Christina Applegate Opens Up About Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
In a recent interview with ‘Good Morning America,’ Christina Applegate, 52, and her friend Jamie-Lynn Sigler, 42, spoke candidly about Applegate’s ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Applegate revealed that her symptoms started in early 2021, with tingling in her toes. By the time she started shooting her Netflix show ‘Dead To Me’ that same year, she was being brought to set in a wheelchair, unable to walk long distances. Applegate was officially diagnosed with MS in 2021 while filming the series.
Living with MS
Talking about her experience with the illness, Applegate described it as “kind of hell.” She expressed how she sometimes isolates herself at home as a way to cope with the challenges of the disease. Living with MS can be lonely, as it is often challenging to explain its invisible symptoms to others. Applegate shared that she is in excruciating pain but has grown used to it.
Long Time Diagnosis
In the interview, Applegate mentioned that she believes she may have had MS for as long as seven years before receiving an official diagnosis. During that time, she would experience her legs giving out from under her but attributed it to tiredness or other factors rather than a medical condition.
Impact on Personal and Professional Life
Applegate’s battle with MS has also affected her personal and professional life. She revealed that her 12-year-old daughter has witnessed the changes in her mother’s abilities, such as having to adapt to not being able to do certain activities due to the illness. Applegate shared the emotional toll it takes and how it breaks her when her daughter sees her laying in bed and understands that she can’t ask her to do anything.
Support from Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also has MS, has been a source of support for Applegate. The two actresses connected through a mutual friend and have been able to lean on each other throughout their respective journeys with the disease. They have launched a podcast called ‘MeSsy’ to further raise awareness and support for MS.
Applegate’s bravery in sharing her battle with MS offers hope and support to others facing the challenges of the disease. By opening up about her experiences, she aims to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of MS.
