A mum-of-two has thanked donors for saving her life after she was diagnosed with an immune system disorder.

Denise Dowsing, from Maidstone, was hospitalised seven times and lost her sense of taste and smell – but had no idea why.

The 42-year-old, who works with disabled young people, started to become unwell during her late 20s.

Over 10 years she had various illnesses, including repeated chest infections, cases of pneumonia and pleurisy – a painful lung inflammation.

Some escalated into serious conditions and Denise was hospitalised seven times.

“The worst case was in around 2015 or 2016, when I spent two weeks in hospital,” she said.

“It was just horrible – the pain in my chest and back was excruciating. Every time I breathed in I felt a sharp pain.”

She added: “My quality of life deteriorated rapidly. I was catching everything going around.

“It was very scary because I didn’t know what was happening. I just felt like one day the pneumonia would get hold of me and I wouldn’t survive.”

Denise went to her local GP in November 2016 with another infection after feeling very ill.

“I had been to the doctors repeatedly over a number of years and felt I was being treated like a hypochondriac, but I demanded to be referred for tests,” she explained.

“What was happening to me wasn't normal and I knew there was something more to it.”

After a number of blood tests, the mum-of-two was diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).

It is a disorder that causes the body to have low levels of protective antibodies and increases the risk of infections.

CVID affects approximately one in 30,000 people and can be genetic, caused by a virus, or have no known cause.

Denise said it was a “massive relief” to finally find out.

“I was like at last now we know, but also bittersweet because of all the years I had to go through all the illnesses,” she said.

“What was happening to me wasn't normal and I knew there was something more to it.”

In January 2017, the mum-of-two began treatment with immunoglobulin – antibodies made from donated plasma.

Every three weeks Denise gets IV infusions at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London which are delivered by a nurse. They take around two and a half hours to complete.

She said: “Immunoglobulin has changed my life – I think it has saved my life.

“Since starting on my infusions I have a lot more energy and my quality of life has improved dramatically.

“I still have ongoing problems with my lungs due to the repeated infections over the years, but this is being monitored.

“I'm just thankful to have my life back.”

The repeated infections have also affected her sinuses.

For around two years before her treatment began, Denise had not been able to smell or taste anything.

“When I was eating food it was just like I could feel the texture of the food – maybe even detect a bit of salty, or sweet – but no flavour,” she explained.

“I was trying stronger and stronger foods to taste something, like a strong curry, but it didn’t work. I just thought it would never come back.

“But then after I had my second round of IVIG at the Royal Brompton, I was walking back to the tube station and I was going past the bushes by people’s house, and it was a ‘wow’ moment.

“I just remember smelling the greenery and how nice it was. It was a sunny day and all the spring smells were coming out.

“I think the taste I most enjoyed coming back was coffee. I am a bit of a coffee snob and I just loved smelling freshly brewed coffee again.”

The NHS is facing a significant challenge to recruit enough new plasma donors, because many people don’t realise they are eligible to donate.

“I don’t think people realise the impact it has. Plasma donation has changed my life, it’s also saved my life.”

It is similar process to blood donation and takes about 35 minutes. If you want to find out more, click here.

The donors have been able to provide Denise with the immune protection she can’t give herself.

“I think it’s amazing, I am really proud of anyone that does it and thankful to them,” she added.

“I don’t think people realise the impact it has. Plasma donation has changed my life, it’s also saved my life.”