Christina Applegate, the 53-year-old actress, has candidly described her experience living with multiple sclerosis (MS) as the “worst thing” she has ever endured. Diagnosed in 2021 with this progressive neurological condition, Christina shares that coping with MS has become the most challenging battle of her life.
In a heartfelt conversation on the ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’ podcast, she revealed, “This is the worst thing I’ve ever had in my life. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever gone through.” The severity of her symptoms has confined her largely to her home, substantially impacting her daily life.
“If people saw what my life was like daily, they wouldn’t believe it. Sometimes, I can’t even manage it myself. It’s really hard. I rarely leave the house now,” she confessed.
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Multiple sclerosis can cause a wide range of symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision problems, and numbness. Christina has experienced “extraordinary” pain since her diagnosis, describing sensations that are both numb and painfully sharp. She explained that her balance was deteriorating alongside this intense discomfort.
On the ‘MeSsy’ podcast, she previously opened up about the physical torment MS inflicts, saying, “I lay in bed screaming – the sharp pains, the ache, the squeezing.” The disease has also taken a toll on her ability to perform simple daily tasks. She admitted struggling to even hold her phone or TV remote, as numbness and pain radiate into her hands.
“I can’t even pick up my phone sometimes because the pain has moved into my hands. I try to get my remote or phone, but sometimes I just can’t hold them. Opening bottles is now impossible,” Christina shared.
Mornings are particularly difficult for her. She described how putting her feet on the floor feels like stepping onto “lava,” making it excruciatingly painful to get out of bed. “My feet hurt extraordinarily bad to the touch. Sometimes I feel like just staying in bed rather than facing that pain,” she said, adding a touch of humor to lighten the reality, “I actually don’t pee in my bed, that’s a joke, but it shows how tough it is.”
Christina Applegate’s honest and raw depiction of living with MS sheds light on the daily battles faced by many with this debilitating condition as she continues to navigate life with resilience.