With hypopara, the good days are won one yard at a time

“And isn’t it ironic? Don’t you think?” — “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette

With hypoparathyroidism, every good day is a triumph over bad days. But that doesn’t mean the good days come easy.

I spent a recent day with a friend in New York watching the San Francisco 49ers emerge victorious over the New York Giants, with running back Christian McCaffrey fighting hard for each yard and setting new records.

The day was picture-perfect and the atmosphere was electric as we sat in the stands under bright, blue skies. I wore my new Off Season 49ers No. 44 vest, made by Kristin Juszczyk. I was all smiles in a fabulous outfit, but camouflaging my true feelings, nevertheless.

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During the game, I felt dizzy, lightheaded, and confused. The next day, I was back home in Florida where I embarked on a week of visits to the laboratory and doctors to figure out what was causing these new and unfamiliar symptoms.

Bari Vapnek is all smiles during an NFL game that saw her San Francisco 49ers defeat the Giants in New York. (Courtesy of Bari Vapnek)

The worst one came after the game: brain fog like nothing I’d ever experienced before.

Brain fog is a common symptom of hypoparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone. This can also result in muscle cramps, tingling in the hands and feet, and seizures. I usually snap out of brain fog in a few minutes, but this time it took hours to feel like myself again.

On Sunday, I couldn’t even remember how to log into Hypoparathyroidism News to submit my column. I was scared, and the frustration and fear overwhelmed me. I feared I was losing control of my mind.

I called my mom and sister. They said I was slurring my words and told me to call my doctor, who assured me I would be OK, and advised me where to go if the symptoms worsened.

I spent a fun day with a special friend. The 49ers won. I was able to turn my column in. I made it home. The brain fog lifted. And my family members’ support and quick thinking reminded me of the importance of a strong support system.

The joy of a good day resonates far longer than the challenges of a bad day, a testament to the resilience that we can all cultivate within ourselves.

For me, McCaffrey’s achievements are a source of inspiration, a reminder that, with the right mindset, I can push harder, achieve more, spread my wings of hope, and overcome my own challenges — one yard at a time.

Adversity is an opportunity for greatness, and life is too short to be anything but great.

Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.