Christina Applegate is undergoing tests for lupus and Lyme disease as doctors work to identify the cause of her debilitating symptoms after she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) for five years. The 54-year-old actress revealed on her podcast, MeSsy, that medical professionals are now exploring conditions that can present symptoms similar to MS.
Applegate explained that doctors are testing for "sister diseases to MS," including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease. She emphasized that she has not yet been diagnosed with any of these conditions, and the cause of her ongoing health struggles remains undetermined. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, while Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Both can cause symptoms that overlap with MS, an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system.
Applegate announced her MS diagnosis in August 2021 and became an advocate for those living with the disease, openly discussing her experiences with chronic pain, mobility issues, and depression. However, she recently learned from her doctor that she does not have MS, a revelation that left her devastated rather than relieved, as her physical condition has not improved. She continues to rely on a wheelchair for mobility and struggles with daily tasks such as getting out of bed.
She is scheduled to see a rheumatologist as investigations into her symptoms continue. Applegate acknowledged the difficulty in shedding the identity of an MS patient after living with the perceived diagnosis for nearly six years. Despite the misdiagnosis, she expressed her commitment to remaining a part of the MS community, with whom she has formed deep connections.