Christina Applegate has said she feels like a "fraud" after learning she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), admitting she is "back at square one" in understanding her health. The Dead to Me star, 52, spoke on her podcast MeSsy, which she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
On the latest episode, recorded with guest Jack Osbourne, she joked: "Talk about being a fraud, I don't even have it anymore, jeez." She said she lived as a person with MS for almost six years, having announced her diagnosis in August 2021 while filming the third and final series of Dead to Me.
She stressed that "This may come as great news, but to me, I'm back at square one." She added: "You don't get misdiagnosed and then all of a sudden I'm better." Applegate is now being tested for conditions with similar symptoms, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
"So now I'm being tested for all that stuff, slowly but surely," she said. No results have been shared.
She said the situation has left her more frustrated than relieved, and that she is still adjusting to this change in her health journey. She also wants to stay involved in the MS community.
"I'm still always going to be a part of it," she said. Osbourne, 45, who lives with MS, said he sometimes feels like a fraud himself, though his condition "hasn't stopped me."
Sigler, 43, made Applegate an "honorary member" of the MS community, and Osbourne offered to send her some resources, which she said she appreciated. The actress remains focused on finding answers regarding her physical health.
Applegate's journey has been public since she first shared her diagnosis. Her transparency has garnered support from fans and fellow actors alike.
The podcast serves as a platform for her to navigate these complex emotions. The uncertainty of her current health status remains a significant challenge.
She continues to undergo medical evaluations to determine the root cause of her symptoms. Her resilience in the face of these challenges has been noted by many in the entertainment industry.
As she moves forward, Applegate emphasizes the importance of patience. She acknowledges that the process of diagnosis is often long and arduous.
Her story highlights the complexities of chronic illness and the impact of medical misdiagnosis on patients. The entertainment community continues to rally behind her as she seeks clarity.
Her commitment to the MS community remains steadfast, regardless of her own diagnosis. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others navigating similar health uncertainties.