In a moving Instagram post, Selma Blair has revealed that she was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The 46-year-old actor told her 663,000 followers on Saturday that she was diagnosed with the neurological condition in August but has experienced symptoms from as far back as 15 years.
She thanked Saved by the Bell actor Elizabeth Berkley, who recommended she see her brother, Dr. Jason Berkley, who finally diagnosed her after discovering lesions on an MRI.
"I have had symptoms for years but was never taken seriously until I fell down in front of him trying to sort out what I thought was a pinched nerve. I have probably had this incurable disease for 15 years at least. And I am relieved to at least know and share."
Blair shared that despite showing symptoms for an extended period of time, she officially received confirmation of her illness on Aug. 16.
The actor wrote a lengthy post detailing the emotional toll of living with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is an incurable condition affecting the brain or spinal cord, causing vision, balance, and muscle problems. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an estimated 2.3 million people live with the disease worldwide, with women being affected at a higher rate than men.
"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," wrote the Cruel Intentions star.
The actor, who stars in the upcoming Netflix drama Another Life, thanked Netflix and her producers for the level of support shown to her. In particular, Blair was transparent about the extent of her illness as she praised her costume designer, Allisa Swanson, for the additional help she regularly supplied on set.
Blair wrote: "She carefully gets my legs in my pants, pulls my tops over my head, buttons my coats and offers her shoulder to steady myself."
Blair also used the post to thank her celebrity friends, including Sarah Michelle Gellar and husband Freddie Prinze Jr., Tara Subkoff, and Noah Newman, for their "love and support."
And there has been an outpouring of support from fans and people who think she's been incredibly brave.
I am emotional and have so much love for Selma Blair and anyone else suffering from a chronic illness tonight💜✨ Life’s a shit storm.
Prayers and love to Selma Blair
Selma Blair being transparent about her MS diagnosis was so brave! I’m behind you 100 percent. Literally have watched you my entire life.
Selma Blair’s courage is simply so brave. My heart dropped when I read it. Her journey places a light on this devastating disease and it will help others who feel alone. God Bless you Selma and may the angels protect you. https://t.co/QxtDtJ3HkK
Just a word for Selma Blair. My heart goes out to you in a way that I rarely express here on social media. You have shown enormous honesty and courage in speaking about your fight against MS. Thank you and I pray for your full recovery.
This Selma Blair MS news has shook me. She was diagnosed a year and a day after me. I also have a son I wish i could do more for and I also want to sleep, I always want to sleep. #SelmaBlair