Gardeners’ World’s Adam Frost reveals he has been suffering from a ‘painful’ chronic illness for 20 years

Gardeners’ World star Adam Frost has opened up about his illness diagnosis after experiencing “throbbing” pain in his body two decades ago.

The 55-year-old said he was sent “from pillar to post” as doctors struggled to find the cause of his “very strange” pain, but was eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

According to the NHS, fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain throughout the body and other symptoms such as fatigue, muscle stiffness and increased sensitivity to pain.

The health body said the exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain messages that are carried throughout the body

The BBC presenter revealed she had been living with fibromyalgia for the first time on Morning Live in a segment to raise awareness of the condition which affects an estimated 2.5 million people.

He said: “For most of my life I have considered myself quite fit and healthy, exercising regularly and of course spending a lot of time in the garden.

“But about 20 years ago, I started experiencing some unusual symptoms. I started experiencing these very strange pains.

“They started in my neck, back and shoulders, like this throbbing, and then it moved through the rest of my body.”

Adam continued: “For almost two years I was sent from pillar to post as doctors struggled to identify what was causing me to feel so unwell.

“Finally, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It was a huge relief for about five minutes and then it was another twelve months of going on this journey of understanding to finally get some sort of treatment.

On the show, Adam met a woman named Helen Keane who also suffers from fibromyalgia, as well as Dr. Katie Herring, who specializes in pain management.

Wrapping up the show, Adam said: “Today brought up a lot of emotion in me and I know there are a lot of classic symptoms with fibromyalgia, but you get the feeling that everyone’s experience is slightly different.

“But to think that the research that’s being done and that we could be closer to a cure for me. That’s absolutely incredible.

Adam isn’t the only celebrity who has spoken out about being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

In 2017, Lady Gaga revealed that she was also living with the condition and postponed her European tour dates to receive hospital treatment for severe “physical pain”.

Her Netflix documentary Five Foot Two showed more of the Born This Way singer’s struggles with fibromyalgia, including a bleak scene where she was jabbed with needles as doctors tried to figure out the cause of the pain.

Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with the condition include Morgan Freeman, Lena Dunham and Real Housewives star Kyle Richards.

Morning Live airs weekdays on BBC One and Player from 9.30am.

Do you have a story?

If you have a celebrity story, video or picture, please contact Metro.co.uk’s entertainment team by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Send Stuff page; I like to hear from you.

MORE: Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly unbeaten record will finally be broken this Saturday

MORE: Scott Mills reveals touching message from Liam Payne’s grieving dad

MORE: Viewers urged to catch ‘absolutely adorable’ hidden gem with 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating on iPlayer