Christina Applegate’s , Sadie, was recently diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). On a Tuesday episode of Applegate’s “MeSsy” podcast, her 13-year-old daughter discussed her diagnosis, explaining that she now understands her mom’s battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) better.
“I have something called POTS,” Sadie shared. “I don’t fully understand it, but it’s related to the autonomic nervous system and affects my heart. When I stand up, I get really dizzy, my legs get weak, and I feel like I’m going to pass out.”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, POTS is a chronic disorder that impacts blood circulation and the autonomic nervous system. Symptoms include a rapid heart rate upon standing, lightheadedness, brain fog, fatigue, exercise intolerance, headache, blurry vision, palpitations, tremors, nausea, and fainting.
Sadie explained that she had experienced symptoms for a long time but was often dismissed by others. “I hate it for you, my darling. I really hate it for you,” Applegate responded. “I’m sad, but I love you and I know you’re going to be OK. I’m here for you, and I believe you. Thank you for raising awareness about this.”
Sadie recalled frequently visiting the school nurse during sixth grade because she “always felt like [she] was going to pass out.” She said, “In class, if I stood up, I’d have to go to the nurse. Or in PE, I’d have to go to the nurse. They thought I was trying to get out of class and said it was probably just anxiety.”
“Them not doing anything about it definitely hurt me physically and emotionally,” Sadie continued. “It felt rude and dismissive when I was genuinely feeling sick and unable to participate in activities.”
Applegate admitted that she had also dismissed her daughter’s symptoms out of ignorance. “She wears layers of clothes on 90-degree days and hates PE,” Applegate said. “I feel horrible that we didn’t pay attention to it. I just didn’t see it at home. At home, you seemed fine. But out in the world, the stress and anxiety can make symptoms worse.”
Despite the challenges, Sadie noted that her diagnosis has helped her empathize with her mom’s MS struggle. “When my mom says she’s in pain or having tremors, I understand better now. Without my diagnosis, I probably wouldn’t grasp what she’s going through as much.”
Our thoughts are with Sadie and Christina Applegate as they navigate these health challenges together.
