Christina Applegate recently shared an unexpected change in her health diagnosis. Initially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, doctors have now informed the 54-year-old actress that she does not have MS. On her “MeSsy” podcast with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate expressed that this revelation left her at “square one” instead of feeling relieved.
Applegate recalled the moment her doctor delivered the news, saying, “It’s hard to say that my doctor came into my room, and she said, ‘Congratulations, you don’t have MS.'” Despite others feeling happy, she shared her mixed emotions, stating, “I haven’t gotten better, Jamie! If anything, I’ve gotten worse in some ways. So I’m back at square one that I don’t know what’s going on with me.”
There’s a pretty high number of misdiagnoses with MS,” she said. “It’s clear now that they’re finding something different. Something else is going on.”
Applegate and her doctors are working to identify the cause of her ongoing health issues. Misdiagnosis of MS may not be uncommon, but finding clarity remains a challenge. The revelation brought confusion and feelings of disappointment, especially after becoming a prominent figure representing the MS community.
The actress discussed how the initial diagnosis provided a reason for her health struggles. “I became this—you and I, the poster children for MS,” Applegate told Sigler. “Now I don’t have a reason, and it’s very unnerving.”
Applegate’s chronic pain and mobility limitations have also impacted her mental health, career, and family life. “I’ve gone through a great depression because of it,” she admitted. Despite the change in diagnosis, her physical and mental challenges persist. “I still have to use wheelchairs when I go to the doctor’s office,” she explained.
In 2021, Applegate publicly shared her MS diagnosis on social media, receiving support from many with similar conditions. “It’s been a strange journey,” she wrote. Despite this, the change in diagnosis has left her and her loved ones, including her daughter Sadie Grace LeNoble, navigating an uncertain path.
Applegate emphasized her commitment to honesty about her situation. “My life isn’t wrapped up with a bow,” she acknowledged. Amidst these challenges, she remains candid about the realities of her health journey and its impact on her family and career.