Emmerdale’s Adam Thomas has urged fans struggling with arthritis not to lose hope.
Adam, who played Adam Barton in the ITV soap, revealed his diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis last August, but actually received the news in 2023, while he was taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
He has since been sharing updates with fans on social media after suffering months of pain, and even being left unable to walk at points.
The star took to Instagram recently to share a message to his followers in a similar position to him. The picture sees Adam taking medication for the condition, which he says has ‘changed’ his life.
‘I lost hope…I never thought I’d get my old life back… I was wrong! To anyone struggling with arthritis and is lost and can’t seem to find hope… stay strong! It’s along and painful road but I promise you…you will!’, he wrote in the caption.
‘These meds have changed my life … I’m pretty sure this post will get taken down again but before it does… I get so many questions asking what meds I’m on and I’ve been on several but the only one that has worked for me are biologic injections. I have an injection once every two weeks, no side effects no brain fog no throwing up, nothing! Nothing but pain free!!!
‘I know this isn’t going to heal the disease but it’s given me a life I never thought I’d have again! Still putting in the work and focusing on diet and recovery as I’d like to think this disease can be cured naturally and one day I’d like to not have to take any meds but until then.’
Adam added: ‘I want to bring hope to those who are suffering and also awareness to this disease as I feel like it’s not talked about enough! I see you, I feel you and I know how hard it can be, but don’t lose hope don’t lose yourself to this disease.
‘Too much love.’
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The NHS describes rheumatoid arthritis as a ‘long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints’ with the main affected areas being the hands, feet and wrists.’
There is no cure, but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent ‘flare-ups’ from being a common occurrence.
However, depending on the severity of the pain, stiffness, and swelling, sufferers might find overcoming everyday tasks more of a challenge, and have to adapt accordingly.
