Adam Thomas, a former *Emmerdale* star, recently opened up about his ongoing battle with psoriatic arthritis, 

a chronic condition that has left him struggling with severe pain and difficulty performing day-to-day activities, including work. 

The actor, 36, first revealed his diagnosis in August 2023, just as he was preparing to compete on *Strictly Come Dancing*. 

The condition, which affects both his joints and skin, has made it challenging for him to maintain his usual work schedule, 

especially considering the physical demands of dancing.

Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints and skin. 

It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in areas such as the knees, wrists, and fingers. There is currently no cure for the condition, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further damage to the joints. Adam’s journey toward a diagnosis was long and painful, starting with a knee injury that left him unable to walk for weeks. Initially, he thought it was just a pulled muscle, but the pain persisted, and he began experiencing severe discomfort in his wrists. Despite X-rays and MRI scans showing no obvious damage, Adam continued to suffer until blood tests revealed inflammation in his joints, leading to a referral to a rheumatoid specialist. It was there that he received the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of the process, Adam shared that the waiting game for a diagnosis was mentally exhausting, as he grappled with both the physical pain and uncertainty about what was wrong with his body. He admitted that the most challenging part of this journey was the absence of answers during the months of suffering. Once he was diagnosed, Adam began exploring treatment options, including medications and lifestyle changes, but the condition has impacted more than just his physical health. The psoriasis, a skin condition that often accompanies psoriatic arthritis, caused Adam to have flare-ups across his body, including his scalp, which made working in television particularly difficult.

Adam’s concerns were not just about managing his condition, but also about the potential hereditary nature of psoriatic arthritis. He confessed that he worried his children, Teddy, 10, and Elsie, 6, might inherit the disease. Reflecting on his father’s possible struggles with the condition, Adam said it was something he never discussed, but it made him anxious about passing it down to his kids. This concern has motivated him to work on finding the best ways to manage the disease, not just for himself but also to share the information with his family in case they need it in the future.

While Adam has tried several medications to manage his arthritis, he has also been experimenting with a strict carnivore diet, which eliminates all plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables, in favor of meat, eggs, and fish. This drastic change in diet was suggested to him by a friend, whose research into autoimmune diseases helped Adam find a new approach to managing his symptoms. 

After several weeks on this diet, Adam reported feeling significant improvements, particularly in his knees and fingers, with swelling going down and his joints feeling less stiff. Although he has decided to come off all his medication and rely on the carnivore diet, he remains open to returning to traditional treatments if necessary. His decision to stop taking medication was influenced by the severe side effects he had experienced, particularly while on methotrexate, a drug commonly prescribed for psoriatic arthritis that is also used in cancer treatments. The side effects, which included sickness, fatigue, and an increased susceptibility to infections, made it difficult for Adam to balance his health and work commitments.

Despite the challenges, Adam has continued to push forward, particularly during his time on *Strictly Come Dancing*. Though he was initially hopeful that his pain would subside before the show, Adam admitted that his arthritis impacted his ability to perform some of the more demanding moves with his partner, Luba Mushtuk. He shared that he couldn’t participate in lifts or twirls because of the pain, but he tried his best to work through it. Luba acknowledged Adam’s determination, noting that while he never complained, it was clear that he was in discomfort.

Adam’s transparency about his condition has helped raise awareness for those struggling with similar invisible illnesses. He used his platform to encourage people to check in on others who may be going through similar challenges, especially those who may not have a strong support system. Adam’s message was clear: it’s important to share the struggles and victories in dealing with chronic illness, not for sympathy, but to foster understanding and support for those affected.

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