October 24th 2024.
Adam Thomas, the talented actor known for his role as Adam Barton on the popular soap Emmerdale, recently reached out to his followers for some advice. In August of 2023, Adam revealed that he had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. In a recent update, the 36-year-old shared that he is also dealing with psoriasis, a chronic disease that affects the skin.
For those unfamiliar, psoriasis occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. This results in scaly and inflamed patches of skin, typically found on the scalp, elbows, or knees. However, other areas of the body can also be affected. Adam shared a black and white photo on his Instagram, with his hands resting on his head, as he opened up about his arthritis journey.
"My arthritis journey: Ok, I need help!" he wrote. "As some of you may know, along with my arthritis, I also have a skin condition called psoriasis. It used to be all over my body and face, but now it's mainly on my scalp. I've tried everything, but nothing seems to work. If anyone has any recommendations for natural shampoos or creams, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!"
Fellow celebrities and fans showed their support for Adam, with TV personality Emily Atack sharing her own experience with psoriasis and suggesting a steroid cream that worked wonders for her. Adam also shared that the only time he was pain-free in the past couple of years was when he received steroid injections during his time on Strictly Come Dancing last year. He admitted that he has been in pain every day, and it has taken a toll on him both physically and mentally.
But what exactly is rheumatoid arthritis? It is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, usually in the hands, feet, and wrists. Symptoms can come and go, making it difficult to predict when a flare-up might occur. With proper treatment, the frequency and severity of flare-ups can be reduced, and long-term damage to the joints can be minimized or prevented. Other symptoms may include fatigue and weight loss.
Early diagnosis is crucial for managing rheumatoid arthritis, as it is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the cells in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, it can also affect bones and cartilage. While there is no cure, early treatment can help prolong the time between flare-ups. Medication, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy can help keep individuals mobile, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to address joint problems.
Depending on the severity of the arthritis, people may need to adapt how they perform everyday tasks. Complications can also arise, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, inflammation in other parts of the body, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Adam shared that the only time he was pain-free in the past two years was during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, but even then, the pain became unbearable after a few weeks. However, he pushed through and continued on the show, with the help of steroid injections.
"I just need some breathing space again to feel normal," Adam wrote. "So that's what I've had today. It's not a cure, but it gives me a little time until the other medications take effect. I don't usually talk about this, but I know a lot of you are also suffering. We have to stay strong and not let this beat us. I refuse to give in!"
Adam's message of resilience and determination is a source of inspiration for those dealing with similar health struggles. It's a reminder to stay strong and not let any obstacle defeat us.
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