Friday, 11 January 2008200801110500
Teen hit by disease despite vaccinationLia McRae knows exactly what she wants from 2008 - to be healthier than she was in 2007.
And a new kidney would help.
The 17-year-old almost died in August with meningococcal disease. She had been fully vaccinated through the meningococcal B vaccination programme, but still caught the strain targeted by the vaccine.
She and her family still believe the vaccine is worthwhile, saying it offers better protection than nothing.
Though Lia survived, her kidneys are permanently damaged and she has to travel from her home in Masterton to Wellington Hospital at least twice a week to have dialysis.
Her stepfather, Sean McRae, is hoping to donate one of his kidneys.
So far, he appears to be a good match, but there are still a few hurdles to clear.
Besides blood and tissue typing tests, potential donors have to have several tests, including X-rays and an electrocardiogram.
Though dialysis keeps Lia alive, it is far from easy. Like many people, she over-indulged on Christmas Day - eating "too much food" and a bit more alcohol than she is used to.
Two days later, she became sick during treatment.
"I just got real bad cramps in my legs ... I started vomiting and got headaches and couldn't understand what people were saying.
"It could be just anything ... but it was probably more likely just everything at Christmas."
After her near-death experience last year, the student plans not to "stress so much about things" this year.
"Just to be a bit more healthy than I was last year ... I'm just going to focus on what's best for me."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4350649a11.html
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