Woman's Life Upended by Rare Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis at 36

Valeria, a 36-year-old from Novosibirsk, has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a rare autoimmune disease. Her health rapidly declined after initial symptoms appeared, forcing her to abandon her job and daily routine. The condition now requires constant management and specialised care.

Valeria's ordeal began with mild discomfort in her thoracic spine. Within weeks, the pain spread across her body, leaving her struggling to walk. Doctors first suspected pneumonia, but a CT scan ruled it out, and her condition worsened.

After three months of tests, specialists in Moscow identified ankylosing spondylitis, also called Bechterew's disease. The chronic illness causes the immune system to attack joints, leading to inflammation and irreversible damage. There is no cure, but remission is possible with the right treatment. The disease forced Valeria to rely on a cane for mobility. Painkillers provided little relief, so she now undergoes daily rehabilitation and exercises to manage the constant pain. To access better care, her family moved to Novosibirsk, one of several Russian cities—alongside Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan—with specialised treatment centres. As of 2026, around 15 to 20 medical facilities across Russia offer comprehensive care for the disease. Major centres include Moscow's Federal Rheumatology Center and St. Petersburg's V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Centre. Regions like Krasnodar Krai and the North Caucasus also provide support for patients.

Valeria's diagnosis has reshaped her life, requiring ongoing therapy and lifestyle changes. While remission remains a possibility, her future depends on consistent treatment and access to specialised care. The disease has left her with lasting challenges, but support from medical centres continues to play a crucial role.