In an unfiltered and deeply moving episode of the podcast MeSsy, Christina Applegate, known for her roles in Dead to Me and Married…with Children, opened up about her intense, daily struggles with multiple sclerosis (MS). Applegate, who was diagnosed in 2021, described the relentless physical pain that now shapes her life, from the first agonizing steps out of bed to the persistent, sharp aches that leave her unable to perform even the simplest tasks. Alongside her MeSsy cohost Jamie-Lynn Sigler—who also has MS—Applegate’s conversation offered a raw glimpse into what it’s truly like to live with this often invisible disease.
Living with Unseen Pain: “I Lay in Bed Screaming”
During the November 5th podcast episode, Applegate didn’t hold back when sharing the reality of her physical pain, which can often feel unmanageable. “I lay in bed screaming — like, the sharp pains, the ache, that squeezing,” she said, her voice conveying the frustration and helplessness that have become a constant part of her daily experience. As her symptoms have intensified, she’s felt the effect on her body in increasingly debilitating ways.
Applegate described how these sharp, shooting pains—common among those with MS—have a deep, internal quality that keeps her awake at night, making rest difficult and movement almost impossible. “It’s every single day of my life,” she admitted when guest Rory Kandel, who also lives with MS, asked if the pain was a regular occurrence. The unending physical discomfort, she shared, has been one of the most isolating aspects of her diagnosis.
During the podcast, Applegate and Sigler invited Rory Kandel, the owner of Rory’s Bakehouse, who also lives with MS and experiences the disease in similarly painful ways. Kandel described her experience with MS pain, likening it to feeling “like I have knives in my stomach.” She explained that on some days, the pain is so intense that even the slightest movement is unbearable. “Like, I’ll be laying in bed, and I wake up, and I physically can’t turn from side to side,” Kandel shared.
The candid discussion created a space for shared empathy and understanding, highlighting how MS affects each person differently but with universally challenging symptoms. For Applegate, Kandel’s description struck a chord as she reflected on her own similar struggles. They all agreed that the severity of MS pain can’t be overstated, especially since it’s often invisible to others. “It’s the worst,” Applegate said, acknowledging that these shared struggles bring an odd sense of comfort, knowing they’re not alone.
Basic Tasks Turned Into Daunting Challenges
For Applegate, tasks that once felt effortless now come with significant pain and difficulty. She revealed that simple daily actions—like reaching for her phone or remote control—have become physically exhausting and even impossible at times. “I can’t even pick up my phone sometimes because now it’s traveled into my hands,” she said, referring to how her MS symptoms have spread to affect her hand strength and coordination.
Applegate’s description sheds light on how MS often manifests in ways that interfere with fine motor skills, impacting a person’s ability to do even the most basic of tasks. From gripping a phone to opening a bottle, these once-mundane actions now bring pain, frustration, and a constant reminder of the limitations imposed by her condition. “I can’t open bottles now,” she added, describing how the disease has robbed her of everyday independence.
The Invisible Nature of MS
Applegate and Kandel discussed the paradox of MS as an “invisible disease.” Despite the intense pain and physical challenges they endure, people with MS often appear outwardly fine, which can create a disconnect between how they look and how they feel. Kandel summed up the frustration with the phrase, “Because it’s the beauty of the invisible disease,” capturing the irony that while MS symptoms can be severe, they often go unnoticed by others.
Applegate agreed, reflecting on how the “invisible” nature of MS can make it challenging for those without the disease to truly understand the extent of the pain. This shared frustration points to a broader issue within the chronic illness community, where patients often feel their pain isn’t validated due to a lack of visible symptoms. Applegate’s willingness to discuss these experiences openly helps to raise awareness about the unseen challenges of living with MS, challenging assumptions and encouraging greater empathy.
Starting the Day with Extreme Pain
Mornings are particularly challenging for Applegate, as she shared how even getting out of bed has become an excruciating ordeal. She compared the sensation of her first steps to feeling like “the floor is lava,” illustrating the extreme sensitivity and pain she experiences. Applegate explained how her feet, which have become especially painful, make each morning feel like an insurmountable task. “It looks like somebody put a hot fire poker up my a—hole,” she said, using humor to describe her agony.
Sigler, who also deals with MS, echoed this sentiment by sharing her similar morning pain. “I put my feet on the ground, and they’re hurting, like, extraordinarily bad to the touch,” she said, explaining how each day begins with an overwhelming discomfort. Applegate’s and Sigler’s descriptions highlight how MS can make even the simplest physical actions feel like walking through fire.
Finding Humor in Dark Moments
Despite the seriousness of their condition, Applegate, Kandel, and Sigler managed to infuse humor into their conversation, offering a glimpse into the resilience that many people with chronic illnesses develop. Applegate jokingly said that on her worst days, she contemplates using a “bed diaper” to avoid the pain of walking to the bathroom. “I actually don’t lay here and pee in my bed diaper,” she clarified with a laugh, “that’s just a joke.”
This shared laughter amidst the struggle provides a powerful reminder that humor can be a source of strength, even in the darkest moments. Applegate’s willingness to share her experience openly, without downplaying her reality, adds authenticity to her story, and her humor offers a coping mechanism that resonates with others facing similar battles.
The Medical Reality of MS
As Applegate and her cohosts discussed, MS is a progressive, unpredictable disease that affects each person differently. According to the Cleveland Clinic, MS is caused by the immune system attacking the protective cover, known as myelin, around nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This process disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to a range of symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, cognitive challenges, and severe pain.
For people like Applegate, the condition can be all-consuming, affecting their ability to work, socialize, and perform daily tasks. While some may experience periods of remission, others face relentless progression, with symptoms worsening over time, as has been the case for Applegate since her diagnosis in 2021. Her openness about the severity of her pain and her willingness to share her daily reality with MS are helping to destigmatize the disease and create a better understanding of its impact.
Embracing a New Chapter
Despite the difficult journey, Applegate expressed a sense of acceptance and peace with the limitations that MS has brought into her life. After nearly 50 years in the entertainment industry, she acknowledged that she now spends much of her time resting and adjusting to her new normal. “I mean, I worked for almost 50 years, so I’m like, I’m kind of okay with it,” she shared, reflecting on how her career and achievements have allowed her to accept this new phase of life.
Applegate’s story highlights not only the personal toll of MS but also the importance of resilience, community, and empathy. By speaking openly about her experiences, she is paving the way for more discussions around chronic illness and invisible disabilities, bringing greater visibility to the challenges that many people endure quietly. For those living with MS, Applegate’s words serve as both a beacon of solidarity and a call for broader awareness and understanding.
