Christina Applegate Opens Up About Harrowing MS Battle, Hospitalizations, and Depression

Christina Applegate, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “Married… with Children” and “Dead to Me,” has recently shared a candid and deeply personal account of her ongoing struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS). In a recent episode of her podcast, “MeSsy,” co-hosted with fellow actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also lives with MS, Applegate detailed the severe and debilitating side effects she has experienced since her diagnosis in 2021.

Applegate revealed a staggering statistic: she has been hospitalized upwards of 30 times in the last three years due to the intensity of her MS symptoms. The actress described the relentless cycle of vomiting, diarrhea, and pain that has plagued her life since the diagnosis. “For three years, since I was diagnosed, I’ve been in the hospital upwards of 30 times from throwing up and diarrhea and pain,” Applegate stated, painting a vivid picture of the physical toll the disease has taken on her body.

The constant medical investigations have also had an impact. She elaborated on the extensive testing she has undergone in an attempt to understand and manage her symptoms. “They’ve done every test known to man on me, put so much radiation into my body from CT scans to everything else,” she explained, highlighting the invasive and demanding nature of the diagnostic process.

One of the particularly troubling side effects Applegate described involves a concerning correlation between her bowel movements and vomiting. She explained how the urge to defecate often triggers a bout of vomiting. “One of the things with MS is that it slows down our organs, you know, not like completely, but there is a slowing of the function of your organs,” Applegate noted. “I have noticed that — and I’m going to be really honest — if I have to poop, I puke.”

Despite her persistent experiences, Applegate shared that her neurologist does not believe the vomiting is directly related to her MS. “My neuro doesn’t — God bless her — says that’s not an MS thing,” she admitted. This disconnect between her lived experience and medical opinion has understandably left Applegate frustrated and searching for answers. “So, I’m sorry, there’s got to be a correlation here, and I’m not a doctor. I’m not giving medical advice. I’m just saying, just think about that, OK? Because I’m in the middle of the same exact situation, and it f—ing sucks, and it’s scary.”

In her characteristically humorous style, Applegate even offered a practical tip for dealing with this unpleasant symptom. “Always have a little trash can next to your toilet. Because you can do both without it being messy,” she joked, demonstrating her ability to find humor even in the face of immense suffering. “I had one yesterday.”

Beyond the physical challenges, Applegate has also been transparent about the significant mental health struggles she faces as a result of her MS diagnosis. Last year, she openly discussed the deep depression she experiences daily. “I’m in a depression right now, which I don’t think I’ve felt that for years,” Applegate confessed. “Like a real, f— it all depression where it’s kind of scaring me a little bit because it feels really fatalistic. I’m trapped in this darkness right now that I haven’t felt like… I don’t even know how long, probably 20-something years.”

The actress’s emotional struggles extend to a profound sense of disconnect from life itself. “This is being really honest… I don’t enjoy living. I don’t enjoy it. I don’t enjoy things anymore,” she revealed, showcasing the heartbreaking reality of living with a chronic and debilitating illness. The profound impact of MS extends beyond physical symptoms and deeply affects her overall quality of life.

Applegate originally announced her MS diagnosis publicly in 2021 via a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Hi friends. A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS,” she wrote. She went on to acknowledge the challenges and uncertainty ahead, while also expressing gratitude for the support she has received from others living with the condition. “It’s been a strange journey. But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition,” Applegate shared. “It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a–hole blocks it.”

In another post at the time, she articulated the importance of focusing on the present and taking each day as it comes. "As one of my friends that has MS said, ‘We wake up and take the indicated action.’ And that’s what I do."

Applegate’s decision to speak so openly about her experiences with MS serves as a powerful testament to her courage and vulnerability. By sharing her struggles, she not only raises awareness about the realities of living with the disease but also provides a voice and a sense of community for others facing similar challenges. Her willingness to discuss the less glamorous and often unspoken aspects of MS, like the vomiting and bowel issues, helps to destigmatize the illness and encourage open conversations about chronic health conditions.

Her struggles shed light on the often-overlooked mental health component of living with MS, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of individuals with chronic illnesses. It highlights the critical need for comprehensive support systems, including mental health resources, to help patients cope with the psychological challenges of living with a long-term condition.

Ultimately, Christina Applegate’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and a commitment to using her platform to advocate for others. While acknowledging the darkness and despair she experiences, she continues to navigate her journey with MS with humor, grace, and an unwavering spirit. Her courage in sharing her personal struggles serves as an inspiration and a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, it is possible to find moments of connection, community, and purpose.