BBC Radio 4 presenter Kirsty Young says she is feeling “pretty good” after being diagnosed with a painful and incurable condition that prompted her to quit her biggest job. The 56-year-old, who now presents BBC Radio 4 podcast Young Again, says she had days where she felt “less good”, but said it helped to keep in a routine, while speaking to the How To Fail With Elizabeth Day podcast.
Young stepped down from hosting Desert Island Discs in 2018 after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, which causes swollen and painful joints, according to the NHS. Speaking about her health conditions, she told the podcast: “I’m very fortunate because I was able to completely reshape my life to make sure that I could take time out to take care of myself, to find the right medication, to find the right lifestyle to support my wellness.
“It has at times been very difficult, and painful and excruciating, and frustrating, and all those things, and right now I’m pretty good. I mean, it has little flares and I have to be mindful of the sort of pain stuff, but I do things that are important to keep me on an even keel.
“And the thing is with the sort of immunosuppressed or rheumatological complaints, if you do the same thing all the time it’s good for your body. So sometimes that’s compatible with work and not compatible, and sometimes you can’t control the stress factors in your life and all that, and it can flare up, but generally I would say I’m pretty good, and sometimes less good, and that’s also fine.”
Young has fronted various big events since leaving her radio show including the BBC’s Platinum Jubilee and D-Day programme. On the podcast, she spoke about making her return to broadcasting on the jubilee coverage in 2022, telling presenter Day she “hadn’t been on air for four years” before the event.
Young said: “I hadn’t done anything, so the BBC asked me to anchor, and it was three days of coverage, it was a very big deal, obviously, Platinum Jubilee, very big deal. I said to my husband, (it’s like) I haven’t even done the school run in a Fiat Punto for four years, and somebody said you want to go round Brands Hatch in a McLaren, and I’ve said, I’m the woman for the job.
“So I needed to just remind myself, and so when I was in the make-up chair, I just did a little bit of meditation, just shut myself down and it was very helpful.”
Young has previously told Radio 4’s Today programme that she finds it “very uncomfortable” to talk about her health.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas of the body. It affects how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, amplifying painful sensations. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread Pain: A dull, aching pain affecting both sides of the body and above and below the waist, lasting for at least three months.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness even after sufficient sleep, often accompanied by sleep disturbances.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Often referred to as "fibro fog," which includes issues with memory, focus, and concentration.
- Additional Symptoms:
- Headaches or migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Sensitivity to light, noise, and temperature
- Depression and anxiety
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, but factors that may contribute include:
- Genetics: A family history of fibromyalgia increases risk.
- Infections: Certain illnesses may trigger or worsen fibromyalgia.
- Trauma: Physical or emotional trauma, including stress, can lead to its onset.
- Abnormal Pain Processing: Changes in how the brain and nerves interpret pain signals.
Risk factors include being female, having a family history of fibromyalgia, or having conditions like arthritis or lupus. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on patient history and symptoms. There are no specific laboratory tests for it, but doctors may perform tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders.
Key diagnostic criteria include:
- Widespread pain lasting more than three months.
- Presence of symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, and cognitive problems.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but various treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. While fibromyalgia is a lifelong condition, most people can manage their symptoms effectively with a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan are key to improving quality of life.
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