Emmerdale's Adam Thomas supported after health update

The actor was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when he was 34
-Credit:ITV


Adam Thomas has always been open and honest about his journey with arthritis. The former Emmerdale star discussed the condition with Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard on yesterday's episode of This Morning.

The actor was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when he was 34, an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It's a lifelong condition, but medicines can help manage these symptoms.

Joined by Doctor Zoe on the This Morning sofa, Adam told the presents: "I used to think I was invincible and it turns out I'm not. It's been a long journey." Adam's journey with the disease started when he was training for a Hyrox competition, he got an injury to his knees and couldn't walk for weeks.

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The issue continued as a couple of weeks after the injury Adam woke up and his wrists were in pain, he said: "I genuinely felt like I had broken my wrists. The pain was that severe." When Adam had his bloods taken, inflammation was found inside of his joints which led to a referral to a rheumatoid specialist before his final diagnosis of arthritis.

The Waterloo Road star was "mentally drained" due to the long process before he was finally diagnosed. He told Cat and Ben "you have good days and you have bad days". As part of his self-management, Adam took up an all-meat diet, which Dr Zoe commented is not advisable for the long-run due to potential nutrient shortfalls.

If the condition is not well managed, it can cause permanent damage to the joints including erosions. This is when the bones begin to slowly erode away because of the inflammation. Dr Zoe shared the condition can also affect the nails and bowel and eyes too. She added: "It's really important it's being monitored."

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Adam revealed his worries about the hereditary aspect of the disease: "That's what worries me the most. My kids might possibly get this one day. So I'm doing everything and anything I can do now to try and find a blueprint, so if it does happen, then I can pass that information on."

Last year, Adam shared a post to raise awareness of the disease. He said: "I’m lucky I have a great support system and not many do so to anyone who is going through the same thing and is alone! I see you you I feel you!! It’s going to get better don’t give up. If you know anyone who’s suffering just give them a call and check in."

The former Strictly Come Dancing competitor recently announced the only time he hasn't been in pain over the last couple of years was when he took steroid injections, during his time on the Latin and ballroom contest last year.

This Morning uploaded the segment as a YouTube clip and a wave of supportive comments have been left. Amy Forbes commented: "I like these type of guests that teach you something" and Liz Stubbs added: "Well done on speaking out and letting people know how it affects him." A further response was: "As a Psoriatic arthritis sufferer myself, it felt refreshing see it being mentioned on the TV."