OUR WORK

Dmytro's life took an unexpected turn on 17 September 2022 when he was seriously injured by a mine explosion during combat. He suffered 4th degree burns over 70% of his body, including his head, neck, torso, buttocks, arms and legs. The injuries also caused extensive granulating wounds and contractures after burning his joints. In addition to the physical pain, Dmytro faced emotional challenges, including loss of purpose in life, apathy, difficulty perceiving reality, emotional instability, suicidal thoughts and excessive restlessness.

Seeking hope and healing, Dmytro turned to the Way to Health rehabilitation centre, where he found loving care and professional support. Throughout his rehabilitation and psychological treatment, positive changes began to occur. The excruciating pain in his joints diminished with exercise, and he felt an increase in strength and freedom of movement. Under the guidance of healthcare professionals, Dmytro received personalised advice and recommendations for therapeutic exercises, allowing him to take control of his own recovery. The encouraging results encouraged him to continue with a carefully designed exercise programme aimed at regaining full range of motion in his joints.

Equally important to Dmytro's recovery was a focus on his mental wellbeing. His self-esteem was restored, suicidal and depressive tendencies diminished, and there were no more signs of cognitive impairment. He learned how to make decisions, set clear limits and express his needs. He developed skills to deal with all the emotions and feelings that come with this kind of severe trauma. Despite the loss of self-confidence, Dmytro is able to reconnect more easily and cope better with other challenging situations that come his way. The transformative process of physical and mental rehabilitation laid the foundation for remarkable improvements in Dmytro's quality of life. He expressed a newfound desire to explore different facets of life, including building personal relationships. 

Dmytro's journey on the Way to Health is an inspiring story of triumph over adversity. It highlights the essential role of personal attention, professional rehabilitation and psychological support in empowering war victims to rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences. With determination and unwavering support, Dmytro has become a beacon of hope, proving that the road to recovery is possible, even when the journey seems insurmountable.

Mykola was injured while fighting on the front line in defence of Ukraine. As a result of an acute stroke, he suffered severe paralysis on the right side of his body, was unable to speak properly and had uncontrolled movements. 

Mykola arrived at our centre barely able to move. At one point he was only able to walk 30 metres, after which he had to sit down and rest. However, he refused to use a wheelchair and struggled to regain his former mobility.  Phase 1 of his rehabilitation lasted 3 months. Within the first few weeks, his endurance improved significantly and the therapists corrected his walking pattern, allowing Mykola to walk more than 1 km without stopping. His limb function improved, spasticity decreased and his fine motor skills improved. By the end of Phase 1, Mykola had significantly increased his walking pace and the distance he could walk at a calm and steady pace had increased to 3km.

During his rehabilitation at 'Way to Health', the staff began to call him "our mascot" because of the positive attitude Mykola exudes. Thanks to psychotherapy, his mental state has also improved significantly. Now Mykola awaits the start of phase 2 of the rehabilitation programme with confidence and looks forward to further progress. Our therapists achieve good results in patient recovery thanks to an individual and comprehensive approach.  

Feedback from Mykola: "After a concussion that led to a stroke, I had no hope of returning to an active life, but thanks to the specialists at 'Way to Health', I have learned to function like anyone else. It was incredibly important for me to be able to go to the shops and visit family and friends independently. I can do that again now!"

Lesya's story begins with a serious injury sustained in combat, specifically to her right shoulder. The diagnosis painted a complex picture of her shoulder condition, including a shattered joint, spinal tumours, nerve damage and reduced blood supply. She also struggled with a number of distressing psychological symptoms: panic attacks, increased anxiety, sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating and general apathy.

In her search for healing and recovery, Lesya turned to The Way to Health. This decision marked the beginning of a comprehensive and holistic approach to her recovery. Working with a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals and psychologists, Lesya embarked on a journey that would not only heal her physical wounds, but also provide her with the tools to overcome her emotional challenges.

Throughout her rehabilitation, Lesya made remarkable progress thanks to her dedication and the guidance of her therapists. The range of motion in her right shoulder joint improved significantly, accompanied by an increase in muscle strength in her right arm and a strengthening of the muscle corset. The implementation of carefully designed exercises contributed to these achievements and improved her overall physical well-being.

But Lesya's story goes beyond physical recovery. The psychological support she received played an essential role in her recovery. Her progress was profound. Her mood stabilised and her sleep improved dramatically. More importantly, Lesya learned to manage and cope with her panic attacks, an achievement that highlighted her inner strength and resilience. There was no evidence of suicidal tendencies or cognitive impairment, underlining the positive impact of the psychological care she received.

As Lesya's rehabilitation period at our rehabilitation centre draws to a close, her outlook for the future is optimistic and purposeful. She is able to focus on her life and, most importantly, her precious family. Lesya's journey from injury to recovery is a testament to the remarkable ability of the human body and mind to heal and thrive. Through the dedicated efforts of a skilled team of professionals and Lesya's own unwavering determination, she overcame physical and emotional obstacles to emerge stronger and more resilient. Her story serves as an inspiration to those facing adversity, reminding us that with the right support and attitude, the path to healing and personal growth is always within reach.