Christina Applegate is opening up about the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the toll it’s taken on her health.
In a recent episode of Messy, the podcast she co-hosts with actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate shared that she’s been hospitalized “upwards of 30 times” due to severe MS symptoms.
“For the past three years, since my diagnosis, I’ve been in the hospital more than 30 times because of vomiting, diarrhea, and pain,” the 53-year-old actress explained.
“It’s unimaginable. They’ve done every test possible, bombarded me with so much radiation from CT scans and everything else.”
She went on to describe how MS affects organ function, saying, “One of the things with MS is that it slows down the organs—not completely, but there is a slowdown in function. I’ve noticed that if I need to poop, I puke.”
Applegate added that while her neurologist doesn’t believe there’s a link between the two symptoms, she feels differently.
“My neuro doesn’t—God bless her—think that’s an MS thing,” she said. “But I’m sorry, there’s got to be a correlation here. I’m not a doctor, but just think about it. I’m going through the same thing, and it’s terrifying and horrible.”
She humorously offered a piece of advice, saying, “Always have a little trash can next to your toilet. Because you can handle both at once without making a mess.” Applegate jokingly added, “I had one yesterday.”
Applegate first revealed her MS diagnosis on X (formerly Twitter) in 2021, sharing, “Hi friends. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with MS. It’s been a strange journey, but I’ve been so supported by people I know who also have this condition.”
She continued, “It’s been a tough road, but as we all know, the road keeps going—unless some a–hole blocks it.”
In another post, she quoted a friend with MS, saying, “We wake up and take the indicated action. And that’s what I do.”
Last year, Applegate also spoke openly about the “real depression” she faces daily as part of her ongoing battle with the disease.
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