Christina Applegate Shares Painful Struggle Amid MS Diagnosis

Christina Applegate, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, has opened up about her struggles with the disease. "I can’t even pick up my phone sometimes," she revealed, emphasizing her challenging experience.

During the November 5 episode of her MeSsy podcast, co-hosted by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate described the agony caused by MS. "Everybody has different ways of it showing up," stated the 52-year-old actress. She recounted moments where she "lay in bed screaming" due to sharp pains and intense aches.

Apart from her severe pain, Applegate noted that symptoms have now affected areas not previously impacted. "Now it’s traveled into my hands," she explained, describing difficulties in reaching for her phone and remote. Sometimes, she mentioned, she struggled to even hold these items.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that disrupts communication between the brain and the body, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Despite her ongoing battle with this unpredictable condition, Applegate discovered an effective coping mechanism: reality television.

"I find reality television very useful," she shared with James Corden on his SiriusXM show in August. "It’s kind of it for me," she admitted. Applegate acknowledged her routine of watching reality shows non-stop within her room, stating that she doesn’t often leave the space. "I just need to sleep sometimes. Yeah, reality TV."

When it comes to her favorite shows, Christina is quite flexible. "Give me any of it," she said passionately. Be it "Vanderpump Rules" or "Below Deck," she expressed excitement. She even included "Kitchen Nightmares" with Gordon Ramsay as a favorite. "I’ll watch like nine seasons of that in two days," she concluded enthusiastically.