the age of 53 (even though I was on HRT, teach aerobics and yoga, and have always been very active). And I had also been treated for depression, taking Lexapro for about a year.

If it weren’t for the Internet I would still be in that state! Fortunately, when I Googled “parathyroid” your website popped up – and I read every word. I also watched the video of you performing the MIRP procedure, which put me in awe of your skill. When I discovered that you practice right here in Tampa – well, you cannot imagine my excitement. Your office is less than 15 minutes from my home! It seemed too good to be true.

Everything I learned from your website – and from your prompt replies to my e-mailed questions – made me feel more and more confident that my health problems stemmed from a parathyroid adenoma. You won my heart by being so responsive to my e-mails. Of course, I did check your credentials (it seemed a little weird to find a surgeon on the internet). My husband is a professor at USF and we know several USF med school faculty members who confirmed that “you are the man” when it comes to parathyroid surgery. So when my internist still balked at the idea of me having surgery, I referred myself. I sent copies of all my blood tests and DEXA scans to Jayme at your office, and I met with Dr. Politz who confirmed the diagnosis. Still, right up to the surgery I was not convinced that I really had a parathyroid tumor. What a relief when you said you could see the tumor on the scan!!

I was your 10th patient that day and didn’t go in for the surgery until 1:30. Still, I was back home again by dinnertime – a little groggy from anesthesia but feeling no significant pain; just some discomfort and a mild sore throat. I took the next day off and indulged myself in TV and lots of ice cream. The following day I went back to teaching yoga – much to the amazement of my students.

Your practice is designed to make this entire process simple and pleasant (as much as surgery can be). I felt so well cared for the entire time. Your team at TGH is great – from providing cozy, warm blankets to their upbeat positive attitude.

It’s been two weeks since the surgery and I am simply astounded by the difference in my life. The acid reflux went away immediately and so did the diarrhea. My lower legs no longer ache in the morning. I feel more optimistic and happy than I have in years. And – wonder of wonders – the hair loss seems to have stopped.

Truly, you have changed my life – just as you have for thousands of others with this condition. I only wish more general practitioners and internists understood that, as you repeated to me several times, “high calcium is never normal” and you don’t have to have an elevated PTH to have a problem.

Patient: H.H. Highland Beach, Florida. Real Estate Broker
Dear Dr. Norman, It's been only 2 months since my parathyroid surgery and gratefully, I can see that everything you said would happen is coming to pass. I feel so much better that I just cannot understand how my other doctors could let me suffer as I did for the past 5 years. They said my calcium was high, but "not high enough" to undergo surgery. Of course you have seen thousands of times more patients with this disease than they have, and you told me that the level of the calcium does not correlate with how much symptoms a patient can have. Now I understand! I'm a new person! Words cannot adequately express my thanks to you and your wonderful staff for your outstanding skills and true caring manner. Just imagine, it took you only 13 minutes to perform my operation and you left a 3/4 inch scar that we can't even find.... when other surgeons told me it would take them 3 to 5 hours, or more, and leave a 3 to 5 inch scar... and they said there was a 5% chance, or more, that they couldn't find the tumor. You are truly a miracle worker. Now I understand why so many people travel

Read what parathyroid patients from around the US say about their parathyroid disease and their experience at the Norman Parathyroid Clinic. Each of these patients had parathyroid surgery performed by Dr. Norman. Updated: January 04, 2009

Read what parathyroid patients from around the US say about their parathyroid disease and their experience at the Norman Parathyroid Clinic. Each of these patients had parathyroid surgery performed by Dr. Norman.
Updated: January 04, 2009