Major winner and golf broadcaster Karen Stupples opens up about her terrifying and painful year

For Karen Stupples, the onset of Graves’ Disease in early 2023 was a nightmarish experience. It began with a hand tremor, followed by a shakiness in her legs and a nervousness and weakness throughout her body. Even her speech seemed to speed up. After a week of having a resting heart rate of 150, Stupples sought answers at the hospital. Initially misdiagnosed as diabetic, it was later discovered that she had Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. With the help of medication, she was able to continue her career in golf broadcasting. However, during a visit to Arizona, Stupples experienced another episode and was diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease. With an increased dosage of medication, she and her partner drove back home to Florida. Stupples described the early days with the disease as feeling like her life was ending.

In her search for hope, Stupples reached out to Pat Bradley, a professional golfer who had also been diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. Bradley had initially believed she was having a nervous breakdown and experienced physical symptoms such as hair loss and loss of strength. Bradley’s story provided comfort to Stupples, who felt fearful about her own future. Determined to regain her health, Stupples found a surgeon in Tampa who specialized in thyroid diseases and underwent thyroid removal surgery. The procedure posed risks to her voice but ultimately improved her overall well-being. Stupples then focused on saving her vision, as Thyroid Eye Disease can cause various eye problems. She found a specialist and underwent treatment, despite potential side effects.

After receiving medication to save her sight, Stupples began to feel more like herself again. She was able to resume her work as an on-course reporter and received support and understanding from her colleagues. Throughout her journey, Stupples kept some of her struggles hidden from her partner to spare him from worry. Unfortunately, during this time, her mother passed away while Stupples was preparing to attend the U.S. Women’s Open. Stupples rushed to her mother’s side, determined to be there for her until the end. She described her mother as loving and always willing to go above and beyond for her children. Despite the pain and loss she experienced, Stupples continued to persevere, with the support of her friend and colleague Angela Stanford.

Overall, Stupples faced many challenges while battling Graves’ Disease and its complications. However, through determination and the support of loved ones, she was able to continue her career and find hope for the future.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.