Actress Christina Applegate Opens Up About Living With MS

Christina Applegate has spoken about living with multiple sclerosis, an incurable chronic illness that causes numbness or tingling sensations in the limbs. She discovered she had MS in 2021 while filming the third season of Dead to Me.

She admitted she often ignored symptoms like losing balance or playing less well at tennis as evidence that more effort needed to be exerted on her part.

Symptoms

Christina Applegate, best known for playing Kelly Bundy on Married… with Children and now appearing as a tightly wound real estate agent on Dead to Me, recently discussed multiple sclerosis symptoms she missed before being diagnosed in 2021. In an interview, the star noted early physical indicators, such as feeling unbalanced during filming sequences or her tennis game being weaker. However, she did not recognize these warning signs as early signs and instead continued pushing herself harder.

Applegate noticed numbness and tingling sensations in her body while filming or exercising but thought it was due to either filming or her exercise routine. However, as time progressed, they worsened, becoming worse over time and eventually leading to trouble with balance, difficulty walking without using a cane, weight gain due to steroids used for MS, as well as possible side effects from medications used for treating neuropathies, including weight gain by 40lbs due to certain medications being side effects of MS treatment such as steroids or drugs used for treating neuropathies such as neuropathic pain treatment drugs causing side effects such as weight gain due to taking medication like steroids for treatment or treating neuropathies used by MS patients themselves as side effects of treatment such as steroids or drugs used for treating neuropathic pain treatment drugs being used side effects of these medications themselves resulting in weight gain as well.

Despite her health struggles, the actress remains determined to fight MS and actively supports its charities and fundraisers. Recently, she attended the Race to Erase MS celebrity-studded gala in Los Angeles alongside her daughter; wearing a floor-length velvet tuxedo dress with oversized satin lapels, she accessorized her look with beret, white stickers, and her cane for extra flair.

Selma Blair from The Sweetest Thing (2002 romantic comedy), who has spoken openly about her experiences with MS, joined her at this event, as did other supporters such as TV host Montel Williams and actresses Jeri Ryan and Annabeth Gish.

Applegate has been open about her health struggles, including having undergone two mastectomy operations and later having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as preventive measures against ovarian cancer, which she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. Additionally, she’s been forthcoming about dealing with insomnia.

Diagnosis

Celia Applegate quickly recognized that symptoms such as numb hands and unstable feet were telling of something wrong and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis while filming Dead to Me’s third and ultimately last season in 2021. While taking her diagnosis seriously, Applegate wants everyone else to understand what living with MS means for herself and others who share this condition.

Multiple sclerosis occurs when your immune system attacks the protective sheath that envelops nerve fibers, thus blocking their transmission of signals, according to Applegate in a 2022 interview for Vanity Fair. “Having this disease can have lasting effects: vision can dim, balance can become unstable, strength diminished, and it becomes difficult to move around freely,” Applegate explained.

Recently, she revealed how life has drastically changed since being diagnosed with MS. It has been an eye-opening experience. She remains uncertain if acting will be an option again but has received immense support from friends and fans, including former Married…With Children, co-star Selma Blair has also been dealing with her condition.

Applegate says she and her family have learned to appreciate life’s small pleasures as part of a strategy to manage her condition, such as being mindful to keep their home as quiet and calm as possible because she’s immunocompromised, which leaves her more susceptible to infections; additionally, she uses an area at the top of stairs so able-bodied friends can help her move up and down them safely.

Meghan L. Beier, Ph. D., a rehabilitation neuropsychologist who studies chronic illness adjustment, believes celebrities must discuss their health challenges openly and positively, significantly when they can benefit others in an inspiring manner. Hearing stories of others managing similar difficulties, they may feel less alone while finding ways to cope.

Treatment

Christina Applegate, best known for her iconic role as Kelly Bundy on Married With Children, has spoken openly about her battle against multiple sclerosis (MS). At 51, the actress explained in an interview how living with MS can be challenging but remains positive while using her platform to raise awareness.

Applegate initially stated that her symptoms began as minor ones, like minor numbness or balance issues on set, but gradually worsened over time, prompting her to see a doctor and eventually being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021 – while filming the third and final season of Dead to Me on Netflix.

As she completed filming the final season, she depended on her crew for assistance with simple tasks like opening doors and taking stairs. Though challenging, she is thankful for having had them by her side during these trying times.

Though she does not yet have a cure for MS, there are treatment options available to her that can improve her quality of life, such as wheelchairs, canes, and leg braces. She also takes medication that reduces flare-ups of symptoms to manage symptoms effectively.

Applegate’s willingness to share her story has been an empowering example to many living with chronic illnesses or health-related challenges, providing much-needed hope and inspiration. Her positive outlook and ability to remain true to herself despite obstacles are two of her finest attributes.

Applegate is also an advocate for breast cancer awareness and is a two-time survivor. She works tirelessly to spread her message, earning much love from fans as she spreads it further. We wish her all of the best on her ongoing journey!

Life with MS

As soon as you are diagnosed with MS, your life can drastically alter in numerous ways. Your physical abilities may change significantly, and this may make things difficult for those closest to you – family and friends will want to help, but each may also have their own opinions and worries – it is best to keep communication channels open between each of you while listening carefully for both sides.

Support groups are invaluable resources for anyone living with MS. Support groups provide an environment to learn new ways of managing symptoms and express feelings among peers who understand. Counseling sessions may also prove helpful; private conversations about sensitive or confidential matters can occur safely in a one-on-one setting.

If you have been diagnosed with MS, your physician will likely suggest some treatment options to reduce future activity and manage current symptoms. These interventions often necessitate lifestyle changes but can significantly enhance quality of life.

Your doctor may suggest stopping driving if your MS symptoms worsen, which may be challenging, but doing so could save lives by protecting you from accidents. You must follow their advice.

People living with MS are often susceptible to heat. Being exposed to direct sunlight may trigger symptoms and require them to use air conditioning or keep themselves hydrated to keep their body temperature comfortable. Stay hydrated, use air conditioning, or utilize cooling pads in order to manage body temperatures effectively.

Applegate has continued her acting career since breaking her diagnosis news to fans and fellow actors such as Selma Blair. While her MS diagnosis came later than most people would expect, it’s not unheard of for someone of any age to be diagnosed – often, those diagnosed in their 20s or 30s could indicate symptoms had gone undetected until that point.