From a thyroid storm, to life without a thyroid
25th May is International Thyroid Awareness Day. Karen is undertaking a fundraising challenge riding 25km with a butterfly theme! Support Karen's butterfly bike ride.
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.
Karen's Butterfly Bike Ride
On 25 May, Karen will be doing a 25km bike ride to raise much-needed funds for The Thyroid Trust - it would be amazing if you could help support our work by sponsoring Karen. And keep your eyes peeled for a butterfly theme to her ride - to be revealed!
Find our more about International Thyroid Awareness Day and Week and discover more ways you can get involved.
