Emmerdale star shares emotional hospital update after 'unbearable pain' and 'scary' days

By Gemma Jones, Showbiz Reporter

Emmerdale's Adam Thomas is struggling with his health (Image: Gemma Jones / Daily Express)

Soap star Adam Thomas has candidly admitted that he has spent a few days in "unbearable pain" and has been struggling to do every day tasks such as dressing himself and walking.

The former Emmerdale star, who portrayed Adam Barton on the ITV soap, said that he would be checking himself into hospital to get help with the pain. The decision comes as he admitted to having a "scary" few days which reduced him to tears.

Adam revealed in August last year that he had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Now, sharing an update with fans on his Instagram account, the 36-year-old actor wrote: "The pain is pretty unbearable at the moment, it’s as if my whole body is seizing up!! The pain was bad before, but it’s a lot worse now… how why???"

Adam added that he had recently stopped a treatment called methotrexate - a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant, which slows down your body's immune system and helps to reduce swelling.

He continued explaining that he had been put on a new treatment, but it could take up to 12 weeks to take effect, leaving him in agonising pain until then.

Explaining his ongoing struggles, Adam emotionally penned: "Going to check in at the hospital tomorrow to see what pain relief I can get, because I cant carry on like this!! I couldn’t even get dressed this morning on my own, couldn’t drive to work, I mean I can barely walk and my wrists and fingers feel like they’re broken that’s no exaggeration!

"I wouldn’t have got out of bed today if it wasn’t for work. It got better through out the day with a shit load of painkillers! But wow… these last few days have been scary had a little cry to myself today it can just really get on top of you."

The actor said that he didn't want people to feel sorry for him but wanted to raise awareness of the condition. Fans and friends still rushed to support the Waterloo Road star, with comedian Joel Dommett writing: "Love you buddy".

Adam has been suffering with symptoms of arthritis (Image: Getty)

Tillie Thalia, who also stars on the school based drama, wrote: "So proud of you and how you still remain positive and there for everyone a true inspiration to many keep your chin up your magic ." Meanwhile, former Emmerdale co-star Hayley Soraya said: "Sending love darlin."

Earlier this month, Adam shared that he is also dealing with psoriasis - a chronic disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly.

With the illness, patches of skin become scaly and inflamed, most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected as well.