Rick Wakeman Hid His Crippling 'Arthritis' for 30 Years, Fearing It Would Ruin His Rock Career. In Fact, He Didn't Have It at All . . ; Good Health

Summary

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ALMOST 30 years ago, musician Rick Wakeman was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in his hands.

But while he's never been afraid to talk about his other health problems -- including alcohol poisoning and two heart attacks -- he kept this other condition secret, desperately worried it would end his career (a long-time member of the band Yes as well as a solo musician, he's known as the 'keyboard wizard' for his speed of playing). Then, last month, he discovered he'd been misdiagnosed all along, as he tells RACHEL KAUFMAN. .

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Rick Wakeman Hid His Crippling 'Arthritis' for 30 Years, Fearing It Would Ruin His Rock Career. In Fact, He Didn't Have It at All . . ; Good Health

THE first time I noticed a problem was in the winter of 1980.

At the time I was living in Montreux in Switzerland and I flew to London to do some keyboard concerts at a London nightclub called The Venue.

Halfway through the first show on the second night, my hands began to feel as if someone had pumped them full of air.

I looked down and was stunned to see my r...

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