From a thyroid storm, to life without a thyroid
Karen's story
In 2009 I became very unwell due to what I now know was a Thyroid Storm. A Thyroid Storm is a life-threatening medical condition associated with untreated hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid). I was admitted to hospital and spent a week on an emergency medical ward where I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, an auto-immune disease and a major cause of hyperthyroidism. After a year of treatment, I was told that I had no option but to have surgery to remove my thyroid and so I had a Total Thyroidectomy - on 25 May 2010.
Like many people I knew nothing about the thyroid gland, what it does or how important it is. The thyroid is our engine, it drives our metabolism and effects every cell in the body. I have found living a healthy and normal life without a thyroid is very difficult. There is no cure for Graves Disease and, as I no longer have a thyroid, I will be on medication for the rest of my life.
The Thyroid Trust has been an invaluable source of support, information and friendship during what has been a very difficult time for me. The support group meetings in central London provide a great opportunity to meet others with thyroid disease and share knowledge and experiences - the highs and the lows. The Trust is a new and very small charity - it relies solely on donations to be able to continue its fantastic work.
Like many people I knew nothing about the thyroid gland, what it does or how important it is. The thyroid is our engine, it drives our metabolism and effects every cell in the body. I have found living a healthy and normal life without a thyroid is very difficult. There is no cure for Graves Disease and, as I no longer have a thyroid, I will be on medication for the rest of my life.
The Thyroid Trust has been an invaluable source of support, information and friendship during what has been a very difficult time for me. The support group meetings in central London provide a great opportunity to meet others with thyroid disease and share knowledge and experiences - the highs and the lows. The Trust is a new and very small charity - it relies solely on donations to be able to continue its fantastic work.
24 Questions with Karen
Karen was interviewed for our TTT 24 Questions video series in November 2020. The video is now available to view on our youtube channel.
Karen's Butterfly Bike Ride
International Thyroid Awareness Week is 17 - 25th May 2025 this year, with World Thyroid Day on 25th May. IN 2020 Karen undertook a 25km butterfly themed bike ride to raise much-needed funds for The Thyroid Trust! An absolute star, with brilliant support from her family and friends she raised a fantastic £240! Thank you Karen!
Find out more about International Thyroid Awareness Day and Week and discover more ways you can get involved.
