Symptoms

Low calcium (hypocalcaemia) after surgery presents with 

• tingling and numbness of fingers and toes 

• tingling and numbness around the mouth

• muscle cramps

 

Hypocalcaemia is treated with calcium replacement tablets. If you develop tingling in the fingertips, toes, or lips, your calcium maybe low. 

 

Standard Post-operative Calcium Management

• Caltrate (600 mg)        2 tablets twice daily

• Calcitriol (0.25 mcg)    1 tablet twice daily

2 week course is supplied

Do not continue longer unless advised by surgical team

Note that this dose may differ based on your risk of developing low calcium levels – the surgical team will advise you

 

What to do if you develop symptoms

• Firstly, go to a Pathwest and have your blood tests done with the forms provided to you

• Then, take two Voost Calcium tablets in water after the bloods tests are completed and if the symptoms persist

  • Take two Voost tablet every hour thereafter until the symptoms resolve 

  • Symptoms should improve within 1-2 hours.

  • Continue taking your caltrate and calcitriol tablets as prescribed

 

• If symptoms do not resolve after 3-4 hours - 

 

• During hours (0800-1600 hrs Mon-Thu)

  • Call my Wexford rooms on 9310 7878 for advise

  • If my Wexford rooms are uncontactable, present to Emergency Dept or your GP

 

• After hours (1600-0800 Mon-Fri or Weekend)

  • Present to  Emergency Dept or GP