On the road again with Patrick Feeney

Can you imagine being driven from Sligo to Tipperary town and to be in such pain that you cry for most of the journey?

That sounds bad enough. But now imagine what it would be like to then go on stage, look happy and sing to 400 people for two long hours.

And when the show is over, the only thing that will give some small relief from the agony is to immerse your legs in ice water before making the pain-filled journey back to Sligo.

This is exactly the situation that popular country music singer Patrick Feeney found himself in this time last year. His pain was so ferocious that his joints fused and even the simplest task, such as picking up a glass of water, was next to impossible.

“It all began in the autumn of 2012 with pain in my lower spine and hips. Within months, the pain had spread to my entire spine, neck, knees and heels and I could hardly move. I was living on painkillers. Doctors put it down to all the driving and even though I was getting physiotherapy, the pain was getting worse.”

Complicated

Matters were complicated by the fact that Patrick had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease two years earlier. While this was under control with medication, all the painkillers he was taking were not helping this condition.

On his days off, he spent the time going between doctors, consultants, osteopaths and physiotherapists, trying to find out what was wrong and get relief from pain.

“It was impossible to keep smiling, impossible to keep the show on the road.”

After eight months of investigation, Patrick was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis – a type of inflammatory arthritis.

“It was such a relief to finally put a name on what was wrong. It started to make sense. For instance, heat drives the condition crazy, so as soon as I’d get hot on stage, my heels and then my knees would just buckle with pain.”

The condition is pretty rare and bringing it under control demanded a completely different lifestyle to the one Patrick lived. He doesn’t socialise much at weekends, watches his diet and tries to lead a stress-free life as much as possible. To keep his joints moving, he does circuit training, goes to spinning classes, swims regularly and does some farming.

“It was a case of early to bed, getting a full night’s sleep and no travel. I give myself a Humira injection every fortnight. Within a few months of this, I was so much better. Now I take no painkillers but I will be on the medication for a few years.”

Serious stress

But coming to grips with his arthritis meant that last summer Patrick had to walk away from a career he loved and excelled at.

“I loved being on stage, it gave me such a buzz and watching people enjoy themselves made me forget the pain for a short while. But the agony was tearing me apart. I had no choice. If I didn’t change, it would take me over, so I gave three months notice that I was quitting, but I didn’t tell anyone why. I didn’t want to let down venues, my band or my fans. And I didn’t want a sympathy vote either.”

Coming to terms with all this and his arthritis wasn’t easy for Patrick. And he’s honest enough to admit to having some dark days.

“I was on the verge of depression. I was only 31 and I had two tough conditions. It nearly got me, it nearly made me bitter. I began to believe I would die young and I became very stressed and anxious about everything.”

An eight-week course in cognitive behaviour therapy helped him overcome these fears and change his point of view.

“I became more determined that the condition would not stop me doing what I loved.”

On the road again

All the hard work paid off and with his condition under control, Patrick’s doctor said there was no reason why he couldn’t go back on stage as long as he takes things in moderation. So two months ago, he began work on a summer tour and, before he knew it, there were 40 dates in the diary.

Along with Jonathon Owens, he completed work on his The Promise and the Dream album, which includes firm favourites such as Annie’s Song, Love me Tender and Boolavogue.

“I think it’s the best album I’ve ever done and maybe that’s because my voice is rested. It’s very important to me because I get to sing a duet with my father.”

Last Friday night saw the first date of his tour kick off at the Hazel Tree near Mallow where he received a great reception from his fans. This Saturday you can catch him at Whites Hotel, Wexford. All will conclude with a Patrick Feeney and Friends weekend at the McWilliam Park, Claremorris, in October, plus a tour to New York in December.

“I can hardly believe the difference a year makes. The goodwill of people gives me such a boost and it’s just brilliant to be back on the road again.”