Adam Thomas, known for his roles in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale, has opened up about his struggle with rheumatoid arthritis while preparing for his debut on Strictly Come Dancing. The 35-year-old actor revealed that the autoimmune condition has been causing him severe pain and discomfort, yet he remains determined to overcome the challenges ahead of the dance competition.
Key Takeaways
Adam Thomas opens up about his struggle with rheumatoid arthritis while preparing for Strictly Come Dancing, revealing the challenges he faces and how he remains determined to overcome them.
- Thomas was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in August 2023, which has caused him severe pain and discomfort, particularly in his knees, wrists, fingers, ankles, and toes.
- Despite trying various treatments, including methotrexate injections and sulfasalazine, Thomas still experiences intense pain and stiffness, forcing him to rely on painkillers and steroid injections for temporary relief.
- Thomas’s openness about his struggles has raised awareness about rheumatoid arthritis and inspired others with chronic illness, showcasing the importance of staying positive and strong in the face of adversity.
Diagnosis amid Strictly Come Dancing preparation
In August 2023, just days after being announced as one of the 15 celebrities joining the 21st season of Strictly, Thomas disclosed his rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. The chronic condition, which leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints, has affected his ability to move, especially in his knees, wrists, fingers, ankles, and toes. Rheumatoid arthritis typically impacts the hands and feet, but can spread to various parts of the body, causing flare-ups that worsen symptoms.
For Thomas, the pain began earlier in the year. “I’ve been in a lot of pain since January,” he wrote on social media, explaining how the condition initially affected his knees before spreading to other joints. After months of testing and numerous doctor visits, he finally received the diagnosis, confirming what had been an agonizing mystery for him.
Coping with rheumatoid arthritis
Thomas’s battle with rheumatoid arthritis hasn’t been easy. He has tried multiple treatments to manage his symptoms, including methotrexate injections, a common medication for autoimmune conditions. Unfortunately, the side effects of these injections became unbearable for him. “The side effects were just too much for me,” Thomas explained in an Instagram post. He decided to stop the injections about five weeks before the Strictly competition.
Without his usual medication, Thomas faced increased pain, finding it harder to walk and dealing with severe stiffness in his wrists and fingers. To cope, he resorted to painkillers, which allowed him to train for the show but left his body “in bits” the next day. His ongoing pain became so severe that, after several hospital visits, he switched to a different drug—sulfasalazine—in hopes of finding relief. Still, he acknowledges that no medication has made him completely pain-free over the past two years.
Struggles during Strictly Come Dancing
Despite his health challenges, Thomas remained determined to participate in Strictly Come Dancing. However, by week four or five of the competition, his condition worsened to the point where the pain became “unbearable.” Thomas admitted that although he tried to put on a brave face during rehearsals and performances, his body was struggling behind the scenes.
I’ve been taking a lot of pain killers to get me through and they have helped ease the pain where am able to train but the next day my body is just in bits.
Adam Thomas, English actor
In a candid post, Thomas revealed that the pain was so intense, he considered leaving the competition. But with the support of the Strictly medical team, he opted for steroid injections, which provided temporary relief. “The injections worked massively,” Thomas said, allowing him to continue dancing, even though his arthritis symptoms persisted. He stayed in the competition until week seven, when he was eliminated after a dance-off with fellow contestant Angela Rippon.
Staying positive and inspiring others
Thomas has used his platform to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis, a condition affecting millions. His openness about his struggles has resonated with followers facing similar health issues. By sharing his journey, Thomas offers support and encouragement to others battling chronic illness.
In one post, Thomas acknowledged the toll of living with arthritis, but he remains optimistic, urging others to stay strong. His candidness has fostered a sense of community among those with the condition, helping them feel less isolated in their struggles.
Overcoming challenges with strength
Adam Thomas’ experience with rheumatoid arthritis highlights the resilience needed to manage a chronic condition. Though there’s no cure, combining medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can enhance quality of life. For Thomas, staying active, focusing on fitness, and maintaining a positive outlook are essential as he navigates the physical and emotional challenges of the disease.
With a strong mindset and unwavering determination, Adam Thomas is proving that even in the face of pain and uncertainty, it’s possible to persevere and achieve new heights. His courage to share his story publicly is not only raising awareness about rheumatoid arthritis but also providing a source of inspiration for countless others dealing with chronic illness.
