Former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas has revealed the daily struggles he faces due to an autoimmune disease that has left him in constant pain for the past two and a half years.
During a candid interview on Good Morning Britain, the 36-year-old actor spoke openly about his diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis,
a condition that primarily affects the joints and is commonly associated with older adults.
Hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls expressed their shock at Adam’s condition, with Susanna remarking on how unusual it is for someone so young to suffer from arthritis.
A Painful Journey
Adam, who rose to fame playing Adam Barton on Emmerdale, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2023, just before competing in Strictly Come Dancing.
The actor has since been battling the chronic illness, which has significantly impacted his daily life and mobility.
“Yes, definitely,” Adam responded when asked if his condition had affected his movement. “I’ve been struggling with this autoimmune disease now for about two and a half years. It’s been tough. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every single day, I’ve been in pain.”
Despite trying various treatments, medications, and doctor visits, Adam admitted that finding a solution has been a long and frustrating process. He has remained open about his journey, often sharing updates on social media and raising awareness about the condition.
Finding New Ways to Cope
Although the road has been challenging, Adam recently shared that he has started seeing some improvement. He revealed that he has been experimenting with different treatments and lifestyle changes in the hopes of finding relief.
One major change has been his adoption of the “carnivore diet,” a restrictive meal plan that focuses on consuming only animal products. According to Adam, the diet has made a noticeable difference in his health, particularly in recent weeks.
“I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially within the past couple of weeks,” he shared, expressing optimism about the potential benefits of this new approach.
A Career in the Spotlight
Adam first gained recognition on Emmerdale in 2009, where he played Adam Barton until his departure in 2018. More recently, he has been starring as a P.E. teacher in Waterloo Road. His role as a physically active educator adds another layer of difficulty to his battle with arthritis, as the condition makes movement and physical activity much more challenging.
During the Good Morning Britain interview, Susanna Reid acknowledged this irony, saying, “We’re laughing about the fact that you would be a P.E. teacher, but it actually impedes your movement, doesn’t it?”
Despite these struggles, Adam remains committed to his work and his passion for acting. His resilience and positive attitude have earned him admiration from fans, many of whom have praised his honesty about living with a chronic illness.
Support from Family and Fans
Throughout his journey, Adam has received immense support from his loved ones, including his wife and children. He recently shared on social media that his son has even stepped up to help with his care, a touching reminder of the strong bond within his family.
The actor has also been vocal about his gratitude for the support he has received from fans, many of whom have reached out with words of encouragement or shared their own experiences with rheumatoid arthritis. His openness has helped shine a light on the reality of living with an autoimmune disease, breaking down misconceptions about who can be affected by the condition.
Looking Ahead
While Adam’s battle with arthritis is far from over, his recent improvements and determination to find effective treatment offer hope for the future. He remains focused on managing his symptoms and continuing to pursue his career despite the challenges.
As he continues to navigate life with this condition, Adam’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles. His willingness to speak out about his pain and resilience highlights the importance of awareness, understanding, and support for those dealing with chronic illnesses.
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