Christina Applegate continues to grapple with debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing in a recent podcast appearance that she’s been hospitalized numerous times and is relentlessly seeking answers from doctors. The actress, 52, shared her ongoing struggles on the Aug. 5 episode of her podcast, “MeSsy,” detailing severe gastrointestinal issues and a determination to uncover the root cause of her worsening condition.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, frequently enough debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, disrupting dialog between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary widely, but can include numbness, weakness, vision problems, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The disease is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, though it can occur at any age.
Applegate publicly disclosed her MS diagnosis in August 2021, while filming the final season of the Netflix series “Dead to Me,” alongside Linda Cardellini. Since then, she has been open about the challenges of living with the condition. In a March 2024 podcast episode, Applegate revealed she had been hospitalized “upward of 30 times” since her diagnosis. She described experiencing persistent “throwing up and diarrhea and pain,” and difficulty with bowel function, sometimes requiring medical attention during attempts to use the restroom.
During her latest hospital stay, Applegate insisted on undergoing extensive testing, stating she “was not leaving” until doctors could identify the cause of her symptoms. “I want to know why this is happening, and I want it to stop,” she explained on the Aug. 5 podcast. Doctors have indicated these symptoms aren’t typical of MS, but Applegate believes a connection exists.
In a May 2024 interview on the “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” podcast, Applegate described the notable impact MS has had on her daily life. “I don’t really leave the house anymore,” she confessed. “If people saw what my life is like on the daily, thay wouldn’t be able to do it, because I can sometimes not do it. It’s really, really hard.” She further stated that battling MS is “the worst thing I’ve ever had in my life” and “the worst thing I’ve ever gone through,” becoming visibly emotional.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society estimates that nearly 1 million adults in the United States are living with MS. Research is ongoing to develop more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. these can include disease-modifying therapies, rehabilitation, and symptom management strategies.
Contributing: Anna kaufman