I’m finally learning that pushing past my limits has lasting effects
The truth is that respecting my limitations is necessary for my health
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The 2026 International Hypoparathyroidism Conference wrapped on Sept. 21. I attended virtually and spent three days hearing about current clinical trials, new standards of care, and the prototype for a home-use calcium tester by Tralyte Health. It was wonderful to have so much information at my fingertips, and I’m very thankful that the Hypoparathyroidism Association continues to host these conferences annually. The experience did, however, force me to face my new limitations head-on.
I’ve been taking notes to share with the community since 2020, which was born out of my own desperation after the Natpara (recombinant human parathyroid hormone) recall in 2019. I wanted to get as much information as possible out to other patients, our loved ones, and my doctors in hopes it would make a difference. At the time, the conference focused on protocols for people who had to transition off Natpara, the most up-to-date guidelines for using an osteoporosis drug called Forteo (teriparatide) off-label, and current practices for conventional therapy, which included calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, often known by its brand name Rocaltrol) and calcium. The stakes back then felt extremely high.
This year’s conference was a very different story. I celebrated the six workshops centered on investigational drugs, several of which shared clinical trial data. This number is unbelievable, because I didn’t have any treatment options for over half of my diagnosis.
While the conference is incredible, it’s not always easily accessible. Cost, internet availability, technical difficulties, and travel burdens for in-person attendance can be prohibitive. I knew that several hypoparathyroidism friends in other countries, busy parents, people in the hospital, and observers of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur would be unable to attend this year. So, despite my recent difficulty managing my pain levels due to a flare-up of myofascial pain syndrome, I volunteered to continue taking notes to help bridge the gap between those who could attend and those who couldn’t.
It wasn’t until two weeks before the conference that I realized I had no idea how I was going to physically do what I’d planned. I hadn’t been able to type with a computer keyboard in months.
I admitted to a dear friend that I was panicking. I love doing this service for the community, but how could I record the information without typing? It was difficult to dictate notes while watching a live video.
My friend reminded me that this was something I had volunteered to do. It wasn’t required, and I wasn’t getting paid. Yes, it was a community service, but since the most turbulent times had passed now that a treatment, Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide), was available, maybe I should take a break, at least until I healed. What was the worst that could happen?
When she had initially said this, I’d brushed it off. This was something I loved doing, and it could impact people’s health if I didn’t, right? So I convinced myself I had to do it.
My stubbornness won out, and I attended the conference and took notes with my phone, both through dictation and typing. There were 17 virtual sessions scheduled over three days, not including awards, the keynote speech, and other in-person-only breakout sessions and activities. I committed to attend only half, in hopes it would help limit my symptoms.
When I posted the last of my notes on Sunday afternoon, my pain was so high that I was nauseated. I’d overdone it, despite my best efforts. For the first time, I truly asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I listened to my body more and my sense of obligation less?”
In the instance of note-taking, stopping wouldn’t mean the information wasn’t available. It also wouldn’t mean I’d stop sharing updates through my columns. Several sessions had been recorded and would be posted on the Hypoparathyroidism Association’s website over the next few months. No notes might be an inconvenience, but without lasting effects.
But pushing past my limits? That had lasting effects.
Was my health less important than other people’s convenience? Obviously not. So why did I treat it like it was? It was an eye-opening realization for me.
Looking back over the last 10 months of pain and incapacitation painted a clear picture that honoring my limitations was a need, not a want. I hope that by next year’s conference my pain levels are far more stable and this isn’t even a debate. In the meantime, I’m going to try to keep challenging myself to put my health first, even in situations where I struggle to do so, in hopes of healing faster.
Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is a strictly 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.
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