62-year-old Valentyna from Novoiavorivsk, despite rheumatoid arthritis and joint deformity, continues to weave camouflage nets for Ukrainian soldiers and to write poems dedicated to her fallen son, who has been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine.
The first worrying symptoms appeared in 2022: a small swelling developed on her little finger. Valentyna put this down to heavy physical exertion, as from the very start of the full-scale invasion she had been weaving camouflage nets for many hours every day, sometimes working for up to 12 hours in a row.
At first she tried to treat herself, turning to folk remedies, compresses and leech therapy. However, the swelling gradually spread to the whole hand and the joints, the pain intensified, and it became increasingly difficult to move her hands. At her local clinic, doctors were unable to establish an exact diagnosis, and the symptomatic treatment they prescribed brought only short-term relief.
In search of the cause of her condition, Valentyna turned to the Clinic of Internal Diseases at the University Hospital, to the Department of Systemic and Immune-Inflammatory Diseases. After a comprehensive examination, the doctors confirmed that she had rheumatoid arthritis and started her on specialised therapy.
“The patient came to the Department of Systemic and Immune-Inflammatory Diseases in June this year, complaining of swelling and pain in the small joints of the hands and in the wrist joints. After a comprehensive examination, we confirmed rheumatoid arthritis and started specialised therapy,” said Anastasiia Danylyk.
Head of department Anastasiia Danylyk explains that rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, primarily the joints. In addition to the joints, the disease can affect blood vessels, lungs, heart, eyes and skin, significantly worsening a person’s overall condition.
According to the specialist, rheumatoid arthritis is most often diagnosed in people aged 30 to 60, but it can develop both earlier and later. Possible contributing factors include genetic predisposition, past infections, hormonal changes, as well as severe or prolonged stress.
Doctors note that under the conditions of full-scale war, the number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis may increase. Chronic stress, sleep disturbances, infections and delayed access to medical care all contribute to the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. The University Hospital is constantly receiving new patients with suspected or already confirmed rheumatoid arthritis who require long-term treatment and follow-up.
After a course of inpatient therapy at the Clinic of Internal Diseases, Valentyna’s condition improved noticeably: the swelling went down, the pain subsided, and the strength in her hands returned. Despite the illness, she continues to actively weave camouflage nets for the military and to create poetry.
Valentyna is now preparing a new poetry collection for publication — a book she wrote while battling pain, undergoing treatment and facing the daily challenges associated with rheumatoid arthritis.