Kaylah Walton
Christina Applegate recently opened up about her struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the central nervous system. On the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, she and her co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler discussed the harsh realities of living with this condition since her diagnosis in 2021.
Feeling visibly emotional, she expressed, “I don’t leave the house anymore.” Applegate explained that her daily life is incredibly challenging, often making simple tasks like using the bathroom feel excruciating, comparing the sensation to “walking on needles and hot lava.”
She also touched on the stigma surrounding chronic illnesses, noting that people often ask why she “deserves” to have MS. “I had breast cancer, and now this. Why would anyone assume I did something wrong?” she reflected, emphasizing how tough this experience has been for her.
Initial Symptoms of MS
Applegate recounted her first symptoms, including balance issues and numbness in her feet that progressed to her knees. Her friend Selma Blair, who also battles MS, encouraged her to seek a neurologist’s help. “I never imagined that both of us from the same movie could have MS,” she said.
During the podcast, she revealed she has been hospitalized over 30 times due to severe symptoms like vomiting and pain. “I’ve endured countless tests and radiation exposure,” she mentioned, highlighting the struggle of her condition.
Despite the hardships, Applegate believes she may have linked her gastrointestinal issues to her organ function, which could relate to her MS. “I’m not a doctor, but I sense there’s a connection,” she said, mentioning plans for further medical evaluations.
In a lighthearted moment, she shared that keeping a trash can nearby can be helpful for managing her symptoms, recalling a recent episode where it was particularly useful.
Additionally, she reflected on the passing of her father, Robert “Bobby” Applegate, who died at 82. Tearfully, she shared that she hadn’t cried until shortly before recording her podcast episode, questioning if that absence of tears was justified given the circumstances.
Through her candid admissions, Christina Applegate continues to shed light on the emotional and physical trials that accompany chronic illnesses, combining honesty, strength, and occasional humor.
