Non-Cancer terminal illness that can affect young (age 10-13) girls?Does anyone know of a poison that can be...

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Non-Cancer terminal illness that can affect young (age 10-13) girls?


Does anyone know of a poison that can be ingested and is undetectable in autopsy?What is an illness that would prevent someone from eating for several days?I need a poison that in low dose will paralyze temporarily, in high dose will killAny poisons that mimic Syphilis?Why do we keep smoking in distant future?Any poisons that mimic Syphilis?Healing/Surgery by teleport













26












$begingroup$


One of my major characters is between the ages of 10-13. She is supposed to be terminally ill and she's supposed to die at some point during the story (while still within that age range). The problem is, I'm struggling to find a terminal illness that would afflict someone this young that meet my necessary conditions:




  1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age. (Preferably by 9, or with at least 2 years before it kills her, meaning 12 at the latest.)

  2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life. (Clarification: It should be common enough for people to start dying from it by 14, even if it isn't guaranteed. If it can reasonably kill her by around 10, that'd be better, but I get if that's not a thing.)

  3. It is NOT cancer.

  4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.

  5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)

  6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.

  7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.


While I could just default and use cancer, I have personal reasons why I can't do that. While I could go with a generic nameless cough, (especially since I don't plan on name-dropping the disease,) I'd rather use something specific to base my character's actions and interactions around.



The affliction can be as common or as rare as necessary. It just needs to be something that fits the desired criteria as well as possible. The best answer will fit all of the criteria. A good answer will fit most criteria. Even if I don't select your answer as the best answer, it's only because it wasn't the best for me, but it may be the best answer for somebody with slightly looser or slightly different criteria.



My question is: What diseases are terminal that can affect/kill girls of this age range and start having an effect earlier on in their lives without being guaranteed that their sisters will have it too?



World background: Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech.



If there are other things I need to list for this to be on-topic, please let me know and I will edit to reflect that.





Modeled after similar, but different questions:




  • What is an illness that would prevent someone from eating for several days?

  • I need a poison that in low dose will paralyze temporarily, in high dose will kill

  • Any poisons that mimic Syphilis?

  • Does anyone know of a poison that can be ingested and is undetectable in autopsy?


I include this because people have V2C'd this because "this question does not appear to be about worldbuilding as defined in the help center." I get that and that's why I asked that if this wasn't on-topic, to let me know what I need to include so that it is. There is a strong precedence for "Worldbuilding our real world" questions, though, with these being the questions that most closely resemble my own. There are many, many others that don't resemble my question, but are the same concept of "What in our world does this?" without stooping to disingenuous posturing. A lot of people forget that our world is so wide and varied that itself seems like fiction more often than not. Just because it exists in the real world, that doesn't mean that it doesn't need built up for people who don't know or understand. If you have a complaint with a question and feel like it should be V2C'd, please share why so the author can have an opportunity to fix whatever you feel may be broken.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 8




    $begingroup$
    Wikipedia has a list of incurable diseases...
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    2 days ago






  • 6




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't inherently terminal, and I need her to die young, as grim as it is to say.
    $endgroup$
    – Sora Tamashii
    2 days ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't necessarily terminal, but terminal is necessarily incurable. So the list, if complete, which it most likely isn't, because Wikipedia, must include what you seek; traverse the list and select a suitable entry.
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    yesterday








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    +1 simply for not handwaving the illness and committing to specializing.
    $endgroup$
    – Blue Caboose
    yesterday






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    @tom and why always build worlds that are nice. This one isn't. Hardships create good stories.
    $endgroup$
    – Christian
    yesterday
















26












$begingroup$


One of my major characters is between the ages of 10-13. She is supposed to be terminally ill and she's supposed to die at some point during the story (while still within that age range). The problem is, I'm struggling to find a terminal illness that would afflict someone this young that meet my necessary conditions:




  1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age. (Preferably by 9, or with at least 2 years before it kills her, meaning 12 at the latest.)

  2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life. (Clarification: It should be common enough for people to start dying from it by 14, even if it isn't guaranteed. If it can reasonably kill her by around 10, that'd be better, but I get if that's not a thing.)

  3. It is NOT cancer.

  4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.

  5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)

  6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.

  7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.


While I could just default and use cancer, I have personal reasons why I can't do that. While I could go with a generic nameless cough, (especially since I don't plan on name-dropping the disease,) I'd rather use something specific to base my character's actions and interactions around.



The affliction can be as common or as rare as necessary. It just needs to be something that fits the desired criteria as well as possible. The best answer will fit all of the criteria. A good answer will fit most criteria. Even if I don't select your answer as the best answer, it's only because it wasn't the best for me, but it may be the best answer for somebody with slightly looser or slightly different criteria.



My question is: What diseases are terminal that can affect/kill girls of this age range and start having an effect earlier on in their lives without being guaranteed that their sisters will have it too?



World background: Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech.



If there are other things I need to list for this to be on-topic, please let me know and I will edit to reflect that.





Modeled after similar, but different questions:




  • What is an illness that would prevent someone from eating for several days?

  • I need a poison that in low dose will paralyze temporarily, in high dose will kill

  • Any poisons that mimic Syphilis?

  • Does anyone know of a poison that can be ingested and is undetectable in autopsy?


I include this because people have V2C'd this because "this question does not appear to be about worldbuilding as defined in the help center." I get that and that's why I asked that if this wasn't on-topic, to let me know what I need to include so that it is. There is a strong precedence for "Worldbuilding our real world" questions, though, with these being the questions that most closely resemble my own. There are many, many others that don't resemble my question, but are the same concept of "What in our world does this?" without stooping to disingenuous posturing. A lot of people forget that our world is so wide and varied that itself seems like fiction more often than not. Just because it exists in the real world, that doesn't mean that it doesn't need built up for people who don't know or understand. If you have a complaint with a question and feel like it should be V2C'd, please share why so the author can have an opportunity to fix whatever you feel may be broken.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 8




    $begingroup$
    Wikipedia has a list of incurable diseases...
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    2 days ago






  • 6




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't inherently terminal, and I need her to die young, as grim as it is to say.
    $endgroup$
    – Sora Tamashii
    2 days ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't necessarily terminal, but terminal is necessarily incurable. So the list, if complete, which it most likely isn't, because Wikipedia, must include what you seek; traverse the list and select a suitable entry.
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    yesterday








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    +1 simply for not handwaving the illness and committing to specializing.
    $endgroup$
    – Blue Caboose
    yesterday






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    @tom and why always build worlds that are nice. This one isn't. Hardships create good stories.
    $endgroup$
    – Christian
    yesterday














26












26








26


4



$begingroup$


One of my major characters is between the ages of 10-13. She is supposed to be terminally ill and she's supposed to die at some point during the story (while still within that age range). The problem is, I'm struggling to find a terminal illness that would afflict someone this young that meet my necessary conditions:




  1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age. (Preferably by 9, or with at least 2 years before it kills her, meaning 12 at the latest.)

  2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life. (Clarification: It should be common enough for people to start dying from it by 14, even if it isn't guaranteed. If it can reasonably kill her by around 10, that'd be better, but I get if that's not a thing.)

  3. It is NOT cancer.

  4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.

  5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)

  6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.

  7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.


While I could just default and use cancer, I have personal reasons why I can't do that. While I could go with a generic nameless cough, (especially since I don't plan on name-dropping the disease,) I'd rather use something specific to base my character's actions and interactions around.



The affliction can be as common or as rare as necessary. It just needs to be something that fits the desired criteria as well as possible. The best answer will fit all of the criteria. A good answer will fit most criteria. Even if I don't select your answer as the best answer, it's only because it wasn't the best for me, but it may be the best answer for somebody with slightly looser or slightly different criteria.



My question is: What diseases are terminal that can affect/kill girls of this age range and start having an effect earlier on in their lives without being guaranteed that their sisters will have it too?



World background: Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech.



If there are other things I need to list for this to be on-topic, please let me know and I will edit to reflect that.





Modeled after similar, but different questions:




  • What is an illness that would prevent someone from eating for several days?

  • I need a poison that in low dose will paralyze temporarily, in high dose will kill

  • Any poisons that mimic Syphilis?

  • Does anyone know of a poison that can be ingested and is undetectable in autopsy?


I include this because people have V2C'd this because "this question does not appear to be about worldbuilding as defined in the help center." I get that and that's why I asked that if this wasn't on-topic, to let me know what I need to include so that it is. There is a strong precedence for "Worldbuilding our real world" questions, though, with these being the questions that most closely resemble my own. There are many, many others that don't resemble my question, but are the same concept of "What in our world does this?" without stooping to disingenuous posturing. A lot of people forget that our world is so wide and varied that itself seems like fiction more often than not. Just because it exists in the real world, that doesn't mean that it doesn't need built up for people who don't know or understand. If you have a complaint with a question and feel like it should be V2C'd, please share why so the author can have an opportunity to fix whatever you feel may be broken.










share|improve this question











$endgroup$




One of my major characters is between the ages of 10-13. She is supposed to be terminally ill and she's supposed to die at some point during the story (while still within that age range). The problem is, I'm struggling to find a terminal illness that would afflict someone this young that meet my necessary conditions:




  1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age. (Preferably by 9, or with at least 2 years before it kills her, meaning 12 at the latest.)

  2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life. (Clarification: It should be common enough for people to start dying from it by 14, even if it isn't guaranteed. If it can reasonably kill her by around 10, that'd be better, but I get if that's not a thing.)

  3. It is NOT cancer.

  4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.

  5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)

  6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.

  7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.


While I could just default and use cancer, I have personal reasons why I can't do that. While I could go with a generic nameless cough, (especially since I don't plan on name-dropping the disease,) I'd rather use something specific to base my character's actions and interactions around.



The affliction can be as common or as rare as necessary. It just needs to be something that fits the desired criteria as well as possible. The best answer will fit all of the criteria. A good answer will fit most criteria. Even if I don't select your answer as the best answer, it's only because it wasn't the best for me, but it may be the best answer for somebody with slightly looser or slightly different criteria.



My question is: What diseases are terminal that can affect/kill girls of this age range and start having an effect earlier on in their lives without being guaranteed that their sisters will have it too?



World background: Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech.



If there are other things I need to list for this to be on-topic, please let me know and I will edit to reflect that.





Modeled after similar, but different questions:




  • What is an illness that would prevent someone from eating for several days?

  • I need a poison that in low dose will paralyze temporarily, in high dose will kill

  • Any poisons that mimic Syphilis?

  • Does anyone know of a poison that can be ingested and is undetectable in autopsy?


I include this because people have V2C'd this because "this question does not appear to be about worldbuilding as defined in the help center." I get that and that's why I asked that if this wasn't on-topic, to let me know what I need to include so that it is. There is a strong precedence for "Worldbuilding our real world" questions, though, with these being the questions that most closely resemble my own. There are many, many others that don't resemble my question, but are the same concept of "What in our world does this?" without stooping to disingenuous posturing. A lot of people forget that our world is so wide and varied that itself seems like fiction more often than not. Just because it exists in the real world, that doesn't mean that it doesn't need built up for people who don't know or understand. If you have a complaint with a question and feel like it should be V2C'd, please share why so the author can have an opportunity to fix whatever you feel may be broken.







medical health






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 23 hours ago







Sora Tamashii

















asked 2 days ago









Sora TamashiiSora Tamashii

1,386329




1,386329








  • 8




    $begingroup$
    Wikipedia has a list of incurable diseases...
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    2 days ago






  • 6




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't inherently terminal, and I need her to die young, as grim as it is to say.
    $endgroup$
    – Sora Tamashii
    2 days ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't necessarily terminal, but terminal is necessarily incurable. So the list, if complete, which it most likely isn't, because Wikipedia, must include what you seek; traverse the list and select a suitable entry.
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    yesterday








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    +1 simply for not handwaving the illness and committing to specializing.
    $endgroup$
    – Blue Caboose
    yesterday






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    @tom and why always build worlds that are nice. This one isn't. Hardships create good stories.
    $endgroup$
    – Christian
    yesterday














  • 8




    $begingroup$
    Wikipedia has a list of incurable diseases...
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    2 days ago






  • 6




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't inherently terminal, and I need her to die young, as grim as it is to say.
    $endgroup$
    – Sora Tamashii
    2 days ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Incurable isn't necessarily terminal, but terminal is necessarily incurable. So the list, if complete, which it most likely isn't, because Wikipedia, must include what you seek; traverse the list and select a suitable entry.
    $endgroup$
    – AlexP
    yesterday








  • 4




    $begingroup$
    +1 simply for not handwaving the illness and committing to specializing.
    $endgroup$
    – Blue Caboose
    yesterday






  • 3




    $begingroup$
    @tom and why always build worlds that are nice. This one isn't. Hardships create good stories.
    $endgroup$
    – Christian
    yesterday








8




8




$begingroup$
Wikipedia has a list of incurable diseases...
$endgroup$
– AlexP
2 days ago




$begingroup$
Wikipedia has a list of incurable diseases...
$endgroup$
– AlexP
2 days ago




6




6




$begingroup$
Incurable isn't inherently terminal, and I need her to die young, as grim as it is to say.
$endgroup$
– Sora Tamashii
2 days ago




$begingroup$
Incurable isn't inherently terminal, and I need her to die young, as grim as it is to say.
$endgroup$
– Sora Tamashii
2 days ago




2




2




$begingroup$
Incurable isn't necessarily terminal, but terminal is necessarily incurable. So the list, if complete, which it most likely isn't, because Wikipedia, must include what you seek; traverse the list and select a suitable entry.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
yesterday






$begingroup$
Incurable isn't necessarily terminal, but terminal is necessarily incurable. So the list, if complete, which it most likely isn't, because Wikipedia, must include what you seek; traverse the list and select a suitable entry.
$endgroup$
– AlexP
yesterday






4




4




$begingroup$
+1 simply for not handwaving the illness and committing to specializing.
$endgroup$
– Blue Caboose
yesterday




$begingroup$
+1 simply for not handwaving the illness and committing to specializing.
$endgroup$
– Blue Caboose
yesterday




3




3




$begingroup$
@tom and why always build worlds that are nice. This one isn't. Hardships create good stories.
$endgroup$
– Christian
yesterday




$begingroup$
@tom and why always build worlds that are nice. This one isn't. Hardships create good stories.
$endgroup$
– Christian
yesterday










15 Answers
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Congenital heart disease.



https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/congenital-heart-defects.aspx




Congenital means present at birth. Congenital heart defects are heart
conditions that a baby’s born with. These conditions can affect the
heart’s shape or how it works, or both.



Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects.
Birth defects are health conditions that a baby’s born with that
change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They
can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or in how
the body works.




Congenital heart disease lends itself to a story because the children are cognitively normal, not contagious, not doomed like someone with cancer but limited for cardiopulmonary reasons. They can be maintained with surgery and medical care but many die young - in childhood or young adulthood. Some can be cured with a heart transplant but even if that is a possibility for your character, transplant recipients still have issues and of course can also have issues from the immunosuppression required to keep the transplant.



If you leave it at that - girl tends to be blue, out of breath, sickly, born that way - that would suffice for a story. If you need to get into the weeds read more on Tetrology of Fallot. It is one of several congenital cardiac syndromes that could work for you.






share|improve this answer









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  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
    $endgroup$
    – Quasi_Stomach
    yesterday






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    $begingroup$
    aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
    $endgroup$
    – ratchet freak
    yesterday



















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Cystic fibrosis



Despite the name, the problem there is you produce much thicker body fluids than normal. The largest problem is mucus, which can coat the linings of the lungs, thus causing problems like lung infections, which often require long hospital stays to fix. It's often caught in infanthood, but there's no way to treat the underlying problem, so you treat the symptoms. Some cases do manifest outwardly (and subtly), but many do not.



As to it being an inheritable trait, it's quite possible that she got unlucky in the gene pool




Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations -- one copy from each parent -- to have cystic fibrosis.




Her sisters are healthy because they got one good gene (they are still carriers of the bad one, though).



This fits your story well, because she could seem to be holding up fairly well, and then abruptly take a turn for the worse and die from a lung infection.






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  • 1




    $begingroup$
    As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
    $endgroup$
    – Captain Man
    yesterday










  • $begingroup$
    It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
    $endgroup$
    – Mark
    yesterday






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    CF rarely kills people by 16.
    $endgroup$
    – forest
    yesterday






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    @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
    $endgroup$
    – forest
    yesterday








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
    $endgroup$
    – Sora Tamashii
    23 hours ago





















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Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease



While the more common infantile form is typically lethal before the age of 4, the much rarer juvenile version will see your unfortunate girl dead anywhere between ages 5 and 15. This disease is caused by a mutation that prevents cells from breaking down a certain waste molecule. This molecule continues to build up inside cells over a period of years until it reaches toxic levels and begins killing neurons. Like the more common infantile form, it is invariably fatal.




It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




The onset typically occurs between ages 2 and 6.




Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life.




She will likely die a preteen or young teenager, depending on how severe the case is. Treatment is entirely supportive, easing the symptoms (cognitive and motor skill deterioration, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and spasticity) but incapable of prolonging life.




It is NOT cancer.




Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease is a mutation in the beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme. This enzyme typically breaks down a waste molecule called GM2 ganglioside. As people afflicted with this disorder are incapable of breaking down this ganglioside, it builds up to toxic levels in cells over a period of years.




Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.




As treatment is supportive, frequent hospital visits are likely.




Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)




The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is a mutation on the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. Note that it is possible for a dominant-allele to appear spontaneously in someone with no family history of the disease due to random mutations. It would not be impossible to have a fatal illness caused by a dominant mutation while having perfectly healthy sisters.




Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




The disease primarily affects the nervous system.






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  • 2




    $begingroup$
    It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
    $endgroup$
    – Mason Wheeler
    18 hours ago






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
    $endgroup$
    – forest
    11 hours ago



















10












$begingroup$

You could go with a variant of the Rett Complex syndromes. It is a rare (1:10000) genetic condition which is usually acquired "de novo" (i.e. with both parents healthy), only fully understood twenty years ago, which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases).



This link describes the most common and severe forms of RCS.



Some milder forms allow normal development up to a certain age (6-10 years), but have secondary cardiac involvement. As a result, the victim may experience fainting and/or seizures (which would lead to her condition being discovered), or sudden death due to cardiac arrest (triggered by physical effort, emotional stress, or idiopathic). The heart itself is healthy, so transplant is not an option.



Due to the variability of the disease, it could be plausible for a victim to show few symptoms (hand wringing, slight unsteadiness when walking, mild speech impairment, restlessness) and need nothing else except for a non-periodical SSRI course (anywhere up to two weeks' hospitalization and home follow-up).



Symptoms are progressive, and a mild form might look to a life expectancy in the forties; there would be no reason to be certain of death before age 14 (unless the form was more severe, but in that case you'd be looking at heavier development anomalies - microcephaly, etc.).






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$









  • 4




    $begingroup$
    "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
    $endgroup$
    – Orangesandlemons
    yesterday










  • $begingroup$
    You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
    $endgroup$
    – Cyn
    yesterday



















6












$begingroup$

On a historical note, tuberculosis used to kill a broad range of ages, and can take years to kill. In this case, you need only specify that this is a new strain, and one which is resistant to all current antibiotics. Which is not at all a far-fetched assertion, since strains exist which are, in fact, resistant to the major antibiotics. Google on "drug resistant tuberculosis".






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$









  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
    $endgroup$
    – Mark
    yesterday










  • $begingroup$
    @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
    $endgroup$
    – WhatRoughBeast
    yesterday






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
    $endgroup$
    – Mark
    yesterday










  • $begingroup$
    It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
    $endgroup$
    – Ben Barden
    23 hours ago



















6












$begingroup$

Depression



With the onset of puberty, she goes into a deep depression and starts to cut herself, and eventually succeeds in her own suicide.




  1. Puberty can start as early as 7 years, but most commonly around 11 for girls.

  2. Suicide is fatal, so if the depression causes it, then this is satisfied.

  3. Non-Cancer

  4. Attempted suicide will leave her hospitalized, and include time for psychiatric help.

  5. Depression can have a genetic component, but not always. So this is fine.

  6. As long as you don't count dark makeup and scars from self cutting, there are no physical deformities.






share|improve this answer









$endgroup$









  • 4




    $begingroup$
    Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
    $endgroup$
    – forest
    yesterday






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
    $endgroup$
    – elemtilas
    yesterday










  • $begingroup$
    It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
    $endgroup$
    – don bright
    13 hours ago












  • $begingroup$
    @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
    $endgroup$
    – Onyz
    1 hour ago



















5












$begingroup$

Kidney failure



This could be from ingesting some toxic substance, or through some developmental abnormality. There are inherited conditions which would cause this as well, but there are plenty of other possibilities.



Dialysis is required for any kind of medium-term survival. However it does not work forever. Eventually toxins will build up to damaging levels, and the patient dies. Or the patient develops sepsis or some other hospital-related bug and dies.



A kidney transplant will solve the problem. However there are many more patients needing transplants than there are matched donor organs. Sadly, many patients do die whilst waiting for a suitable donor organ.






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$endgroup$





















    2












    $begingroup$

    She got AIDS from her mother during her gestation. Her mother got infected after giving birth to her older sister, so the sister is not infected. Or alternatively she could have got it via a transfusion in very young age.



    Current medications of AIDS can improve life expectation, symptoms start showing from early period, however there is no cure yet.






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$









    • 9




      $begingroup$
      While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
      $endgroup$
      – Alexander
      yesterday










    • $begingroup$
      Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
      $endgroup$
      – Darrel Hoffman
      yesterday










    • $begingroup$
      This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
      $endgroup$
      – Konrad Rudolph
      22 hours ago





















    2












    $begingroup$

    One way to satisfy a lot of these conditions (especially #5) is to consider a condition that develops as a result of an injury. An injury doesn't have to leave any significant external marks, but can result in irreparable and critical damage to vital organs. This might have been caused by blunt force trauma, or being exposed to the shockwave of an explosion. Injuries can happen at any point in life, and are easy to apply to only the target character.



    You can tweak the details to fit whatever story elements you wish to have. As one example, extensive damage to the renal system will impact the body's ability to filter out toxins and can require treatments like dialysis to compensate. If the kidneys' functionality is intermittent or inconsistent, you can have sudden and unpredictable build-ups of toxins that themselves can cause side-effects requiring hospitalization. Dialysis may extend life for an unpredictable period of time but won't fix the problem. The patient needs a transplant but due to her injuries, she wouldn't survive transplant surgery (perhaps due to heart damage). Instead, her choice was to continue dialysis treatments and buy as much time as she can. Perhaps the rapid hormonal changes that occur during the onset of puberty exacerbate the problem and accelerate the body's decline. You can come up with your own details of course, since injuries don't necessarily have well-defined sets of symptoms or side-effects.






    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$





















      1












      $begingroup$

      Some Guy's Syndrome



      Some Guy's Syndrome, named after that famous guy, you know, that one, who got the disease and raised awareness some time ago. Some Guy's Syndrome is part of the great family of Plot Diseases, that covers a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from harmless to lethal.



      The effects of Some Guy's Syndrome are <insert plot-dictated effects here>. It is <viral/bacterial/genetic/magic> in nature, and is <somewhat/very/extremely/not at all> serious indeed.





      In other words, describe the effects you want, slap a name on it, and voilà. Unless there is a reason you want a real disease armchair doctors will tell you doesn't work the way you want.






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$









      • 1




        $begingroup$
        +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
        $endgroup$
        – elemtilas
        yesterday






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        no prion as an option? :-(
        $endgroup$
        – Orangesandlemons
        yesterday






      • 1




        $begingroup$
        @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
        $endgroup$
        – AmiralPatate
        yesterday



















      1












      $begingroup$

      Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)



      Unfortunately, this is a real thing. No magic, no sci-fi, no cure. It looks like it checks all the boxes, which is to say that it starts early, kills young, and overall sucks. It was the first thing that came to mind, although I could be biased by personal experiences.



      1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




      Muscle weakness can begin as early as age 3, first affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders, and later the skeletal (voluntary) muscles in the arms, legs and trunk. The calves often are enlarged. By the early teens, the heart and respiratory muscles also are affected.




      2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources.




      Thanks to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life expectancy is increasing and many young adults with DMD attend college, have careers, get married and have children. Survival into the early 30s is becoming more common, and there are cases of men living into their 40s and 50s.




      That is, even the best, latest medicine can only hope to make it longer. The average life expectancy is 26. As seen above, by the early teenage years your cardiopulmonary system is already compromised, and it kills in the early teenage years often enough.



      3. It is NOT cancer.



      It is not.



      4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.



      Depends mainly on the state of progression. If the lungs are severely compromised, assisted breathing is common. There's a higher than average risk of cardiomyopathy, which may necessitate surgery, etc.



      5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)




      DMD carriers are females who have a normal dystrophin gene on one X chromosome and an abnormal dystrophin gene on the other X chromosome. Most carriers of DMD do not themselves have signs and symptoms of the disease, but a minority do.




      It's rare, but possible, for a female to be affected by DMD, rather than just being a carrier. You say she has healthy sisters, so this fits perfectly with that. It would mean they are likely carriers (and should probably get tested to know for sure). Indeed, it especially fits because it's unexpected in females.



      6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.



      The main visible side effects are enlarged calves and curvature of the spine. They don't happen in all cases, though, and usually not until the later stages.



      7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.




      Sooner or later, a wheelchair is needed in DMD, typically by about age 12. Unless there's an injury, such as a broken leg, wheelchair use usually is gradual. Many at first use wheelchairs for long distances, such as at school or the mall, and continue to walk at home.




      Braces, standing frames, and wheelchairs are commonly used, but until the end stages, walking is encouraged because regular exercise helps keep the symptoms from progressing as quickly.





      The quoted information came from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and associated links from that page.






      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$





















        0












        $begingroup$

        Progeria could potentially work for you, although I realise the main downfall with this is that it has some outward/visible manifestations (stunted growth, alopecia, and a distinctive head shape). Having said that, it seems to tick your other boxes:



        Progeria is ‘premature aging’ - basically, it causes you to age at about eight times the rate of a normal human. Some people with progeria can live into their twenties, but most live only to late childhood/early teens. Wikipedia says “as there is no known cure, few people with progeria exceed 13 years of age”, which fits with the age you’re looking at for your character.



        It also doesn’t necessarily affect siblings - there are some very rare cases where siblings have progeria, but it generally develops during cell division in one of the parents’ gametes, or in the newly-conceived zygote, and thus won’t impact other births.



        Progeria is not cancer - and even though it can make it more likely that sufferers contract certain age-related conditions, it does not have a correlation with greater risk of cancer. (Things that are more likely include: atherosclerosis, loss of eyesight, wrinkled skin, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems).



        With all the inherent complications of the disorder, people with progeria can need to spend a lot of time in hospital. Progeria isn’t necessarily immediately noticeable, but becomes more impactful as times goes on - and would certainly be likely to have an effect by the age of 9 (and more likely by 18-24 months). However, this frequent hospitalisation wouldn’t necessarily mitigate activity - children with progeria can still be active. This may need to be less rough than for children without progeria, but swimming, walking around, bowling, etc. are certainly possible for those with progeria. The other thing with progeria is that those with the disorder do not suffer from any mental development deficiencies - on the whole, they are reported to have average to above-average intelligence, and thus can definitely take part in things on a level with those their own age, even if playing rugby might not be the most sensible option.






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$





















          -1












          $begingroup$

          Haemophilia may work. I think it hits all your points, however, I am not able to confirm if it fits 5 (although I think it does).



          Death could occur at puberty with the onset of menstruation.






          share|improve this answer








          New contributor




          evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.






          $endgroup$









          • 2




            $begingroup$
            Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday










          • $begingroup$
            Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
            $endgroup$
            – Konrad Rudolph
            22 hours ago





















          -1












          $begingroup$

          Polio comes to mind.



          I am pretty sure about points 1, 3, 4, 5



          Regarding point 2: People can survive Polio, yet I guess this depends on the available treatment.



          Regarding point 6: while deformations have been observed, complications vary for individuals





          1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.

          2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the
            latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that
            people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't
            guarantee a prolonged life.

          3. It is NOT cancer.

          4. Would leave her in the
            hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum)
            stays.

          5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it
            needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it.
            She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)

          6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




          Although not part of the required points, the original poster wants to avoid name-dropping the disease.



          A teen girl that suffers through phases of lethargy or even paralysis, is a strong indication of Polio, although I grant that in the modern western world many people might be too young to immedeately think of Polio, since this disease has been successfully eradicated.






          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$









          • 1




            $begingroup$
            Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday








          • 2




            $begingroup$
            Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday






          • 1




            $begingroup$
            The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
            $endgroup$
            – Dohn Joe
            yesterday










          • $begingroup$
            Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
            $endgroup$
            – Martin Bonner
            yesterday






          • 1




            $begingroup$
            For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
            $endgroup$
            – Dohn Joe
            yesterday



















          -1












          $begingroup$

          A real-world disease that almost meeds your requirements is Sickle-cell anaemia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle_cell_disease



          Average life expectancy for an affected female in the Western world is around 45, but lower if advanced medical care is not available. The disease causes a series of crises throughout life, any of which could prove fatal. It's caused by inheriting a recessive gene from both parents.



          It's rare for it to cause death before adulthood. It was not eliminated by evolution because inheriting the gene as a single copy conveys resistance to Malaria, and this advantage to the many outweighs the disadvantage to relatively few.



          You might tweak this disease into something fictional, or simply make your character exceptionally unlucky (if she has access to modern medicine, at least). Some research might uncover a combination of this with some other normally minor condition that together create an even worse prognosis. (The common other minor condition, is ageing).






          share|improve this answer









          $endgroup$













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            15 Answers
            15






            active

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            15 Answers
            15






            active

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            active

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            44












            $begingroup$

            Congenital heart disease.



            https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/congenital-heart-defects.aspx




            Congenital means present at birth. Congenital heart defects are heart
            conditions that a baby’s born with. These conditions can affect the
            heart’s shape or how it works, or both.



            Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects.
            Birth defects are health conditions that a baby’s born with that
            change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They
            can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or in how
            the body works.




            Congenital heart disease lends itself to a story because the children are cognitively normal, not contagious, not doomed like someone with cancer but limited for cardiopulmonary reasons. They can be maintained with surgery and medical care but many die young - in childhood or young adulthood. Some can be cured with a heart transplant but even if that is a possibility for your character, transplant recipients still have issues and of course can also have issues from the immunosuppression required to keep the transplant.



            If you leave it at that - girl tends to be blue, out of breath, sickly, born that way - that would suffice for a story. If you need to get into the weeds read more on Tetrology of Fallot. It is one of several congenital cardiac syndromes that could work for you.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
              $endgroup$
              – Quasi_Stomach
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
              $endgroup$
              – ratchet freak
              yesterday
















            44












            $begingroup$

            Congenital heart disease.



            https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/congenital-heart-defects.aspx




            Congenital means present at birth. Congenital heart defects are heart
            conditions that a baby’s born with. These conditions can affect the
            heart’s shape or how it works, or both.



            Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects.
            Birth defects are health conditions that a baby’s born with that
            change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They
            can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or in how
            the body works.




            Congenital heart disease lends itself to a story because the children are cognitively normal, not contagious, not doomed like someone with cancer but limited for cardiopulmonary reasons. They can be maintained with surgery and medical care but many die young - in childhood or young adulthood. Some can be cured with a heart transplant but even if that is a possibility for your character, transplant recipients still have issues and of course can also have issues from the immunosuppression required to keep the transplant.



            If you leave it at that - girl tends to be blue, out of breath, sickly, born that way - that would suffice for a story. If you need to get into the weeds read more on Tetrology of Fallot. It is one of several congenital cardiac syndromes that could work for you.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
              $endgroup$
              – Quasi_Stomach
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
              $endgroup$
              – ratchet freak
              yesterday














            44












            44








            44





            $begingroup$

            Congenital heart disease.



            https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/congenital-heart-defects.aspx




            Congenital means present at birth. Congenital heart defects are heart
            conditions that a baby’s born with. These conditions can affect the
            heart’s shape or how it works, or both.



            Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects.
            Birth defects are health conditions that a baby’s born with that
            change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They
            can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or in how
            the body works.




            Congenital heart disease lends itself to a story because the children are cognitively normal, not contagious, not doomed like someone with cancer but limited for cardiopulmonary reasons. They can be maintained with surgery and medical care but many die young - in childhood or young adulthood. Some can be cured with a heart transplant but even if that is a possibility for your character, transplant recipients still have issues and of course can also have issues from the immunosuppression required to keep the transplant.



            If you leave it at that - girl tends to be blue, out of breath, sickly, born that way - that would suffice for a story. If you need to get into the weeds read more on Tetrology of Fallot. It is one of several congenital cardiac syndromes that could work for you.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            Congenital heart disease.



            https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/congenital-heart-defects.aspx




            Congenital means present at birth. Congenital heart defects are heart
            conditions that a baby’s born with. These conditions can affect the
            heart’s shape or how it works, or both.



            Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects.
            Birth defects are health conditions that a baby’s born with that
            change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They
            can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or in how
            the body works.




            Congenital heart disease lends itself to a story because the children are cognitively normal, not contagious, not doomed like someone with cancer but limited for cardiopulmonary reasons. They can be maintained with surgery and medical care but many die young - in childhood or young adulthood. Some can be cured with a heart transplant but even if that is a possibility for your character, transplant recipients still have issues and of course can also have issues from the immunosuppression required to keep the transplant.



            If you leave it at that - girl tends to be blue, out of breath, sickly, born that way - that would suffice for a story. If you need to get into the weeds read more on Tetrology of Fallot. It is one of several congenital cardiac syndromes that could work for you.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 2 days ago









            WillkWillk

            109k26205458




            109k26205458








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
              $endgroup$
              – Quasi_Stomach
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
              $endgroup$
              – ratchet freak
              yesterday














            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
              $endgroup$
              – Quasi_Stomach
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
              $endgroup$
              – ratchet freak
              yesterday








            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
            $endgroup$
            – Quasi_Stomach
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            +1 and premature birth seems to be a common indicator of congenital heart defects
            $endgroup$
            – Quasi_Stomach
            yesterday




            2




            2




            $begingroup$
            aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
            $endgroup$
            – ratchet freak
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            aka the stereotypical "weak heart" you find in anime.
            $endgroup$
            – ratchet freak
            yesterday











            27












            $begingroup$

            Cystic fibrosis



            Despite the name, the problem there is you produce much thicker body fluids than normal. The largest problem is mucus, which can coat the linings of the lungs, thus causing problems like lung infections, which often require long hospital stays to fix. It's often caught in infanthood, but there's no way to treat the underlying problem, so you treat the symptoms. Some cases do manifest outwardly (and subtly), but many do not.



            As to it being an inheritable trait, it's quite possible that she got unlucky in the gene pool




            Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations -- one copy from each parent -- to have cystic fibrosis.




            Her sisters are healthy because they got one good gene (they are still carriers of the bad one, though).



            This fits your story well, because she could seem to be holding up fairly well, and then abruptly take a turn for the worse and die from a lung infection.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 1




              $begingroup$
              As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
              $endgroup$
              – Captain Man
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              CF rarely kills people by 16.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
              $endgroup$
              – Sora Tamashii
              23 hours ago


















            27












            $begingroup$

            Cystic fibrosis



            Despite the name, the problem there is you produce much thicker body fluids than normal. The largest problem is mucus, which can coat the linings of the lungs, thus causing problems like lung infections, which often require long hospital stays to fix. It's often caught in infanthood, but there's no way to treat the underlying problem, so you treat the symptoms. Some cases do manifest outwardly (and subtly), but many do not.



            As to it being an inheritable trait, it's quite possible that she got unlucky in the gene pool




            Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations -- one copy from each parent -- to have cystic fibrosis.




            Her sisters are healthy because they got one good gene (they are still carriers of the bad one, though).



            This fits your story well, because she could seem to be holding up fairly well, and then abruptly take a turn for the worse and die from a lung infection.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 1




              $begingroup$
              As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
              $endgroup$
              – Captain Man
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              CF rarely kills people by 16.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
              $endgroup$
              – Sora Tamashii
              23 hours ago
















            27












            27








            27





            $begingroup$

            Cystic fibrosis



            Despite the name, the problem there is you produce much thicker body fluids than normal. The largest problem is mucus, which can coat the linings of the lungs, thus causing problems like lung infections, which often require long hospital stays to fix. It's often caught in infanthood, but there's no way to treat the underlying problem, so you treat the symptoms. Some cases do manifest outwardly (and subtly), but many do not.



            As to it being an inheritable trait, it's quite possible that she got unlucky in the gene pool




            Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations -- one copy from each parent -- to have cystic fibrosis.




            Her sisters are healthy because they got one good gene (they are still carriers of the bad one, though).



            This fits your story well, because she could seem to be holding up fairly well, and then abruptly take a turn for the worse and die from a lung infection.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            Cystic fibrosis



            Despite the name, the problem there is you produce much thicker body fluids than normal. The largest problem is mucus, which can coat the linings of the lungs, thus causing problems like lung infections, which often require long hospital stays to fix. It's often caught in infanthood, but there's no way to treat the underlying problem, so you treat the symptoms. Some cases do manifest outwardly (and subtly), but many do not.



            As to it being an inheritable trait, it's quite possible that she got unlucky in the gene pool




            Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations -- one copy from each parent -- to have cystic fibrosis.




            Her sisters are healthy because they got one good gene (they are still carriers of the bad one, though).



            This fits your story well, because she could seem to be holding up fairly well, and then abruptly take a turn for the worse and die from a lung infection.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            MachavityMachavity

            895413




            895413








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
              $endgroup$
              – Captain Man
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              CF rarely kills people by 16.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
              $endgroup$
              – Sora Tamashii
              23 hours ago
















            • 1




              $begingroup$
              As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
              $endgroup$
              – Captain Man
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              CF rarely kills people by 16.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
              $endgroup$
              – Sora Tamashii
              23 hours ago










            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
            $endgroup$
            – Captain Man
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            As someone who knew a kid who passed away with this disease around 16 or so, this a good answer.
            $endgroup$
            – Captain Man
            yesterday












            $begingroup$
            It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            It's also possible that she got one copy of the bad gene from a parent and one from a spontaneous mutation.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday




            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            CF rarely kills people by 16.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            CF rarely kills people by 16.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            yesterday




            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            yesterday






            $begingroup$
            @DeNovo Sure, but it violates "14 years old at the latest" requirement. Additionally, medical treatment can (virtually) guarantee a prolonged life, even if it can't be cured.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            yesterday






            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
            $endgroup$
            – Sora Tamashii
            23 hours ago






            $begingroup$
            @forest Putting in a clarification. "14 years old at the latest" was to deter answers suggesting things that don't normally negatively-affect/kill people until much later in life, even if diagnosed as a child. Will edit Q to better reflect intent. I thought "Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life." would have sufficed, but I understand the confusion.
            $endgroup$
            – Sora Tamashii
            23 hours ago













            11












            $begingroup$

            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease



            While the more common infantile form is typically lethal before the age of 4, the much rarer juvenile version will see your unfortunate girl dead anywhere between ages 5 and 15. This disease is caused by a mutation that prevents cells from breaking down a certain waste molecule. This molecule continues to build up inside cells over a period of years until it reaches toxic levels and begins killing neurons. Like the more common infantile form, it is invariably fatal.




            It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




            The onset typically occurs between ages 2 and 6.




            Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life.




            She will likely die a preteen or young teenager, depending on how severe the case is. Treatment is entirely supportive, easing the symptoms (cognitive and motor skill deterioration, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and spasticity) but incapable of prolonging life.




            It is NOT cancer.




            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease is a mutation in the beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme. This enzyme typically breaks down a waste molecule called GM2 ganglioside. As people afflicted with this disorder are incapable of breaking down this ganglioside, it builds up to toxic levels in cells over a period of years.




            Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.




            As treatment is supportive, frequent hospital visits are likely.




            Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)




            The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is a mutation on the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. Note that it is possible for a dominant-allele to appear spontaneously in someone with no family history of the disease due to random mutations. It would not be impossible to have a fatal illness caused by a dominant mutation while having perfectly healthy sisters.




            Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




            The disease primarily affects the nervous system.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 2




              $begingroup$
              It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
              $endgroup$
              – Mason Wheeler
              18 hours ago






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              11 hours ago
















            11












            $begingroup$

            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease



            While the more common infantile form is typically lethal before the age of 4, the much rarer juvenile version will see your unfortunate girl dead anywhere between ages 5 and 15. This disease is caused by a mutation that prevents cells from breaking down a certain waste molecule. This molecule continues to build up inside cells over a period of years until it reaches toxic levels and begins killing neurons. Like the more common infantile form, it is invariably fatal.




            It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




            The onset typically occurs between ages 2 and 6.




            Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life.




            She will likely die a preteen or young teenager, depending on how severe the case is. Treatment is entirely supportive, easing the symptoms (cognitive and motor skill deterioration, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and spasticity) but incapable of prolonging life.




            It is NOT cancer.




            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease is a mutation in the beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme. This enzyme typically breaks down a waste molecule called GM2 ganglioside. As people afflicted with this disorder are incapable of breaking down this ganglioside, it builds up to toxic levels in cells over a period of years.




            Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.




            As treatment is supportive, frequent hospital visits are likely.




            Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)




            The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is a mutation on the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. Note that it is possible for a dominant-allele to appear spontaneously in someone with no family history of the disease due to random mutations. It would not be impossible to have a fatal illness caused by a dominant mutation while having perfectly healthy sisters.




            Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




            The disease primarily affects the nervous system.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 2




              $begingroup$
              It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
              $endgroup$
              – Mason Wheeler
              18 hours ago






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              11 hours ago














            11












            11








            11





            $begingroup$

            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease



            While the more common infantile form is typically lethal before the age of 4, the much rarer juvenile version will see your unfortunate girl dead anywhere between ages 5 and 15. This disease is caused by a mutation that prevents cells from breaking down a certain waste molecule. This molecule continues to build up inside cells over a period of years until it reaches toxic levels and begins killing neurons. Like the more common infantile form, it is invariably fatal.




            It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




            The onset typically occurs between ages 2 and 6.




            Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life.




            She will likely die a preteen or young teenager, depending on how severe the case is. Treatment is entirely supportive, easing the symptoms (cognitive and motor skill deterioration, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and spasticity) but incapable of prolonging life.




            It is NOT cancer.




            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease is a mutation in the beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme. This enzyme typically breaks down a waste molecule called GM2 ganglioside. As people afflicted with this disorder are incapable of breaking down this ganglioside, it builds up to toxic levels in cells over a period of years.




            Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.




            As treatment is supportive, frequent hospital visits are likely.




            Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)




            The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is a mutation on the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. Note that it is possible for a dominant-allele to appear spontaneously in someone with no family history of the disease due to random mutations. It would not be impossible to have a fatal illness caused by a dominant mutation while having perfectly healthy sisters.




            Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




            The disease primarily affects the nervous system.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease



            While the more common infantile form is typically lethal before the age of 4, the much rarer juvenile version will see your unfortunate girl dead anywhere between ages 5 and 15. This disease is caused by a mutation that prevents cells from breaking down a certain waste molecule. This molecule continues to build up inside cells over a period of years until it reaches toxic levels and begins killing neurons. Like the more common infantile form, it is invariably fatal.




            It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




            The onset typically occurs between ages 2 and 6.




            Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't guarantee a prolonged life.




            She will likely die a preteen or young teenager, depending on how severe the case is. Treatment is entirely supportive, easing the symptoms (cognitive and motor skill deterioration, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and spasticity) but incapable of prolonging life.




            It is NOT cancer.




            Juvenile Tay–Sachs disease is a mutation in the beta-hexosaminidase A enzyme. This enzyme typically breaks down a waste molecule called GM2 ganglioside. As people afflicted with this disorder are incapable of breaking down this ganglioside, it builds up to toxic levels in cells over a period of years.




            Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.




            As treatment is supportive, frequent hospital visits are likely.




            Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)




            The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is a mutation on the HEXA gene on chromosome 15. Note that it is possible for a dominant-allele to appear spontaneously in someone with no family history of the disease due to random mutations. It would not be impossible to have a fatal illness caused by a dominant mutation while having perfectly healthy sisters.




            Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




            The disease primarily affects the nervous system.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            forestforest

            1,042319




            1,042319








            • 2




              $begingroup$
              It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
              $endgroup$
              – Mason Wheeler
              18 hours ago






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              11 hours ago














            • 2




              $begingroup$
              It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
              $endgroup$
              – Mason Wheeler
              18 hours ago






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              11 hours ago








            2




            2




            $begingroup$
            It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
            $endgroup$
            – Mason Wheeler
            18 hours ago




            $begingroup$
            It's worth noting that this would implies a certain ancestry for the character. Tay-sachs is a very localized genetic disorder only found in a few specific populations, most commonly Ashkenazi Jews. If the character isn't a member of one of these populations, they would almost certainly not have it.
            $endgroup$
            – Mason Wheeler
            18 hours ago




            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            11 hours ago




            $begingroup$
            @MasonWheeler It's true that it would be significantly less likely, but it's already an extremely rare disease.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            11 hours ago











            10












            $begingroup$

            You could go with a variant of the Rett Complex syndromes. It is a rare (1:10000) genetic condition which is usually acquired "de novo" (i.e. with both parents healthy), only fully understood twenty years ago, which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases).



            This link describes the most common and severe forms of RCS.



            Some milder forms allow normal development up to a certain age (6-10 years), but have secondary cardiac involvement. As a result, the victim may experience fainting and/or seizures (which would lead to her condition being discovered), or sudden death due to cardiac arrest (triggered by physical effort, emotional stress, or idiopathic). The heart itself is healthy, so transplant is not an option.



            Due to the variability of the disease, it could be plausible for a victim to show few symptoms (hand wringing, slight unsteadiness when walking, mild speech impairment, restlessness) and need nothing else except for a non-periodical SSRI course (anywhere up to two weeks' hospitalization and home follow-up).



            Symptoms are progressive, and a mild form might look to a life expectancy in the forties; there would be no reason to be certain of death before age 14 (unless the form was more severe, but in that case you'd be looking at heavier development anomalies - microcephaly, etc.).






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 4




              $begingroup$
              "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
              $endgroup$
              – Orangesandlemons
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
              $endgroup$
              – Cyn
              yesterday
















            10












            $begingroup$

            You could go with a variant of the Rett Complex syndromes. It is a rare (1:10000) genetic condition which is usually acquired "de novo" (i.e. with both parents healthy), only fully understood twenty years ago, which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases).



            This link describes the most common and severe forms of RCS.



            Some milder forms allow normal development up to a certain age (6-10 years), but have secondary cardiac involvement. As a result, the victim may experience fainting and/or seizures (which would lead to her condition being discovered), or sudden death due to cardiac arrest (triggered by physical effort, emotional stress, or idiopathic). The heart itself is healthy, so transplant is not an option.



            Due to the variability of the disease, it could be plausible for a victim to show few symptoms (hand wringing, slight unsteadiness when walking, mild speech impairment, restlessness) and need nothing else except for a non-periodical SSRI course (anywhere up to two weeks' hospitalization and home follow-up).



            Symptoms are progressive, and a mild form might look to a life expectancy in the forties; there would be no reason to be certain of death before age 14 (unless the form was more severe, but in that case you'd be looking at heavier development anomalies - microcephaly, etc.).






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 4




              $begingroup$
              "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
              $endgroup$
              – Orangesandlemons
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
              $endgroup$
              – Cyn
              yesterday














            10












            10








            10





            $begingroup$

            You could go with a variant of the Rett Complex syndromes. It is a rare (1:10000) genetic condition which is usually acquired "de novo" (i.e. with both parents healthy), only fully understood twenty years ago, which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases).



            This link describes the most common and severe forms of RCS.



            Some milder forms allow normal development up to a certain age (6-10 years), but have secondary cardiac involvement. As a result, the victim may experience fainting and/or seizures (which would lead to her condition being discovered), or sudden death due to cardiac arrest (triggered by physical effort, emotional stress, or idiopathic). The heart itself is healthy, so transplant is not an option.



            Due to the variability of the disease, it could be plausible for a victim to show few symptoms (hand wringing, slight unsteadiness when walking, mild speech impairment, restlessness) and need nothing else except for a non-periodical SSRI course (anywhere up to two weeks' hospitalization and home follow-up).



            Symptoms are progressive, and a mild form might look to a life expectancy in the forties; there would be no reason to be certain of death before age 14 (unless the form was more severe, but in that case you'd be looking at heavier development anomalies - microcephaly, etc.).






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            You could go with a variant of the Rett Complex syndromes. It is a rare (1:10000) genetic condition which is usually acquired "de novo" (i.e. with both parents healthy), only fully understood twenty years ago, which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases).



            This link describes the most common and severe forms of RCS.



            Some milder forms allow normal development up to a certain age (6-10 years), but have secondary cardiac involvement. As a result, the victim may experience fainting and/or seizures (which would lead to her condition being discovered), or sudden death due to cardiac arrest (triggered by physical effort, emotional stress, or idiopathic). The heart itself is healthy, so transplant is not an option.



            Due to the variability of the disease, it could be plausible for a victim to show few symptoms (hand wringing, slight unsteadiness when walking, mild speech impairment, restlessness) and need nothing else except for a non-periodical SSRI course (anywhere up to two weeks' hospitalization and home follow-up).



            Symptoms are progressive, and a mild form might look to a life expectancy in the forties; there would be no reason to be certain of death before age 14 (unless the form was more severe, but in that case you'd be looking at heavier development anomalies - microcephaly, etc.).







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            LSerniLSerni

            27.7k24888




            27.7k24888








            • 4




              $begingroup$
              "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
              $endgroup$
              – Orangesandlemons
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
              $endgroup$
              – Cyn
              yesterday














            • 4




              $begingroup$
              "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
              $endgroup$
              – Orangesandlemons
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
              $endgroup$
              – Cyn
              yesterday








            4




            4




            $begingroup$
            "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
            $endgroup$
            – Orangesandlemons
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            "which mainly affects females (males die shortly after birth except in rare cases)." Not a criticism, as I know exactly what you meant (as well as the context), but this phrasing did make me laugh :)
            $endgroup$
            – Orangesandlemons
            yesterday












            $begingroup$
            You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
            $endgroup$
            – Cyn
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            You beat me to it. Retts is a horrible disease. I've only seen severe cases where the girls lost cognitive abilities, couldn't talk anymore, couldn't do basic things.
            $endgroup$
            – Cyn
            yesterday











            6












            $begingroup$

            On a historical note, tuberculosis used to kill a broad range of ages, and can take years to kill. In this case, you need only specify that this is a new strain, and one which is resistant to all current antibiotics. Which is not at all a far-fetched assertion, since strains exist which are, in fact, resistant to the major antibiotics. Google on "drug resistant tuberculosis".






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
              $endgroup$
              – WhatRoughBeast
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
              $endgroup$
              – Ben Barden
              23 hours ago
















            6












            $begingroup$

            On a historical note, tuberculosis used to kill a broad range of ages, and can take years to kill. In this case, you need only specify that this is a new strain, and one which is resistant to all current antibiotics. Which is not at all a far-fetched assertion, since strains exist which are, in fact, resistant to the major antibiotics. Google on "drug resistant tuberculosis".






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
              $endgroup$
              – WhatRoughBeast
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
              $endgroup$
              – Ben Barden
              23 hours ago














            6












            6








            6





            $begingroup$

            On a historical note, tuberculosis used to kill a broad range of ages, and can take years to kill. In this case, you need only specify that this is a new strain, and one which is resistant to all current antibiotics. Which is not at all a far-fetched assertion, since strains exist which are, in fact, resistant to the major antibiotics. Google on "drug resistant tuberculosis".






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            On a historical note, tuberculosis used to kill a broad range of ages, and can take years to kill. In this case, you need only specify that this is a new strain, and one which is resistant to all current antibiotics. Which is not at all a far-fetched assertion, since strains exist which are, in fact, resistant to the major antibiotics. Google on "drug resistant tuberculosis".







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            WhatRoughBeastWhatRoughBeast

            23.2k23280




            23.2k23280








            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
              $endgroup$
              – WhatRoughBeast
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
              $endgroup$
              – Ben Barden
              23 hours ago














            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
              $endgroup$
              – WhatRoughBeast
              yesterday






            • 2




              $begingroup$
              Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
              $endgroup$
              – Mark
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
              $endgroup$
              – Ben Barden
              23 hours ago








            4




            4




            $begingroup$
            Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            Unfortunately, if you don't name-drop it, tuberculosis is the "generic nameless cough" that the OP wants to avoid.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday












            $begingroup$
            @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
            $endgroup$
            – WhatRoughBeast
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            @Mark - Prolonged, helpless spasms of coughing which bring up blood are not, as far as I know, referred to as "generic nameless cough".
            $endgroup$
            – WhatRoughBeast
            yesterday




            2




            2




            $begingroup$
            Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            Only if you describe the symptoms with great accuracy. If you don't, you get Victorian Novel Disease.
            $endgroup$
            – Mark
            yesterday












            $begingroup$
            It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
            $endgroup$
            – Ben Barden
            23 hours ago




            $begingroup$
            It's notable that the OP is obviously creating an example of the Ill Girl trope, which pretty much grew out of the Victorian Novel Disease version of TB. If they wanted TB, they knew where to find it.
            $endgroup$
            – Ben Barden
            23 hours ago











            6












            $begingroup$

            Depression



            With the onset of puberty, she goes into a deep depression and starts to cut herself, and eventually succeeds in her own suicide.




            1. Puberty can start as early as 7 years, but most commonly around 11 for girls.

            2. Suicide is fatal, so if the depression causes it, then this is satisfied.

            3. Non-Cancer

            4. Attempted suicide will leave her hospitalized, and include time for psychiatric help.

            5. Depression can have a genetic component, but not always. So this is fine.

            6. As long as you don't count dark makeup and scars from self cutting, there are no physical deformities.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
              $endgroup$
              – elemtilas
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
              $endgroup$
              – don bright
              13 hours ago












            • $begingroup$
              @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
              $endgroup$
              – Onyz
              1 hour ago
















            6












            $begingroup$

            Depression



            With the onset of puberty, she goes into a deep depression and starts to cut herself, and eventually succeeds in her own suicide.




            1. Puberty can start as early as 7 years, but most commonly around 11 for girls.

            2. Suicide is fatal, so if the depression causes it, then this is satisfied.

            3. Non-Cancer

            4. Attempted suicide will leave her hospitalized, and include time for psychiatric help.

            5. Depression can have a genetic component, but not always. So this is fine.

            6. As long as you don't count dark makeup and scars from self cutting, there are no physical deformities.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$









            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
              $endgroup$
              – elemtilas
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
              $endgroup$
              – don bright
              13 hours ago












            • $begingroup$
              @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
              $endgroup$
              – Onyz
              1 hour ago














            6












            6








            6





            $begingroup$

            Depression



            With the onset of puberty, she goes into a deep depression and starts to cut herself, and eventually succeeds in her own suicide.




            1. Puberty can start as early as 7 years, but most commonly around 11 for girls.

            2. Suicide is fatal, so if the depression causes it, then this is satisfied.

            3. Non-Cancer

            4. Attempted suicide will leave her hospitalized, and include time for psychiatric help.

            5. Depression can have a genetic component, but not always. So this is fine.

            6. As long as you don't count dark makeup and scars from self cutting, there are no physical deformities.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$



            Depression



            With the onset of puberty, she goes into a deep depression and starts to cut herself, and eventually succeeds in her own suicide.




            1. Puberty can start as early as 7 years, but most commonly around 11 for girls.

            2. Suicide is fatal, so if the depression causes it, then this is satisfied.

            3. Non-Cancer

            4. Attempted suicide will leave her hospitalized, and include time for psychiatric help.

            5. Depression can have a genetic component, but not always. So this is fine.

            6. As long as you don't count dark makeup and scars from self cutting, there are no physical deformities.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            MathaddictMathaddict

            3,837429




            3,837429








            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
              $endgroup$
              – elemtilas
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
              $endgroup$
              – don bright
              13 hours ago












            • $begingroup$
              @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
              $endgroup$
              – Onyz
              1 hour ago














            • 4




              $begingroup$
              Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
              $endgroup$
              – forest
              yesterday






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
              $endgroup$
              – elemtilas
              yesterday










            • $begingroup$
              It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
              $endgroup$
              – don bright
              13 hours ago












            • $begingroup$
              @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
              $endgroup$
              – Onyz
              1 hour ago








            4




            4




            $begingroup$
            Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            Depression can absolutely lead to death, but it is not classified as an incurable terminal illness.
            $endgroup$
            – forest
            yesterday




            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
            $endgroup$
            – elemtilas
            yesterday




            $begingroup$
            +1 and wish I could upvote once for every tween & teen who has suffered from depression and committed suicide. Suicide, according to the NIMH, is the second leading cause of death among the OP's target age group ... and continues to be the second cause for some decades after. Depression can only be treated if caught and addressed. If your girl is found hanging in her bedroom, well, then it's too late. Classification be damned.
            $endgroup$
            – elemtilas
            yesterday












            $begingroup$
            It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
            $endgroup$
            – don bright
            13 hours ago






            $begingroup$
            It is not depression that doesn't fit classification, it's our way of thinking about classification that doesn't fit reality. It's not "incurable" but if we understood the different types and the genetics better, we might find out there are some that are very difficult to treat (like we have with cancer, there are many types of cancer, some incurable, some with higher survival rates). The raw numbers of Depression victims are staggering though. If it were a disease of any other organ, besides the mind, it would be seen differently.
            $endgroup$
            – don bright
            13 hours ago














            $begingroup$
            @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
            $endgroup$
            – Onyz
            1 hour ago




            $begingroup$
            @donbright If it were a disease of any other organ besides the mind, it would likely be much easier to treat as well. Can't exactly give someone a brain transplant, for obvious reasons.
            $endgroup$
            – Onyz
            1 hour ago











            5












            $begingroup$

            Kidney failure



            This could be from ingesting some toxic substance, or through some developmental abnormality. There are inherited conditions which would cause this as well, but there are plenty of other possibilities.



            Dialysis is required for any kind of medium-term survival. However it does not work forever. Eventually toxins will build up to damaging levels, and the patient dies. Or the patient develops sepsis or some other hospital-related bug and dies.



            A kidney transplant will solve the problem. However there are many more patients needing transplants than there are matched donor organs. Sadly, many patients do die whilst waiting for a suitable donor organ.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$


















              5












              $begingroup$

              Kidney failure



              This could be from ingesting some toxic substance, or through some developmental abnormality. There are inherited conditions which would cause this as well, but there are plenty of other possibilities.



              Dialysis is required for any kind of medium-term survival. However it does not work forever. Eventually toxins will build up to damaging levels, and the patient dies. Or the patient develops sepsis or some other hospital-related bug and dies.



              A kidney transplant will solve the problem. However there are many more patients needing transplants than there are matched donor organs. Sadly, many patients do die whilst waiting for a suitable donor organ.






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$
















                5












                5








                5





                $begingroup$

                Kidney failure



                This could be from ingesting some toxic substance, or through some developmental abnormality. There are inherited conditions which would cause this as well, but there are plenty of other possibilities.



                Dialysis is required for any kind of medium-term survival. However it does not work forever. Eventually toxins will build up to damaging levels, and the patient dies. Or the patient develops sepsis or some other hospital-related bug and dies.



                A kidney transplant will solve the problem. However there are many more patients needing transplants than there are matched donor organs. Sadly, many patients do die whilst waiting for a suitable donor organ.






                share|improve this answer









                $endgroup$



                Kidney failure



                This could be from ingesting some toxic substance, or through some developmental abnormality. There are inherited conditions which would cause this as well, but there are plenty of other possibilities.



                Dialysis is required for any kind of medium-term survival. However it does not work forever. Eventually toxins will build up to damaging levels, and the patient dies. Or the patient develops sepsis or some other hospital-related bug and dies.



                A kidney transplant will solve the problem. However there are many more patients needing transplants than there are matched donor organs. Sadly, many patients do die whilst waiting for a suitable donor organ.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered yesterday









                GrahamGraham

                10.7k1257




                10.7k1257























                    2












                    $begingroup$

                    She got AIDS from her mother during her gestation. Her mother got infected after giving birth to her older sister, so the sister is not infected. Or alternatively she could have got it via a transfusion in very young age.



                    Current medications of AIDS can improve life expectation, symptoms start showing from early period, however there is no cure yet.






                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$









                    • 9




                      $begingroup$
                      While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Alexander
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darrel Hoffman
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Konrad Rudolph
                      22 hours ago


















                    2












                    $begingroup$

                    She got AIDS from her mother during her gestation. Her mother got infected after giving birth to her older sister, so the sister is not infected. Or alternatively she could have got it via a transfusion in very young age.



                    Current medications of AIDS can improve life expectation, symptoms start showing from early period, however there is no cure yet.






                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$









                    • 9




                      $begingroup$
                      While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Alexander
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darrel Hoffman
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Konrad Rudolph
                      22 hours ago
















                    2












                    2








                    2





                    $begingroup$

                    She got AIDS from her mother during her gestation. Her mother got infected after giving birth to her older sister, so the sister is not infected. Or alternatively she could have got it via a transfusion in very young age.



                    Current medications of AIDS can improve life expectation, symptoms start showing from early period, however there is no cure yet.






                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$



                    She got AIDS from her mother during her gestation. Her mother got infected after giving birth to her older sister, so the sister is not infected. Or alternatively she could have got it via a transfusion in very young age.



                    Current medications of AIDS can improve life expectation, symptoms start showing from early period, however there is no cure yet.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered yesterday









                    L.DutchL.Dutch

                    85.3k28201416




                    85.3k28201416








                    • 9




                      $begingroup$
                      While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Alexander
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darrel Hoffman
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Konrad Rudolph
                      22 hours ago
















                    • 9




                      $begingroup$
                      While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Alexander
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darrel Hoffman
                      yesterday










                    • $begingroup$
                      This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Konrad Rudolph
                      22 hours ago










                    9




                    9




                    $begingroup$
                    While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Alexander
                    yesterday




                    $begingroup$
                    While there's still no cure for AIDS, with proper treatment the disease is no longer considered terminal.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Alexander
                    yesterday












                    $begingroup$
                    Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Darrel Hoffman
                    yesterday




                    $begingroup$
                    Also, this would require that the mother also has AIDS, which adds another (potentially unwanted) wrinkle to the story.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Darrel Hoffman
                    yesterday












                    $begingroup$
                    This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Konrad Rudolph
                    22 hours ago






                    $begingroup$
                    This is the answer used in a rather well-known animé for this exact situation. However, for the reasons outlined by Alexander, it’s actually not a good fit: For all intents and purposes, AIDS isn’t a terminal disease in a First-World country. The animé in question distinctly suffers from its choice of AIDS.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Konrad Rudolph
                    22 hours ago













                    2












                    $begingroup$

                    One way to satisfy a lot of these conditions (especially #5) is to consider a condition that develops as a result of an injury. An injury doesn't have to leave any significant external marks, but can result in irreparable and critical damage to vital organs. This might have been caused by blunt force trauma, or being exposed to the shockwave of an explosion. Injuries can happen at any point in life, and are easy to apply to only the target character.



                    You can tweak the details to fit whatever story elements you wish to have. As one example, extensive damage to the renal system will impact the body's ability to filter out toxins and can require treatments like dialysis to compensate. If the kidneys' functionality is intermittent or inconsistent, you can have sudden and unpredictable build-ups of toxins that themselves can cause side-effects requiring hospitalization. Dialysis may extend life for an unpredictable period of time but won't fix the problem. The patient needs a transplant but due to her injuries, she wouldn't survive transplant surgery (perhaps due to heart damage). Instead, her choice was to continue dialysis treatments and buy as much time as she can. Perhaps the rapid hormonal changes that occur during the onset of puberty exacerbate the problem and accelerate the body's decline. You can come up with your own details of course, since injuries don't necessarily have well-defined sets of symptoms or side-effects.






                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$


















                      2












                      $begingroup$

                      One way to satisfy a lot of these conditions (especially #5) is to consider a condition that develops as a result of an injury. An injury doesn't have to leave any significant external marks, but can result in irreparable and critical damage to vital organs. This might have been caused by blunt force trauma, or being exposed to the shockwave of an explosion. Injuries can happen at any point in life, and are easy to apply to only the target character.



                      You can tweak the details to fit whatever story elements you wish to have. As one example, extensive damage to the renal system will impact the body's ability to filter out toxins and can require treatments like dialysis to compensate. If the kidneys' functionality is intermittent or inconsistent, you can have sudden and unpredictable build-ups of toxins that themselves can cause side-effects requiring hospitalization. Dialysis may extend life for an unpredictable period of time but won't fix the problem. The patient needs a transplant but due to her injuries, she wouldn't survive transplant surgery (perhaps due to heart damage). Instead, her choice was to continue dialysis treatments and buy as much time as she can. Perhaps the rapid hormonal changes that occur during the onset of puberty exacerbate the problem and accelerate the body's decline. You can come up with your own details of course, since injuries don't necessarily have well-defined sets of symptoms or side-effects.






                      share|improve this answer









                      $endgroup$
















                        2












                        2








                        2





                        $begingroup$

                        One way to satisfy a lot of these conditions (especially #5) is to consider a condition that develops as a result of an injury. An injury doesn't have to leave any significant external marks, but can result in irreparable and critical damage to vital organs. This might have been caused by blunt force trauma, or being exposed to the shockwave of an explosion. Injuries can happen at any point in life, and are easy to apply to only the target character.



                        You can tweak the details to fit whatever story elements you wish to have. As one example, extensive damage to the renal system will impact the body's ability to filter out toxins and can require treatments like dialysis to compensate. If the kidneys' functionality is intermittent or inconsistent, you can have sudden and unpredictable build-ups of toxins that themselves can cause side-effects requiring hospitalization. Dialysis may extend life for an unpredictable period of time but won't fix the problem. The patient needs a transplant but due to her injuries, she wouldn't survive transplant surgery (perhaps due to heart damage). Instead, her choice was to continue dialysis treatments and buy as much time as she can. Perhaps the rapid hormonal changes that occur during the onset of puberty exacerbate the problem and accelerate the body's decline. You can come up with your own details of course, since injuries don't necessarily have well-defined sets of symptoms or side-effects.






                        share|improve this answer









                        $endgroup$



                        One way to satisfy a lot of these conditions (especially #5) is to consider a condition that develops as a result of an injury. An injury doesn't have to leave any significant external marks, but can result in irreparable and critical damage to vital organs. This might have been caused by blunt force trauma, or being exposed to the shockwave of an explosion. Injuries can happen at any point in life, and are easy to apply to only the target character.



                        You can tweak the details to fit whatever story elements you wish to have. As one example, extensive damage to the renal system will impact the body's ability to filter out toxins and can require treatments like dialysis to compensate. If the kidneys' functionality is intermittent or inconsistent, you can have sudden and unpredictable build-ups of toxins that themselves can cause side-effects requiring hospitalization. Dialysis may extend life for an unpredictable period of time but won't fix the problem. The patient needs a transplant but due to her injuries, she wouldn't survive transplant surgery (perhaps due to heart damage). Instead, her choice was to continue dialysis treatments and buy as much time as she can. Perhaps the rapid hormonal changes that occur during the onset of puberty exacerbate the problem and accelerate the body's decline. You can come up with your own details of course, since injuries don't necessarily have well-defined sets of symptoms or side-effects.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered yesterday









                        btabta

                        2,582713




                        2,582713























                            1












                            $begingroup$

                            Some Guy's Syndrome



                            Some Guy's Syndrome, named after that famous guy, you know, that one, who got the disease and raised awareness some time ago. Some Guy's Syndrome is part of the great family of Plot Diseases, that covers a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from harmless to lethal.



                            The effects of Some Guy's Syndrome are <insert plot-dictated effects here>. It is <viral/bacterial/genetic/magic> in nature, and is <somewhat/very/extremely/not at all> serious indeed.





                            In other words, describe the effects you want, slap a name on it, and voilà. Unless there is a reason you want a real disease armchair doctors will tell you doesn't work the way you want.






                            share|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$









                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
                              $endgroup$
                              – elemtilas
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              no prion as an option? :-(
                              $endgroup$
                              – Orangesandlemons
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
                              $endgroup$
                              – AmiralPatate
                              yesterday
















                            1












                            $begingroup$

                            Some Guy's Syndrome



                            Some Guy's Syndrome, named after that famous guy, you know, that one, who got the disease and raised awareness some time ago. Some Guy's Syndrome is part of the great family of Plot Diseases, that covers a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from harmless to lethal.



                            The effects of Some Guy's Syndrome are <insert plot-dictated effects here>. It is <viral/bacterial/genetic/magic> in nature, and is <somewhat/very/extremely/not at all> serious indeed.





                            In other words, describe the effects you want, slap a name on it, and voilà. Unless there is a reason you want a real disease armchair doctors will tell you doesn't work the way you want.






                            share|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$









                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
                              $endgroup$
                              – elemtilas
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              no prion as an option? :-(
                              $endgroup$
                              – Orangesandlemons
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
                              $endgroup$
                              – AmiralPatate
                              yesterday














                            1












                            1








                            1





                            $begingroup$

                            Some Guy's Syndrome



                            Some Guy's Syndrome, named after that famous guy, you know, that one, who got the disease and raised awareness some time ago. Some Guy's Syndrome is part of the great family of Plot Diseases, that covers a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from harmless to lethal.



                            The effects of Some Guy's Syndrome are <insert plot-dictated effects here>. It is <viral/bacterial/genetic/magic> in nature, and is <somewhat/very/extremely/not at all> serious indeed.





                            In other words, describe the effects you want, slap a name on it, and voilà. Unless there is a reason you want a real disease armchair doctors will tell you doesn't work the way you want.






                            share|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$



                            Some Guy's Syndrome



                            Some Guy's Syndrome, named after that famous guy, you know, that one, who got the disease and raised awareness some time ago. Some Guy's Syndrome is part of the great family of Plot Diseases, that covers a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from harmless to lethal.



                            The effects of Some Guy's Syndrome are <insert plot-dictated effects here>. It is <viral/bacterial/genetic/magic> in nature, and is <somewhat/very/extremely/not at all> serious indeed.





                            In other words, describe the effects you want, slap a name on it, and voilà. Unless there is a reason you want a real disease armchair doctors will tell you doesn't work the way you want.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered yesterday









                            AmiralPatateAmiralPatate

                            4,99911032




                            4,99911032








                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
                              $endgroup$
                              – elemtilas
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              no prion as an option? :-(
                              $endgroup$
                              – Orangesandlemons
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
                              $endgroup$
                              – AmiralPatate
                              yesterday














                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
                              $endgroup$
                              – elemtilas
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              no prion as an option? :-(
                              $endgroup$
                              – Orangesandlemons
                              yesterday






                            • 1




                              $begingroup$
                              @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
                              $endgroup$
                              – AmiralPatate
                              yesterday








                            1




                            1




                            $begingroup$
                            +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
                            $endgroup$
                            – elemtilas
                            yesterday




                            $begingroup$
                            +1 as this pretty much covers all the weird disease answers given thus far.
                            $endgroup$
                            – elemtilas
                            yesterday




                            1




                            1




                            $begingroup$
                            no prion as an option? :-(
                            $endgroup$
                            – Orangesandlemons
                            yesterday




                            $begingroup$
                            no prion as an option? :-(
                            $endgroup$
                            – Orangesandlemons
                            yesterday




                            1




                            1




                            $begingroup$
                            @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
                            $endgroup$
                            – AmiralPatate
                            yesterday




                            $begingroup$
                            @Orangesandlemons If it makes you feel better, the list isn't meant to be exhaustive. It doesn't even have sentient alien spores.
                            $endgroup$
                            – AmiralPatate
                            yesterday











                            1












                            $begingroup$

                            Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)



                            Unfortunately, this is a real thing. No magic, no sci-fi, no cure. It looks like it checks all the boxes, which is to say that it starts early, kills young, and overall sucks. It was the first thing that came to mind, although I could be biased by personal experiences.



                            1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




                            Muscle weakness can begin as early as age 3, first affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders, and later the skeletal (voluntary) muscles in the arms, legs and trunk. The calves often are enlarged. By the early teens, the heart and respiratory muscles also are affected.




                            2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources.




                            Thanks to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life expectancy is increasing and many young adults with DMD attend college, have careers, get married and have children. Survival into the early 30s is becoming more common, and there are cases of men living into their 40s and 50s.




                            That is, even the best, latest medicine can only hope to make it longer. The average life expectancy is 26. As seen above, by the early teenage years your cardiopulmonary system is already compromised, and it kills in the early teenage years often enough.



                            3. It is NOT cancer.



                            It is not.



                            4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.



                            Depends mainly on the state of progression. If the lungs are severely compromised, assisted breathing is common. There's a higher than average risk of cardiomyopathy, which may necessitate surgery, etc.



                            5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)




                            DMD carriers are females who have a normal dystrophin gene on one X chromosome and an abnormal dystrophin gene on the other X chromosome. Most carriers of DMD do not themselves have signs and symptoms of the disease, but a minority do.




                            It's rare, but possible, for a female to be affected by DMD, rather than just being a carrier. You say she has healthy sisters, so this fits perfectly with that. It would mean they are likely carriers (and should probably get tested to know for sure). Indeed, it especially fits because it's unexpected in females.



                            6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.



                            The main visible side effects are enlarged calves and curvature of the spine. They don't happen in all cases, though, and usually not until the later stages.



                            7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.




                            Sooner or later, a wheelchair is needed in DMD, typically by about age 12. Unless there's an injury, such as a broken leg, wheelchair use usually is gradual. Many at first use wheelchairs for long distances, such as at school or the mall, and continue to walk at home.




                            Braces, standing frames, and wheelchairs are commonly used, but until the end stages, walking is encouraged because regular exercise helps keep the symptoms from progressing as quickly.





                            The quoted information came from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and associated links from that page.






                            share|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$


















                              1












                              $begingroup$

                              Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)



                              Unfortunately, this is a real thing. No magic, no sci-fi, no cure. It looks like it checks all the boxes, which is to say that it starts early, kills young, and overall sucks. It was the first thing that came to mind, although I could be biased by personal experiences.



                              1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




                              Muscle weakness can begin as early as age 3, first affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders, and later the skeletal (voluntary) muscles in the arms, legs and trunk. The calves often are enlarged. By the early teens, the heart and respiratory muscles also are affected.




                              2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources.




                              Thanks to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life expectancy is increasing and many young adults with DMD attend college, have careers, get married and have children. Survival into the early 30s is becoming more common, and there are cases of men living into their 40s and 50s.




                              That is, even the best, latest medicine can only hope to make it longer. The average life expectancy is 26. As seen above, by the early teenage years your cardiopulmonary system is already compromised, and it kills in the early teenage years often enough.



                              3. It is NOT cancer.



                              It is not.



                              4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.



                              Depends mainly on the state of progression. If the lungs are severely compromised, assisted breathing is common. There's a higher than average risk of cardiomyopathy, which may necessitate surgery, etc.



                              5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)




                              DMD carriers are females who have a normal dystrophin gene on one X chromosome and an abnormal dystrophin gene on the other X chromosome. Most carriers of DMD do not themselves have signs and symptoms of the disease, but a minority do.




                              It's rare, but possible, for a female to be affected by DMD, rather than just being a carrier. You say she has healthy sisters, so this fits perfectly with that. It would mean they are likely carriers (and should probably get tested to know for sure). Indeed, it especially fits because it's unexpected in females.



                              6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.



                              The main visible side effects are enlarged calves and curvature of the spine. They don't happen in all cases, though, and usually not until the later stages.



                              7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.




                              Sooner or later, a wheelchair is needed in DMD, typically by about age 12. Unless there's an injury, such as a broken leg, wheelchair use usually is gradual. Many at first use wheelchairs for long distances, such as at school or the mall, and continue to walk at home.




                              Braces, standing frames, and wheelchairs are commonly used, but until the end stages, walking is encouraged because regular exercise helps keep the symptoms from progressing as quickly.





                              The quoted information came from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and associated links from that page.






                              share|improve this answer









                              $endgroup$
















                                1












                                1








                                1





                                $begingroup$

                                Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)



                                Unfortunately, this is a real thing. No magic, no sci-fi, no cure. It looks like it checks all the boxes, which is to say that it starts early, kills young, and overall sucks. It was the first thing that came to mind, although I could be biased by personal experiences.



                                1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




                                Muscle weakness can begin as early as age 3, first affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders, and later the skeletal (voluntary) muscles in the arms, legs and trunk. The calves often are enlarged. By the early teens, the heart and respiratory muscles also are affected.




                                2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources.




                                Thanks to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life expectancy is increasing and many young adults with DMD attend college, have careers, get married and have children. Survival into the early 30s is becoming more common, and there are cases of men living into their 40s and 50s.




                                That is, even the best, latest medicine can only hope to make it longer. The average life expectancy is 26. As seen above, by the early teenage years your cardiopulmonary system is already compromised, and it kills in the early teenage years often enough.



                                3. It is NOT cancer.



                                It is not.



                                4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.



                                Depends mainly on the state of progression. If the lungs are severely compromised, assisted breathing is common. There's a higher than average risk of cardiomyopathy, which may necessitate surgery, etc.



                                5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)




                                DMD carriers are females who have a normal dystrophin gene on one X chromosome and an abnormal dystrophin gene on the other X chromosome. Most carriers of DMD do not themselves have signs and symptoms of the disease, but a minority do.




                                It's rare, but possible, for a female to be affected by DMD, rather than just being a carrier. You say she has healthy sisters, so this fits perfectly with that. It would mean they are likely carriers (and should probably get tested to know for sure). Indeed, it especially fits because it's unexpected in females.



                                6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.



                                The main visible side effects are enlarged calves and curvature of the spine. They don't happen in all cases, though, and usually not until the later stages.



                                7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.




                                Sooner or later, a wheelchair is needed in DMD, typically by about age 12. Unless there's an injury, such as a broken leg, wheelchair use usually is gradual. Many at first use wheelchairs for long distances, such as at school or the mall, and continue to walk at home.




                                Braces, standing frames, and wheelchairs are commonly used, but until the end stages, walking is encouraged because regular exercise helps keep the symptoms from progressing as quickly.





                                The quoted information came from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and associated links from that page.






                                share|improve this answer









                                $endgroup$



                                Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)



                                Unfortunately, this is a real thing. No magic, no sci-fi, no cure. It looks like it checks all the boxes, which is to say that it starts early, kills young, and overall sucks. It was the first thing that came to mind, although I could be biased by personal experiences.



                                1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.




                                Muscle weakness can begin as early as age 3, first affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders, and later the skeletal (voluntary) muscles in the arms, legs and trunk. The calves often are enlarged. By the early teens, the heart and respiratory muscles also are affected.




                                2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the latest) even with access to the best medical resources.




                                Thanks to advances in cardiac and respiratory care, life expectancy is increasing and many young adults with DMD attend college, have careers, get married and have children. Survival into the early 30s is becoming more common, and there are cases of men living into their 40s and 50s.




                                That is, even the best, latest medicine can only hope to make it longer. The average life expectancy is 26. As seen above, by the early teenage years your cardiopulmonary system is already compromised, and it kills in the early teenage years often enough.



                                3. It is NOT cancer.



                                It is not.



                                4. Would leave her in the hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum) stays.



                                Depends mainly on the state of progression. If the lungs are severely compromised, assisted breathing is common. There's a higher than average risk of cardiomyopathy, which may necessitate surgery, etc.



                                5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it. She has multiple older sisters who should be healthy is why.)




                                DMD carriers are females who have a normal dystrophin gene on one X chromosome and an abnormal dystrophin gene on the other X chromosome. Most carriers of DMD do not themselves have signs and symptoms of the disease, but a minority do.




                                It's rare, but possible, for a female to be affected by DMD, rather than just being a carrier. You say she has healthy sisters, so this fits perfectly with that. It would mean they are likely carriers (and should probably get tested to know for sure). Indeed, it especially fits because it's unexpected in females.



                                6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.



                                The main visible side effects are enlarged calves and curvature of the spine. They don't happen in all cases, though, and usually not until the later stages.



                                7. I'd like for her to at least be able to walk and run on her own to some degree, but this isn't inherently a necessity. That said, she can be limited by her malady. Otherwise, the more bedridden she is, the better to help nail in the point that she is sick even if she tries not to show it.




                                Sooner or later, a wheelchair is needed in DMD, typically by about age 12. Unless there's an injury, such as a broken leg, wheelchair use usually is gradual. Many at first use wheelchairs for long distances, such as at school or the mall, and continue to walk at home.




                                Braces, standing frames, and wheelchairs are commonly used, but until the end stages, walking is encouraged because regular exercise helps keep the symptoms from progressing as quickly.





                                The quoted information came from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and associated links from that page.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered 18 hours ago









                                GeobitsGeobits

                                22427




                                22427























                                    0












                                    $begingroup$

                                    Progeria could potentially work for you, although I realise the main downfall with this is that it has some outward/visible manifestations (stunted growth, alopecia, and a distinctive head shape). Having said that, it seems to tick your other boxes:



                                    Progeria is ‘premature aging’ - basically, it causes you to age at about eight times the rate of a normal human. Some people with progeria can live into their twenties, but most live only to late childhood/early teens. Wikipedia says “as there is no known cure, few people with progeria exceed 13 years of age”, which fits with the age you’re looking at for your character.



                                    It also doesn’t necessarily affect siblings - there are some very rare cases where siblings have progeria, but it generally develops during cell division in one of the parents’ gametes, or in the newly-conceived zygote, and thus won’t impact other births.



                                    Progeria is not cancer - and even though it can make it more likely that sufferers contract certain age-related conditions, it does not have a correlation with greater risk of cancer. (Things that are more likely include: atherosclerosis, loss of eyesight, wrinkled skin, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems).



                                    With all the inherent complications of the disorder, people with progeria can need to spend a lot of time in hospital. Progeria isn’t necessarily immediately noticeable, but becomes more impactful as times goes on - and would certainly be likely to have an effect by the age of 9 (and more likely by 18-24 months). However, this frequent hospitalisation wouldn’t necessarily mitigate activity - children with progeria can still be active. This may need to be less rough than for children without progeria, but swimming, walking around, bowling, etc. are certainly possible for those with progeria. The other thing with progeria is that those with the disorder do not suffer from any mental development deficiencies - on the whole, they are reported to have average to above-average intelligence, and thus can definitely take part in things on a level with those their own age, even if playing rugby might not be the most sensible option.






                                    share|improve this answer









                                    $endgroup$


















                                      0












                                      $begingroup$

                                      Progeria could potentially work for you, although I realise the main downfall with this is that it has some outward/visible manifestations (stunted growth, alopecia, and a distinctive head shape). Having said that, it seems to tick your other boxes:



                                      Progeria is ‘premature aging’ - basically, it causes you to age at about eight times the rate of a normal human. Some people with progeria can live into their twenties, but most live only to late childhood/early teens. Wikipedia says “as there is no known cure, few people with progeria exceed 13 years of age”, which fits with the age you’re looking at for your character.



                                      It also doesn’t necessarily affect siblings - there are some very rare cases where siblings have progeria, but it generally develops during cell division in one of the parents’ gametes, or in the newly-conceived zygote, and thus won’t impact other births.



                                      Progeria is not cancer - and even though it can make it more likely that sufferers contract certain age-related conditions, it does not have a correlation with greater risk of cancer. (Things that are more likely include: atherosclerosis, loss of eyesight, wrinkled skin, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems).



                                      With all the inherent complications of the disorder, people with progeria can need to spend a lot of time in hospital. Progeria isn’t necessarily immediately noticeable, but becomes more impactful as times goes on - and would certainly be likely to have an effect by the age of 9 (and more likely by 18-24 months). However, this frequent hospitalisation wouldn’t necessarily mitigate activity - children with progeria can still be active. This may need to be less rough than for children without progeria, but swimming, walking around, bowling, etc. are certainly possible for those with progeria. The other thing with progeria is that those with the disorder do not suffer from any mental development deficiencies - on the whole, they are reported to have average to above-average intelligence, and thus can definitely take part in things on a level with those their own age, even if playing rugby might not be the most sensible option.






                                      share|improve this answer









                                      $endgroup$
















                                        0












                                        0








                                        0





                                        $begingroup$

                                        Progeria could potentially work for you, although I realise the main downfall with this is that it has some outward/visible manifestations (stunted growth, alopecia, and a distinctive head shape). Having said that, it seems to tick your other boxes:



                                        Progeria is ‘premature aging’ - basically, it causes you to age at about eight times the rate of a normal human. Some people with progeria can live into their twenties, but most live only to late childhood/early teens. Wikipedia says “as there is no known cure, few people with progeria exceed 13 years of age”, which fits with the age you’re looking at for your character.



                                        It also doesn’t necessarily affect siblings - there are some very rare cases where siblings have progeria, but it generally develops during cell division in one of the parents’ gametes, or in the newly-conceived zygote, and thus won’t impact other births.



                                        Progeria is not cancer - and even though it can make it more likely that sufferers contract certain age-related conditions, it does not have a correlation with greater risk of cancer. (Things that are more likely include: atherosclerosis, loss of eyesight, wrinkled skin, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems).



                                        With all the inherent complications of the disorder, people with progeria can need to spend a lot of time in hospital. Progeria isn’t necessarily immediately noticeable, but becomes more impactful as times goes on - and would certainly be likely to have an effect by the age of 9 (and more likely by 18-24 months). However, this frequent hospitalisation wouldn’t necessarily mitigate activity - children with progeria can still be active. This may need to be less rough than for children without progeria, but swimming, walking around, bowling, etc. are certainly possible for those with progeria. The other thing with progeria is that those with the disorder do not suffer from any mental development deficiencies - on the whole, they are reported to have average to above-average intelligence, and thus can definitely take part in things on a level with those their own age, even if playing rugby might not be the most sensible option.






                                        share|improve this answer









                                        $endgroup$



                                        Progeria could potentially work for you, although I realise the main downfall with this is that it has some outward/visible manifestations (stunted growth, alopecia, and a distinctive head shape). Having said that, it seems to tick your other boxes:



                                        Progeria is ‘premature aging’ - basically, it causes you to age at about eight times the rate of a normal human. Some people with progeria can live into their twenties, but most live only to late childhood/early teens. Wikipedia says “as there is no known cure, few people with progeria exceed 13 years of age”, which fits with the age you’re looking at for your character.



                                        It also doesn’t necessarily affect siblings - there are some very rare cases where siblings have progeria, but it generally develops during cell division in one of the parents’ gametes, or in the newly-conceived zygote, and thus won’t impact other births.



                                        Progeria is not cancer - and even though it can make it more likely that sufferers contract certain age-related conditions, it does not have a correlation with greater risk of cancer. (Things that are more likely include: atherosclerosis, loss of eyesight, wrinkled skin, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems).



                                        With all the inherent complications of the disorder, people with progeria can need to spend a lot of time in hospital. Progeria isn’t necessarily immediately noticeable, but becomes more impactful as times goes on - and would certainly be likely to have an effect by the age of 9 (and more likely by 18-24 months). However, this frequent hospitalisation wouldn’t necessarily mitigate activity - children with progeria can still be active. This may need to be less rough than for children without progeria, but swimming, walking around, bowling, etc. are certainly possible for those with progeria. The other thing with progeria is that those with the disorder do not suffer from any mental development deficiencies - on the whole, they are reported to have average to above-average intelligence, and thus can definitely take part in things on a level with those their own age, even if playing rugby might not be the most sensible option.







                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered 18 hours ago









                                        K. PriceK. Price

                                        2,8441825




                                        2,8441825























                                            -1












                                            $begingroup$

                                            Haemophilia may work. I think it hits all your points, however, I am not able to confirm if it fits 5 (although I think it does).



                                            Death could occur at puberty with the onset of menstruation.






                                            share|improve this answer








                                            New contributor




                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                            $endgroup$









                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Konrad Rudolph
                                              22 hours ago


















                                            -1












                                            $begingroup$

                                            Haemophilia may work. I think it hits all your points, however, I am not able to confirm if it fits 5 (although I think it does).



                                            Death could occur at puberty with the onset of menstruation.






                                            share|improve this answer








                                            New contributor




                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                            $endgroup$









                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Konrad Rudolph
                                              22 hours ago
















                                            -1












                                            -1








                                            -1





                                            $begingroup$

                                            Haemophilia may work. I think it hits all your points, however, I am not able to confirm if it fits 5 (although I think it does).



                                            Death could occur at puberty with the onset of menstruation.






                                            share|improve this answer








                                            New contributor




                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                            $endgroup$



                                            Haemophilia may work. I think it hits all your points, however, I am not able to confirm if it fits 5 (although I think it does).



                                            Death could occur at puberty with the onset of menstruation.







                                            share|improve this answer








                                            New contributor




                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer






                                            New contributor




                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                            answered yesterday









                                            evildemonicevildemonic

                                            1072




                                            1072




                                            New contributor




                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                            New contributor





                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                            evildemonic is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.








                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Konrad Rudolph
                                              22 hours ago
















                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Konrad Rudolph
                                              22 hours ago










                                            2




                                            2




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Mark
                                            yesterday




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Haemophilia is not considered terminal. Yes, you can die from it in your teens, but in a modern setting, you almost certainly won't.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Mark
                                            yesterday












                                            $begingroup$
                                            Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Konrad Rudolph
                                            22 hours ago






                                            $begingroup$
                                            Life-altering haemophilia in women is extremely rare (and it’s virtually never life threatening). Female symptomatic carriers of haemophilia almost always have a mild form.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Konrad Rudolph
                                            22 hours ago













                                            -1












                                            $begingroup$

                                            Polio comes to mind.



                                            I am pretty sure about points 1, 3, 4, 5



                                            Regarding point 2: People can survive Polio, yet I guess this depends on the available treatment.



                                            Regarding point 6: while deformations have been observed, complications vary for individuals





                                            1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.

                                            2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the
                                              latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that
                                              people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't
                                              guarantee a prolonged life.

                                            3. It is NOT cancer.

                                            4. Would leave her in the
                                              hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum)
                                              stays.

                                            5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it
                                              needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it.
                                              She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)

                                            6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




                                            Although not part of the required points, the original poster wants to avoid name-dropping the disease.



                                            A teen girl that suffers through phases of lethargy or even paralysis, is a strong indication of Polio, although I grant that in the modern western world many people might be too young to immedeately think of Polio, since this disease has been successfully eradicated.






                                            share|improve this answer











                                            $endgroup$









                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday








                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Martin Bonner
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday
















                                            -1












                                            $begingroup$

                                            Polio comes to mind.



                                            I am pretty sure about points 1, 3, 4, 5



                                            Regarding point 2: People can survive Polio, yet I guess this depends on the available treatment.



                                            Regarding point 6: while deformations have been observed, complications vary for individuals





                                            1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.

                                            2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the
                                              latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that
                                              people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't
                                              guarantee a prolonged life.

                                            3. It is NOT cancer.

                                            4. Would leave her in the
                                              hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum)
                                              stays.

                                            5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it
                                              needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it.
                                              She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)

                                            6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




                                            Although not part of the required points, the original poster wants to avoid name-dropping the disease.



                                            A teen girl that suffers through phases of lethargy or even paralysis, is a strong indication of Polio, although I grant that in the modern western world many people might be too young to immedeately think of Polio, since this disease has been successfully eradicated.






                                            share|improve this answer











                                            $endgroup$









                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday








                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Martin Bonner
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday














                                            -1












                                            -1








                                            -1





                                            $begingroup$

                                            Polio comes to mind.



                                            I am pretty sure about points 1, 3, 4, 5



                                            Regarding point 2: People can survive Polio, yet I guess this depends on the available treatment.



                                            Regarding point 6: while deformations have been observed, complications vary for individuals





                                            1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.

                                            2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the
                                              latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that
                                              people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't
                                              guarantee a prolonged life.

                                            3. It is NOT cancer.

                                            4. Would leave her in the
                                              hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum)
                                              stays.

                                            5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it
                                              needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it.
                                              She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)

                                            6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




                                            Although not part of the required points, the original poster wants to avoid name-dropping the disease.



                                            A teen girl that suffers through phases of lethargy or even paralysis, is a strong indication of Polio, although I grant that in the modern western world many people might be too young to immedeately think of Polio, since this disease has been successfully eradicated.






                                            share|improve this answer











                                            $endgroup$



                                            Polio comes to mind.



                                            I am pretty sure about points 1, 3, 4, 5



                                            Regarding point 2: People can survive Polio, yet I guess this depends on the available treatment.



                                            Regarding point 6: while deformations have been observed, complications vary for individuals





                                            1. It must begin having an effect on her from a very young age.

                                            2. Is terminal and can kill her by her early teens (14 years old at the
                                              latest) even with access to the best medical resources. Not that
                                              people can't live beyond that age, but that medical resources can't
                                              guarantee a prolonged life.

                                            3. It is NOT cancer.

                                            4. Would leave her in the
                                              hospital frequently and for prolonged (business week-length minimum)
                                              stays.

                                            5. Is NOT a dominant-allele genetic disorder. (If genetic, it
                                              needs to be recessive or not guaranteed to affect a person who has it.
                                              She has multiple sisters who should be healthy is why.)

                                            6. Does not result in any visible outward deformities.




                                            Although not part of the required points, the original poster wants to avoid name-dropping the disease.



                                            A teen girl that suffers through phases of lethargy or even paralysis, is a strong indication of Polio, although I grant that in the modern western world many people might be too young to immedeately think of Polio, since this disease has been successfully eradicated.







                                            share|improve this answer














                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer








                                            edited yesterday

























                                            answered yesterday









                                            Dohn JoeDohn Joe

                                            39315




                                            39315








                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday








                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Martin Bonner
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday














                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday








                                            • 2




                                              $begingroup$
                                              Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Mark
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday










                                            • $begingroup$
                                              Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Martin Bonner
                                              yesterday






                                            • 1




                                              $begingroup$
                                              For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
                                              $endgroup$
                                              – Dohn Joe
                                              yesterday








                                            1




                                            1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Mark
                                            yesterday






                                            $begingroup$
                                            Polio doesn't meet 2: it's not terminal. With modern medicine, less than 2% of infected children die, and if you survive the initial infection, you're almost certainly not going to die of it later. The reason why you found a "list of survivors" is that there was a particularly bad outbreak in the 1950s, infecting mostly older children and adults (who have poor survival rates) rather than the usual infants (who have very good survival rates).
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Mark
                                            yesterday






                                            2




                                            2




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Mark
                                            yesterday




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Upon further investigation, it also doesn't meet criterion #0: it's not something she can believably be infected by. Polio has been completely eradicated from the Western world, and the only places with endemic polio are some regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Mark
                                            yesterday




                                            1




                                            1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Dohn Joe
                                            yesterday




                                            $begingroup$
                                            The original question stated as setting Real world, modern day, without magic, without sci-fi tech. In today's world it is perfectly possible to contract Polio: think of all the anti-vaccine people, and wide-spread global travel. Depending on where, the story is set, having Polio could range from common to extraordinary. The original question did not specify anything regarding the illness to be common or wide-spread.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Dohn Joe
                                            yesterday












                                            $begingroup$
                                            Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Martin Bonner
                                            yesterday




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Wikipedia says that 2-5% of infants die and up to 15-30% of adults die. So it really doesn't meet point #2. ... and it's an acute infection. If you survive that, you are good for another 70 years (my aunt, in her 80s, believes that some of her current medical problems may be related to her polio infection as a child).
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Martin Bonner
                                            yesterday




                                            1




                                            1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Dohn Joe
                                            yesterday




                                            $begingroup$
                                            For the percentage that dies from the disease, the disease is lethal. The others survive. The original question did not require 100 % lethality. The age, at which one might die from a disease, depends, among other factors, on the age at which the disease was aquired. Thus, I do not see a Polio-scenario contrary to the stated requirements.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Dohn Joe
                                            yesterday











                                            -1












                                            $begingroup$

                                            A real-world disease that almost meeds your requirements is Sickle-cell anaemia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle_cell_disease



                                            Average life expectancy for an affected female in the Western world is around 45, but lower if advanced medical care is not available. The disease causes a series of crises throughout life, any of which could prove fatal. It's caused by inheriting a recessive gene from both parents.



                                            It's rare for it to cause death before adulthood. It was not eliminated by evolution because inheriting the gene as a single copy conveys resistance to Malaria, and this advantage to the many outweighs the disadvantage to relatively few.



                                            You might tweak this disease into something fictional, or simply make your character exceptionally unlucky (if she has access to modern medicine, at least). Some research might uncover a combination of this with some other normally minor condition that together create an even worse prognosis. (The common other minor condition, is ageing).






                                            share|improve this answer









                                            $endgroup$


















                                              -1












                                              $begingroup$

                                              A real-world disease that almost meeds your requirements is Sickle-cell anaemia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle_cell_disease



                                              Average life expectancy for an affected female in the Western world is around 45, but lower if advanced medical care is not available. The disease causes a series of crises throughout life, any of which could prove fatal. It's caused by inheriting a recessive gene from both parents.



                                              It's rare for it to cause death before adulthood. It was not eliminated by evolution because inheriting the gene as a single copy conveys resistance to Malaria, and this advantage to the many outweighs the disadvantage to relatively few.



                                              You might tweak this disease into something fictional, or simply make your character exceptionally unlucky (if she has access to modern medicine, at least). Some research might uncover a combination of this with some other normally minor condition that together create an even worse prognosis. (The common other minor condition, is ageing).






                                              share|improve this answer









                                              $endgroup$
















                                                -1












                                                -1








                                                -1





                                                $begingroup$

                                                A real-world disease that almost meeds your requirements is Sickle-cell anaemia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle_cell_disease



                                                Average life expectancy for an affected female in the Western world is around 45, but lower if advanced medical care is not available. The disease causes a series of crises throughout life, any of which could prove fatal. It's caused by inheriting a recessive gene from both parents.



                                                It's rare for it to cause death before adulthood. It was not eliminated by evolution because inheriting the gene as a single copy conveys resistance to Malaria, and this advantage to the many outweighs the disadvantage to relatively few.



                                                You might tweak this disease into something fictional, or simply make your character exceptionally unlucky (if she has access to modern medicine, at least). Some research might uncover a combination of this with some other normally minor condition that together create an even worse prognosis. (The common other minor condition, is ageing).






                                                share|improve this answer









                                                $endgroup$



                                                A real-world disease that almost meeds your requirements is Sickle-cell anaemia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle_cell_disease



                                                Average life expectancy for an affected female in the Western world is around 45, but lower if advanced medical care is not available. The disease causes a series of crises throughout life, any of which could prove fatal. It's caused by inheriting a recessive gene from both parents.



                                                It's rare for it to cause death before adulthood. It was not eliminated by evolution because inheriting the gene as a single copy conveys resistance to Malaria, and this advantage to the many outweighs the disadvantage to relatively few.



                                                You might tweak this disease into something fictional, or simply make your character exceptionally unlucky (if she has access to modern medicine, at least). Some research might uncover a combination of this with some other normally minor condition that together create an even worse prognosis. (The common other minor condition, is ageing).







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered 21 hours ago









                                                nigel222nigel222

                                                8,7851226




                                                8,7851226






























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