Dinushka wants to thank Australia's plasma donors

Sometimes, life throws a curveball at you. Such was the case with Dinushka, who thought the body pain she had was, though uncomfortable, ultimately harmless. Little did she know, this was the start of a series of unforeseen events.

“Over the course of a weekend, I had some body aches and decided to take some over-the-counter pain relief, and a few days later I had an adverse reaction to it. My skin started burning from the inside out," said Dinushka

After a few days in hospital, Dinushka was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes which causes an adverse reaction to medication.

“I was told I most likely wouldn't survive it".

Her infection was so severe that the doctors called her parents in from overseas to be by her side, hoping for the best but not knowing what to expect. They walked straight past her in the ICU, not recognising the woman bandaged from head to toe.

While there is currently no cure for Stevens-Johnson syndrome, the only treatment is to give a patient the antibodies they need to fight the infection.

Australia is one of the world's largest users of plasma medicines, with thousands of people relying on Lifeblood to supply the plasma which treats life-threatening conditions every day. It’s a game-changer that can treat more than 50 serious medical conditions. The immunoglobulin that Dinushka received is just one way it can make a difference.

“I received plasma donations during my treatment. I was wrapped up in bandages to keep my wounds from getting infected, and the immunoglobulin (Ig) basically saved my life".

It takes an incredible 15 donations to make some plasma medicines such as Ig.

Almost ten years later, Dinushka can live her life, as a cheerful young woman and she is grateful to all the donors who made this possible.

 Want to help more people in more ways, more often? Book in a plasma donation today.