Every month, Kathryn Banks relies on the plasma donations of 200 strangers to help her manage a rare neurological auto-immune condition. Without the generously donated blood products, the Taranaki teacher’s quality of life would rapidly deteriorate.
“Because of these donors, I can carry on with my life. I’m not bedridden or in a wheelchair, and I can still contribute to my family and education,” says Kathryn, 59, who lives with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
CIDP is a disorder where the body attacks the protective layer around the nerves, causing progressive muscle loss, function and sensation. There is no known cure and limited treatment options.
It was five years ago when the mother-of-two first noticed numbness and tingling in her hands that wouldn’t go away. Her GP suspected it was carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist, and Kathryn underwent three unsuccessful surgeries to try to relieve the symptoms.
Medical professionals were confused why nothing was working, until a throwaway comment prompted them to do more tests. “I jokingly asked if you can get carpal tunnel in your feet because I had some numbness there too,” recalls Kathryn.
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