In a recent interview with The New York Times, actress Christina Applegate, aged 50, discussed the subtle physical changes she observed in her body that eventually led to her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
These initial signs first became apparent to her a few years ago while she was filming the debut season of the Netflix series “Dead To Me.”
While engaged in a dance scene for the show, Applegate noticed a sense of imbalance.
Additionally, she realized a decline in her tennis abilities, although she initially attributed it to needing more practice.
Reflecting on this period, she expressed regret, stating, “I wish I had paid attention.
But who was I to know?”
As time passed, Applegate began experiencing sensations of numbness and tingling in her extremities, classic indicators of MS.
This neurological condition disrupts communication between the brain and the body, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood fluctuations, pain, paralysis, and more, as outlined by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
During the filming of the final season of “Dead To Me,” Applegate received her official MS diagnosis in the summer of 2021.
Production of the show was paused for approximately five months to allow her to commence treatment.
Recalling that period, Applegate mentioned the initial hopes for improvement through medication, despite acknowledging the absence of a definitive cure.
She highlighted the importance of that hiatus in coming to terms with the alterations in her life and identity, emphasizing the necessity of processing those changes.
Applegate candidly expressed her emotional response to the diagnosis, expressing frustration rather than acceptance.
She affirmed, “Acceptance?
No.
I'm never going to accept this.
I'm pissed.”
The actress described filming the concluding season of “Dead To Me,” set to premiere on November 17, as the most challenging experience she has faced.
She credited her co-star and dear friend Linda Cardellini for her unwavering support during the production, referring to her as a protective figure akin to a mother bear.
Sharing a recent update on her journey, Applegate posted a tweet showcasing the canes she now relies on for mobility.
In the post, she mentioned an upcoming significant event marking her first public appearance since her MS diagnosis, underscoring the incorporation of walking aids into her everyday life.
