Christina Applegate says multiple sclerosis has left her mostly confined to bed

Christina Applegate has said she now spends much of her time in bed, five years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

In an interview with People magazine, the 54-year-old actor said moving around causes severe pain, which keeps her largely confined to her bedroom.

Applegate said she still makes the effort to drive her 15-year-old daughter, Sadie, to school each day. She described it as her “favourite thing to do.”

“It’s the only time we have together by ourselves,” she said. “I tell myself, ‘Just get her there safely and get home so you can get back into bed.’ And that’s what I do.”

Living with MS

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system attacks the protective covering around nerve fibres. This makes it harder for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body.

MS can cause pain, weakness and problems with movement. Many people with the condition find it difficult to walk. In some cases, it can lead to paralysis in the legs. The disease mostly affects women. It is rarely fatal but can reduce life expectancy by five to 10 years on average.

Applegate has spoken before about how her illness affects her daughter. She said her child sees the changes in her condition.

“I see her look at me when I’m in bed and can’t quite move,” she said in a previous interview. “Mommy can’t do all the things that she used to be able to do, and I see it in her eyes.”

A career in the spotlight

Applegate first became famous as a child actor on the sitcom Married with Children. She later built a long career in television and film.

Her new memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, looks back at her childhood in Los Angeles. In the book, she writes about watching her mother, Nancy Priddy, struggle with heroin addiction and abusive relationships.

“My life isn’t wrapped up with a bow,” Applegate told People. “People’s lives, sorry for lack of a better term, sometimes really hurt. So I’m being as honest and raw as I possibly can.”

She added that the book is not meant to be inspirational, but hopes readers may still find something meaningful in it.

Health challenges

Applegate has faced serious health problems before. In 2008, she had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Today, she focuses mainly on voice acting. She also co-hosts a podcast about living with MS called MeSsy with fellow actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also has the condition.

Despite the pain and limits caused by MS, Applegate said spending time with her daughter remains the most important part of her day.