Emmy-winning actress Christina Applegate has opened up about her daily struggles with multiple sclerosis (MS), offering a raw and candid glimpse into life with the chronic nervous system disorder. The 52-year-old star, best known for her roles in "Married... with Children" and "Dead to Me," was diagnosed with MS in 2021 after experiencing symptoms for years.
In a recent episode of her podcast "MesSy," co-hosted with fellow actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate described the intense pain she experiences due to MS. "I lay in bed screaming," she revealed. "Like, the sharp pains, the ache, that squeezing." The actress explained that these symptoms occur "every single day of my life."
Applegate also shared how MS has affected her ability to perform simple tasks. "I can't even pick up my phone sometimes, because now it's traveled into my hands," she said. "So I'll try to go get my phone, or get my remote to turn on the TV [and] sometimes, I can't even hold them. I can't open bottles now."
The actress described how the severity of her symptoms can vary from day to day. She explained that she can often tell what kind of day she's going to have based on how her feet feel when she first puts them on the ground in the morning. On particularly difficult days, Applegate admitted to spending most of her time in bed.
Despite the challenges, Applegate maintains a sense of humor about her condition. She joked about using a diaper to avoid walking to the bathroom on bad days, quickly clarifying that it was just that - a joke. "But it's so freaking painful and so hard and so awkward," she added, highlighting the daily struggles of living with MS.
Applegate also discussed how MS can be an "invisible disease," with sufferers often appearing healthy to observers despite experiencing severe symptoms. This disconnect between appearance and reality can make it difficult for others to understand the challenges faced by those living with MS.
In addition to discussing her symptoms, Applegate shared one of her coping mechanisms: reality television. She revealed that she finds comfort in watching shows like "Vanderpump Rules," "Below Deck," and "Kitchen Nightmares," often binge-watching multiple seasons in a short period.
By sharing her experiences, Applegate is helping to raise awareness about MS and the daily challenges faced by those living with the condition. Her candid discussions serve to educate the public and potentially provide comfort to others dealing with similar health issues.