Plasma exchange therapy (plasmapheresis) changed everything for Nina – a multi-Walkley Award-winning journalist, author, and one of Australia’s leading advocates for sexual assault survivors. Her journey from surviving trauma to battling a rare autoimmune disease shows the life-saving power of compassionate care and advanced treatment.
At 23, Nina survived a horrific sexual assault near her home. She received support through the Sexual Assault Service at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) and struggled with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When male DNA evidence obtained from Nina could not be linked to any known attacker, she channelled her trauma into purpose and became a powerful advocate for survivors and driving widespread change across Australia.
A New Battle: Autoimmune Disease
Years later, at 35, she faced another devastating challenge. While expecting her first child, she began experiencing severe pains in her hands and feet. Initially dismissed as hormonal, her condition deteriorated until she lost the ability to walk when she was eight months pregnant.
After giving birth, the pain became unbearable. Nina recalls it “like acid pouring on my feet” and “a swarm of bees with no relief.” Opiates dulled the symptoms while Nina endured many scans, tests and misdiagnoses for almost a year, no clear cause emerged.
That changed when Nina was referred to neurologist Dr Christina Liang at RNSH. After a comprehensive consultation, Dr Liang diagnosed her with an autoimmune mixed small and large-fibre neuropathy associated with the trisulfated heparin disaccharide (TS-HDS) antibody – a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, which can lead to symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, weakness and reduced mobility.
For Nina, finally having a diagnosis was like a gift, and Dr Liang gave her a strategy on how to deal with it.
Plasma Exchange: A Lifeline
“Nina began plasma exchange therapy, at the apheresis unit, a dedicated part of the Haematology and Transfusion Medine at RNSH,” said Dr Liang. “The treatment selectively removes substances in the blood that are associated with disease, preventing further damage and allowing a chance for the nerves to recover.”
For Nina, the results have been life changing. Not just for her, but for her family and the survivors she continues to support. Thanks to monthly plasma exchanges, she can walk again, be an active mum, and return to work in a limited capacity. While she can’t work at the same pace as before, she has regained a significant quality of life and reconnected with her passion.
Nina credits the success of her treatment to the dedicated apheresis team at RNSH, describing them as compassionate and exceptional at explaining every step of her care. She is deeply grateful for Australia’s healthcare system and for the plasma donors whose generosity made her recovery possible.
“When you’re living with a chronic condition you feel vulnerable and isolated,” explains Nina. “A caring team that demystifies the process is priceless and you go from feeling overwhelmed and helpless to feeling supported, hopeful and reconnected with community.”
For over a decade, Nina has worked at the forefront of advocacy, often sitting beside survivors in court – bearing witness to decisions beyond their control. She believes that there might be a connection between trauma and the immune system, especially for women. In her case, the trigger for her condition might be her own PTSD and the relentless stress she carried supporting others through court proceedings.
It’s been four years since her plasma exchange therapy began and Nina is focused on maintaining her health and living well while supporting sexual assault survivors as best she can.
Plasma Exchange Therapy Changes Lives
Plasma-driven therapies are critical for patients like Nina. Every plasma donation provides essential antibodies that help restore balance to the immune system and give hope.
Your support ensures that patients with rare autoimmune conditions receive timely diagnosis, advanced treatment and compassionate care, helping more patients reclaim their lives.
Donate today to ensure patients have access to advanced haematology and apheresis treatment at Royal North Shore Hospital.
