Christina Applegate recently shared in an interview with Vanity Fair about her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, expressing the possibility of stepping away from acting on camera due to the daunting challenges posed by the disease.
In 2021, Applegate disclosed her diagnosis of MS and emphasized the relentless nature of living with this condition, stating that each day comes with its own set of difficulties.
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, pain, memory issues, and in severe cases, vision impairment or paralysis.
The manifestation and duration of symptoms can vary among individuals, as outlined by the National MS Society.
Reflecting on the daily struggles faced, Applegate candidly remarked, “You just have little s***** days.”
She shed light on the intricacies of simple tasks that most people take for granted, such as showering, which can be intimidating for individuals with MS due to the risk of falls or physical instability.
Tasks like descending stairs or carrying objects become challenging, causing immense frustration.
Despite these hurdles, she finds solace in being able to perform certain activities like driving short distances and attending to her child's needs.
Applegate opened up to Variety about how MS has impacted her sense of balance and heightened her vulnerability to infections, leading her to avoid crowded environments and minimize sensory stimulation.
She highlighted the overwhelming effect of loud noises on individuals with brain lesions, emphasizing the need for a calm and serene environment to cope with the condition effectively.
The actress revealed that filming the final season of the TV series “Dead to Me” while grappling with her MS diagnosis was emotionally draining.
Post the show's conclusion, she expressed missing the camaraderie with her co-stars but also felt a sense of relief from the intense struggle endured during the past year.
Diagnosing MS involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, as there are no definitive tests available.
While there is no cure for MS, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to improve quality of life and slow down disease progression, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment approaches range from observation in milder cases to more aggressive therapies like anti-inflammatory medications, plasma treatments, or disease-modifying drugs, albeit with potential health risks.
Selma Blair, who starred alongside Applegate in “The Sweetest Thing,” shared her own journey with MS, having been diagnosed in 2018.
In an interview on “CBS Mornings,” Blair recounted her long-standing health struggles, including optic neuritis, a common precursor to an MS diagnosis, which went undetected until her forties.
Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, Blair found some relief in understanding the underlying cause of her health issues.
Blair's departure from “Dancing With The Stars” last year due to MS-related health challenges underscored the unpredictable nature of the disease.
However, she revealed on “CBS Mornings” that she is currently in remission under the care of a neurologist, signifying a hopeful turn in her battle against MS.
