Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Christina Applegate's Hospital Ordeal: Pain, Multiple Sclerosis, and a Quest for Answers

Christina Applegate, 53, revealed that she was hospitalized after not feeling well and experiencing pain that left her 'screaming' amid her ongoing multiple sclerosis (MS) battle; seen in 2024 in L.A.

Christina Applegate's MS Battle Takes a Dark Turn: Actress Reveals Hospitalization, Pain, and Frustration

In a shocking update, Christina Applegate has opened up about her ongoing struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing that she was hospitalized recently due to severe pain and a kidney infection. The 53-year-old Dead To Me star shared the harrowing details on her podcast, MeSsy, from her hospital bed, leaving fans concerned for her well-being.

Christina's latest health woes began when she returned from a European trip with family. Initially, she thought she was just dealing with exhaustion and discomfort, but things took a turn for the worse upon landing back in California. A kidney infection diagnosis sent her straight to the hospital, where she demanded answers from her medical team.

Christina said that she had been on a recent European trip to visit family when she started to not feel well. And upon returning to California, she soon learned that she had a kidney infection; seen in 2023 in L.A.

"I'm screaming in pain," Christina revealed on her podcast, describing the agony as "from my back to my front" – an intense sensation that had her begging for medication and relief. An emergency CT scan confirmed the presence of a kidney infection, which left her feeling frustrated and helpless.

The actress's MS diagnosis in 2021 has been well-documented, but this latest health scare highlights the unpredictable nature of the autoimmune disease. Christina has spoken candidly about the stigma surrounding MS, with many assuming she must have done something to "bring it upon herself." However, she's used her platform to raise awareness and reduce misconceptions.

"I don't really leave the house anymore," Christina shared in a previous interview on Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend, revealing the challenges of living with MS. "People think I'm lazy or that I've given up, but it's just not true."

She recalled, 'From my back to my front is in so much pain. I'm screaming and they ordered me an emergency CT at 2:00 in the morning'; seen in 2023 in L.A.

Her upcoming memoir, You With The Sad Eyes, set to release in March 2026, promises an unflinching look at her life – including her health journey, tumultuous childhood, and struggles with insecurities. Christina has stated that writing the book was a way for her to process her experiences and find meaning amidst the chaos.

"I've had a career in TV and film since I was 3 years old, and I loved it," she began in a statement, per People. "But with MS, all the things I thought were important shifted. For a long time, it felt impossible to find the meaning in everything I've been through, but for the first time in my life I've been able to stop and reflect."

Christina's journey has not been without its challenges. Last year, she revealed that she was experiencing numbness, weakness, and balance issues – all classic symptoms of MS. Her candidness has sparked a much-needed conversation about the disease and its impact on individuals.

Back in May, Christina gave a heartbreaking health update and revealed that she doesn't 'leave the house anymore'; seen in 2022 in L.A.

As Christina navigates this latest health setback, fans are rallying around her, sending love and support through social media. Her determination to share her story and raise awareness serves as a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

A Look Back at Christina's Iconic Career

Before her MS diagnosis, Christina Applegate had established herself as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. With a career spanning over four decades, she's played a wide range of roles – from Kelly Bundy on Married... With Children to Jen Harding in Dead To Me.

Last month in July, Christina also announced that she is set to release a new memoir titled You With The Sad Eyes; seen in 2023 in L.A.

Her breakout performance in the 1990s sitcom earned her multiple Emmy nominations, solidifying her status as a comedic genius. In recent years, Christina has continued to captivate audiences with her nuanced performances in films like Anchorman and its sequel, as well as critically acclaimed TV series Dead To Me.

As fans await her memoir's release next year, Christina's latest health update serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness and support for those living with MS. With her unwavering determination to share her story, Christina Applegate is poised to continue inspiring audiences for years to come.

She gets candid about her life - including her health journey, tumultuous upbringing in Lauren Canyon, struggles with insecurities, and suffering from past abuse and assault; seen in 1989 in L.A.

From 1987 through 1997, the actress portrayed the character of Kelly Bundy in the sitcom Married... With Children; seen top left with Married... With Children cast in 1994