The father-of-three – and husband to former model Christine Martin – has dealt with a crippling condition for the past three years. What is it?
At 47 years old, Paddy (real name Patrick) has been living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Sharing his diagnosis with the world on social media in 2018, Paddy posted a picture of him pointing towards the bandage on his shoulder.
In the snap, he wrote: “Morning! Nursing a poorly shoulder today. I had an ultrasound steroid injection in it yesterday. The reason, arthritis? I’m 44!”
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
This inflammatory form of arthritis can affect people of any age, testified the charity Arthritis Action.
It’s caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking a person’s joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.
If the condition is promptly treated, joint damage and disability can often be prevented.
The reason why this disease develops is not yet known, but it’s been found to run in families.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
The condition tends to affect the small joints of the fingers and toes, the wrist, elbows, shoulders and knees, the neck and jaw.
At times, the pain, stiffness and swelling of joints can seemingly move around from joint to joint.
The mornings tend to be the most painful, and symptoms tend to improve during the day.
How to get a diagnosis
Rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed via a combination of symptoms, blood tests and X-rays of the joints.
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Medications are available to dampen the immune response, including disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs).
Most people with this condition will be on lifelong medication; there are other treatment options too.
Physiotherapists are able to provide hands-on care and can advise you on exercises.
Podiatrists can help with insoles and foot care, while occupational therapists can offer advice on how to protect the joints.
Meanwhile, Paddy and his wife Christine have said they’re “struggling” raising three autistic children.
Six-year-old twins Penelope and Leo – and their three-year-old sister Felicity – have the condition.
What’s autism?
Autism Speaks noted the condition is “characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication”.
The spectrum disorder becomes apparent in children from the age of two or three.
The charity emphasised that “professional evaluation is crucial”, as many children with autism don’t show all the signs.
Equally as important, many children who don’t have autism may show a few of the signs.
What are the signs?
At any age, symptoms of autism can include restricted interests, difficulty understanding other people’s feelings, and avoidance of eye contact.
Other signs could include resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings.
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