Adam Thomas has revealed that he has been diagnosed with the chronic condition Rheumatoid Arthritis aged just 34.
The Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor revealed he had been struggling with ongoing pain before finally getting a diagnosis, but was up for the challenge of Strictly Come Dancing nonetheless.
"I've been in a lot of pain since January. I never knew what was happening and finally after several blood tests and back and forth to doctors and hospitals, I've been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis", wrote Thomas in a heartfelt post on his Instagram.
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"The reason I've signed up to Strictly is because I just want to be able to move again, get fit and do it, all with a smile on my face!’" Thomas shared with his one million followers. "I know it's going to be tough, and I’ve definitely got my work cut out but am up for the challenge and cannot wait to get on that dance floor!!"
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. It affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity according to The Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of the condition include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It may also cause more general symptoms, and inflammation in other parts of the body.
For Thomas, the warning signs came when he started experiencing pain in his knees, as he told followers:
"It started with my knees and then travelled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes".
The condition usually causes a throbbing and aching pain and generally targets the small joints in the hands and feet initially, before spreading to other joints.
Adam thanked his wife Caroline and their two children Teddy and Elsie-Rose for their support, under a sweet snap of the family. "I just want to say thank you to (Caroline) and the kids for going on this journey with me, as I know it's been challenging and frustrating at times but hopefully, we’re on the right path now".
Adam is remaining positive despite the shock diagnosis, adding: "I'm a firm believer of everything happening for a reason, and I know the journey I've been on was meant to happen, to never take the small things in life for granted!"
The comments on his post were flooded with supportive messages, from celebrities such as Angela Scanlon, Michelle Keegan and Fleur East.
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