Christina Applegate, the well-known actress, has announced that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), leaving her uncertain about her health. In her podcast “MeSsy,” which she co-hosts with “The Sopranos” star Jamie Lynn Sigler, Applegate disclosed that her doctor informed her, ‘Congratulations, you don’t have MS.’ Despite the news, Applegate expressed mixed feelings, as others around her were relieved.
Applegate, 54, took a break from her podcast to absorb the news. She revealed the misdiagnosis in a two-part episode, released on Tuesday. She explained, ‘I was like, not happy at all,’ recounting her reaction to the doctor’s announcement.
Applegate is not alone in facing such a misdiagnosis. Dr. Marwa Kaisey from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explained that around 20% of those diagnosed with MS do not actually have it due to challenges in diagnosing the condition. There is no definitive test for MS, making diagnosis complex.
Applegate continues to struggle with symptoms, which remain unexplained. She stated, ‘I haven’t gotten better, Jamie! If anything, I’ve gotten worse.’ This situation has prompted a thorough investigation by her medical team to understand her condition since the symptoms emerged in 2021.
Five years ago, Applegate revealed her MS diagnosis. Since then, she has made limited public appearances, including saying farewell to awards shows in 2023, acknowledging her shifting career.
MS is a condition that damages the protective covering of nerves, leading to varying impacts on patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, severe cases can result in mobility loss. However, some patients experience periods of remission. MS is incurable but manageable.
Following her initial diagnosis, Applegate described herself and Sigler, who also deals with relapsing MS as “the poster children of MS.” She expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding her symptoms, stating, ‘I had a f—— reason for why my day sucked every day.’
The second part of her podcast episode reveals Applegate’s struggle with depression following the initial diagnosis. Initially, it halted her life, leading to reliance on wheelchairs due to difficulty walking. Despite the doctor stating she doesn’t have MS, her physical challenges persist.
This is an ongoing story; further updates should be anticipated.
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