Applegate Returns to Medical Basics as She Tests for Lupus and Lyme

Key points

• Applegate revealed on her 'MeSsy' podcast that she is returning to 'square one' to test for conditions that mimic MS.
• She is currently being screened for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease, which share similar symptoms with MS.
• The actress confirmed she still experiences debilitating pain and fatigue, despite no longer having an MS diagnosis.
• Applegate expressed frustration at losing her identity as an MS advocate but vowed to remain connected to the community.

Background

Applegate was diagnosed with MS in 2021 and became a prominent advocate for the condition. In October 2026, she disclosed that her diagnosis was incorrect, a revelation that highlighted broader issues in neurological misdiagnosis. Her previous archive coverage noted that approximately 15% of MS cases are eventually found to be misdiagnosed, a trend that underscores the complexity of autoimmune conditions.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone and The Independent emphasize Applegate’s emotional struggle with losing her MS identity, noting she feels like a 'fraud' but remains dedicated to the community. USA Today and RTE.ie focus on the clinical aspect, detailing the specific 'sister diseases' she is now testing for. All sources agree that her symptoms have not improved and may have worsened, leaving her in a state of medical uncertainty.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing complex autoimmune conditions and the impact of misdiagnosis on patient advocacy. It also illustrates the difficulty of transitioning from a known diagnosis to an unknown one, even when symptoms remain unchanged.

What to watch

Applegate will continue her testing process 'slowly but surely' to identify the root cause of her symptoms. She plans to maintain her involvement with the MS community through her podcast and advocacy work, regardless of her final diagnosis.