Christina Applegate opens up about daughter Sadie's health battle

Christina Applegate, star of "Married... with Children" and Netflix's "Dead to Me," revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. "It's the worst thing that has ever happened to me," she said some time ago. Due to the progressive symptoms of the disease, daily pain, and strong medications she has to take, Applegate is practically unable to work in her profession anymore. "This is a progressive disease. I don't know how much worse it will get. However, I can do voice-over work to support my family and stay mentally active. [...] I don't want to be in large crowds because I have a weakened immune system. I also avoid excessive stimulation of the nervous system. I like it when it's quiet and peaceful," she confessed in an interview with the "LA Times."

The star openly talks about how her illness is progressing. For some time now, she has been recording the podcast "MeSSy." The latest episode was prepared together with her 13-year-old daughter, Sadie. The girl admitted that after learning about her diagnosis, she better understood what her mother had to go through. "I have something called POTS. It's something with my nervous system that affects my heart. When I stand up, I get very dizzy, my legs are weak, and I feel like I'm going to faint," Sadie said.

POTS is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. People with this disorder have an intolerance to an upright posture. Dizziness, feelings of anxiety, palpitations, pre-fainting states, or even full fainting are common symptoms.

"I hate this, sweetheart. I hate this in your life. I'm sorry. I love you, and I know everything will be OK. I'm here for you and believe in you. Thank you for talking about it and raising awareness," the actress said in the podcast.

Sadie confessed that the disorder particularly bothers her at school because as soon as she gets up during classes or PE, she quickly has to go to the nurse. Teachers often think she's trying to get out of school duties and don't allow her to leave class. "The fact that they do nothing hurts me physically and emotionally. I feel sick, and they tell me to go to PE and run around the field. I can't do it," she said.

Applegate admitted that she hadn’t noticed any alarming symptoms in her daughter at home. She noted that the stress and anxieties experienced in the outside environment exacerbate the symptoms, and in the safe, calm haven of home, they are hard to notice.