‘I fall … I drop things’: Selma Blair’s ‘relief’ at MS diagnosis
Actor Selma Blair has revealed she has Multiple Sclerosis. Photo: Getty
Actor and activist Selma Blair has used Instagram to reveal that she has multiple sclerosis, and may have been living with it for at least 15 years.
Determined to live life to the fullest and “to play with my son again”, the 46-year-old actor, who is most famous for her roles in early 2000s films Cruel Intentions and Hellboy, said she was diagnosed with the disease of the central nervous system on August 16 and made it public to “give some hope to others”.
“I have had symptoms for years but was never taken seriously until I fell down in front of him [Dr Jason Berkley] trying to sort out what I thought was a pinched nerve,” Blair said.
“I have probably had this incurable disease for 15 years at least. And I am relieved to at least know. And share.”
The insightful post details a wardrobe fitting for a Netflix sci-fi TV drama, Another Life, she’s filming, and the troubles she is experiencing with simple tasks, such as getting dressed.
“I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken GPS,” she wrote.
“But we are doing it. And I laugh and I don’t know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best.
“I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself.”
Blair spoke of her desire to walk down the street and to ride her horse, but acknowledged the support of friends, cast and crew, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jaime King and Tara Subkoff.
Her fans on social media were also quick to provide support and words of encouragement.
@SelmaBlair My mom was diagnosed with MS almost 3 decades ago and does not let it define the life she lives. Pull through and stay strong!! ❤️
— Adriana 🥀 (@__Mija_) October 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/SandersMichi/status/1053880667740794880
"I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself.’ #SelmaBlair you will. When I got my diagnosis, knowing other people also had #MultipleSclerosis and hadn’t had to give up on life was what helped the most.
— Pippa James 😁 (@PippaJamesbooks) October 21, 2018
Blair said it was important to stay positive.
“You can’t get help unless you ask. It can be overwhelming in the beginning. You want to sleep. You always want to sleep,” Blair said.
Blair feels she may have experienced symptoms for up to 15 years. Photo: Getty
“So I don’t have answers. You see, I want to sleep. But I am a forthcoming person and I want my life to be full somehow.
“I want to play with my son again. I want to walk down the street and ride my horse. I have MS and I am OK.
“But if you see me, dropping crap all over the street, feel free to help me pick it up. It takes a whole day for me alone.”
Early symptoms of MS include vision problems, tingling and numbness, weakness or fatigue, balance problems or dizziness, bladder issues and cognitive problems.
-with AAP