James Hollens joins us on Inflammatory! to share his honest and emotional journey of living with two types of inflammatory arthritis, whilst keeping his sense of humour, it is a very funny and honest episode. He talks about the sudden joint pain that hit in his early twenties, the months of misdiagnoses, and the moment a rheumatologist finally recognised rheumatoid arthritis. At just 21, James had to face the shock, stigma, and mental toll of a lifelong diagnosis far earlier than he ever expected.

His story then takes us to China, where a new wave of intense back pain landed him in an emergency hospital and a suspected diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Navigating a foreign healthcare system, language barriers, and a specialist shutdown during Chinese New Year made the experience even more daunting. Returning to the UK brought answers, faster treatment, and eventually a confirmed AS diagnosis, followed by a long recovery supported by biologics, physio, and major lifestyle shifts.

We also dive into the emotional side of chronic illness,from pandemic isolation to the mental health battles many patients face. James shares how lock-down volunteering grew into a thriving social media presence where he raises awareness, builds community, and spreads humour and honesty, including his popular “prick & pic” travel series. He closes with heartfelt advice to his younger self about shame, vulnerability, and finding support sooner.

Key Topics Covered

• Early symptoms and repeated misdiagnoses

• Receiving an RA diagnosis at age 21

• Living abroad and a second suspected diagnosis (AS)

• Navigating a foreign medical system and language barriers

• Returning to the UK for answers and treatment

• Recovery with biologics, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes

• Mental health challenges and pandemic isolation

• How volunteering led to chronic illness advocacy online

• Travelling with medication & the “prick & pic” series

• Advice for his younger self:

  • don’t be ashamed

  • open up sooner

  • find community

  • care for mental & physical health

  • stop fighting yourself

Connect with James: Instagram: @JamesHollens

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Coming Up

We have two more episodes before our festive break,including another special guest and our reflections on the past year—plus our favourite moments!

Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

·       For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/