Published Feb 19, 2021

Actress Selma Blair, 48, Recalls Her Terrifying Early MS Symptoms: “My Leg Was Numb”

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Selma's Early Symptoms

Actress Selma Blair, 48, was diagnosed with MS in 2018 and has been open about her struggles living with this disease.
In a new post, Blair tells followers about her earliest symptoms, including numbness in her legs at a fashion show.
Living with a challenging diagnosis can be stressful; some may seek therapy for additional emotional support.

Actress Selma Blair, 48, was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018 and took time recently to reflect on the early symptoms leading up to her diagnosis. MS is a disease that causes the immune system to disrupt the protective covering around the body’s nerves. Blair says on Instagram: “3 years ago. My dearest two pals came to watch the Siriano show. I walked that day. In the show. Noticing for first time, my leg was numb. When I first stepped out.”

“I couldn't feel the ground or how to lift my left leg,” she writes. “My brain was trying to compute. As I walked the runway, stunned. It hardly dampened my day though. Art and Carolyn shot these favorite frames of mine. In that incredible space in nyc. After the show was done. And what a show it was. The greats.”

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A post shared by Selma Blair (@selmablair)

Selma’s MS Battle

The actress was diagnosed with MS in 2018, and even in spite of this life-altering diagnosis, she manages to remain upbeat through her MS journey. Sharing the news with fans and followers, Blair also continues to raise awareness around this disease. The actress shared the news of her diagnosis on Instagram and was admirably vulnerable when discussing her illness.

In an earlier post, she writes: "I have multiple sclerosis. I am in an exacerbationâ€¦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. 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. Since my diagnosis at ten thirty pm on The night of August 16, I have had love and support from my friendsâ€¦"

Blair has used chemotherapy to treat her disease.

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Living with a Challenging Diagnosis

Blair has been admirably vulnerable and transparent throughout her MS battle, from the time of her diagnosis, up until today, as she continues to share details about her disease with fans and loved ones. Coping with a challenging diagnosis like MS or cancer can be difficult, that’s why resources like therapy or support groups may be helpful for some.

For the loved ones of those who get a diagnosis, it can be just as challenging, and some people may seek support. Camila Legaspi was in high school when her mother passed away from breast cancer. She credits therapy with helping her keep perspective and seeing her through that difficult period. In a previous interview, Legaspi says, “Therapy saved my life. I was dealing with some really intense anxiety and depression at that point. It just changed my life, because I was so drained by all the negativity that was going on.”

“Going to a therapist helped me realize that there was still so much out there for me, that I still had my family, that I still had my siblings. The reality is, is when you lose someone, it’s really, really, really hard. And it’s totally OK to talk to someone. And I’m so happy that I talked to my therapist. Keep your chin up, and it’s going to be OK.”

"Therapy Saved My Life": After Losing A Loved One, Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

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