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: August 15, 2008

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.

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).

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.

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."

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: 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.

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: 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: 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.

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").

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!

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!

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.

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 to 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!!!

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.

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 so far to have you work your miracle. I wish I could make my dumb doctors understand!  I'm working on it, as I sing your praises to anybody who will listen.

Patient: HS. Wayne, New Jersey.
I recently had parathyroid surgery performed by Dr Norman. It was like night and day from my surgery last year...yes, I had a local general surgeon operate on me last year and he did NOT remove the bad parathyroid gland. I thought he was good because of recommendations from my endocrinologist. But I was nervous and this doctor seemed high and mighty and so did his staff. I thought he probably knew his stuff and I should go ahead with the surgery. I had to stay in the hospital overnight. I had a large scar. I couldn't go to work or do anything for a week. He was angry when I had an emergency and called his answering service. I felt like an invalid. And then I was afraid to do anything active afterwards for fear that my incision would open. In the weeks and months following, I still felt the same. My blood work and bone density did not get better--my calcium and PTH were exactly the same. My doctors said they did not know what I should do. That is when I contacted Dr Norman, and made up my mind to go to Florida. Well, meeting Dr Norman and Kelly was great!! They treated me like a human being. My scans turned out to show the last surgeon took out the wrong parathyroid (he took out a normal parathyroid because he couldn't find the parathyroid tumor). Dr Norman did the new surgery and not only took out the correct parathyroid but fixed my scar. The first (failed) operation took 3.5  hours and I had to spend the night in the hospital. Dr Norman did the re-operation in 19 minutes (including fixing my scar) and I went home 1 hour later. Dr Norman, Kelly, and the hospital were wonderful!! I went home feeling fine and not afraid to do anything. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! Thank you Dr Norman.

Patient: D.H. Austin Texas.  State Senator.
Thank you Doctor! How do I get back the past 10 years of my life that I missed--now that I have some idea of what I missed?? I feel so much better at 50 that I wonder what I would have felt like at 40 if I didn't have a "high calcium that isn't a big deal"...?  Believe me, my doctor know knows that it was a big deal and I've made sure he will NEVER make that mistake again with any other parathyroid patient. I have given him a big chunk of my anger and have educated (informed) him that he is responsible for me feeling bad for all these years. He now knows it takes only about 15 minutes to cure a parathyroid problem, and that hyperparathyroidism IS a problem. He now knows you don't have to have a calcium near 12 to have severe symptoms. WOW, did I give him an ear full! Thanks again for changing my life, and for what you do day after day!

Patient: M.P. 82 Years Old. Dallas, Texas.
I had surgery 10/14/2003 with you... but this letter is about my mom who had parathyroid surgery with you 7/25/2006. She is getting stronger every day. She is so thankful. She felt better immediately after the operation, so there was no surgical recovery time!! My Dad needs the Energy Prescription, as you suggested, to keep up with her!!

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