AceShowbiz - While filming the pilot for the Netflix series "Dead to Me", Christina Applegate began experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) years before her official diagnosis in 2021. During a recent episode of her podcast "MeSsy," Applegate recalled falling while shooting a scene where her character ran across a field. "I remember falling that day," she said. "Hi, first sign of MS!"

Liz Feldman, the show's executive producer, recalled noticing Applegate losing her balance a few times during filming. However, the long hours and late nights made it difficult to pinpoint the cause.

Despite her symptoms, Applegate completed filming the third and final season of "Dead to Me," even as her mobility declined. Feldman praised Applegate's dedication and professionalism, noting that her condition did not affect her performance. "There's no handbook for this," Feldman said. "I could sense something was wrong in Christina's body."

Feldman and the show's crew went to great lengths to accommodate Applegate's needs, including shutting down production for a week due to her symptoms. "That would not happen anywhere else," said Applegate. "My gratitude towards you guys for being humans is astounding."

Applegate later admitted that filming "Dead to Me" helped her cope with her MS diagnosis. "It gave me this weird platform of dealing with it," she said. "It was cathartic in a beautiful way."

MS is an autoimmune condition that affects the myelin, the protective covering around nerves in the central nervous system. Symptoms vary widely and can range from numbness and fatigue to severe pain and difficulty walking. There is currently no cure for MS.