Patient Story: Kimberly Dorris

By Laura Townsend

Graves’ Disease Diagnosis Empowers Patient to Lead Foundation

Every year, millions of people go to the doctor for routine physicals and blood work, but for Kimberly Dorris, one year was different. In July 2007 Kimberly was told that she had hyperthyroidism, a condition where the body produces too much thyroid hormone. She was referred to an Endocrinologist who conducted additional testing. In October, after that round of testing concluded, Kimberly learned that she has a type of autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Normally, the body’s immune system protects us from invaders such as bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In Graves’ disease, the targets include the thyroid gland (causing hyperthyroidism), the fat and muscle surrounding the eyes, and the skin on the front of the shin. “The thyroid is an innocent bystander in Graves’ disease. It is the most common target,” says Kimberly.

After her diagnosis, Kimberly began researching Graves’ disease and absorbing information so she could educate herself about her health. Looking back, Kimberly says she knew something was wrong, but she dismissed the symptoms. She thought too much caffeine caused the hand tremors in the mornings and the insomnia and weight loss were results of stress. “I didn’t do a good job of listening to my body,” Kimberly explains. After educating herself about Graves’ disease and consulting with her Endocrinologist, Kimberly had to decide which treatment option was best for her. She had three options: anti-thyroid medication that interferes with the thyroid gland’s ability to use iodine to produce thyroid hormone, radioactive iodine treatment to destroy the thyroid gland, or thyroidectomy, which is surgery to remove the thyroid. Kimberly chose the first option.

Four years later Kimberly is still on a low dose of anti-thyroid medicine. “Anti-Thyroid Drugs are commonly prescribed for a period of only 12-18 months to see if the patient is able to enter remission,” Kimberly says. “I’m not in remission, but I’m not yet ready to pursue a permanent treatment option. My levels are ‘normal’, and I have not experienced any negative side effects from the medication.” All three treatment options have risks and benefits. The correct treatment plan should be discussed between you and your Endocrinologist and not every person’s treatment plan is the same.

In 2008, Kimberly began attending conferences hosted by the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation. In 2010, she started an Arizona support group for patients with Graves’ and other thyroid-related disorders. In 2011, Kimberly became the Executive Director of the foundation. The foundation provides Graves’ and thyroid patients with online resources, ways to connect with other people affected by Graves’ disease, and a support system of team members to answer questions.

If you would like to learn more about the Graves ’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation please visit www.ngdf.org or call toll-free at 877-643-3123.