Christina Applegate Opens Up About Life Confined to Bed Due to Multiple Sclerosis
Christina Applegate has disclosed that she is now predominantly confined to her bed, five years after receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In a candid interview with People magazine ahead of the release of her memoir, the 54-year-old actor explained that the pain associated with movement forces her to spend much of her days in bed.
Parenting Amidst Health Struggles
Despite her condition, Applegate continues to take her 15-year-old daughter, Sadie, to school, describing it as her "favourite thing to do." She shared, "It's the only time we have together by ourselves. I tell myself, 'Just get her there safely and get home so you can get back into bed.' And that's what I do." She has previously spoken about the emotional impact on her daughter, noting how Sadie observes her struggles with mobility.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective sheath around nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. This often leads to difficulties with walking and movement, and in some cases, can cause paralysis in the legs. While rarely fatal, MS predominantly affects women and typically reduces life expectancy by five to ten years on average.
From Child Stardom to Personal Battles
Applegate rose to fame as a child actor in the popular sitcom Married With Children. Her new memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, delves into her upbringing in Los Angeles, including watching her mother, actor Nancy Priddy, grapple with heroin addiction and abusive relationships. Applegate remarked, "My life isn't wrapped up with a bow. People's lives, sorry for lack of a better term, fucking suck sometimes. So I'm being as honest and raw as I possibly can." She emphasized that her book is not intended as inspirational but may offer insight into overcoming adversity.
Health History and Current Focus
In 2008, Applegate underwent a bilateral mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis. Today, she is primarily engaged in voice acting and co-hosts a podcast about MS called MeSsy with her friend and fellow actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also lives with the condition. The Guardian will publish an extract from her memoir on 28 February.
