Actress Selma Blair recently shared her experiences with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that wasn’t diagnosed until she was in her 40s, despite having symptoms since childhood. She spoke at a women’s health summit about the years of pain and fatigue she endured, often dismissed by doctors.
Blair mentioned that as a child, she underwent numerous tests and hospital stays, but her concerns were often downplayed. She highlighted a potential double standard, noting that her symptoms were sometimes attributed to “growing pains” or dismissed due to her gender, while boys with similar complaints received more immediate attention.
After finally being diagnosed with MS in 2018, Blair chose to share her journey publicly. She found that speaking openly about her challenges provided comfort and a sense of connection to many others living with chronic illnesses. She acknowledged that while she is currently “truly relapse-free,” she still faces ongoing issues with movement and speech.
Blair’s story highlights the importance of listening to patients, especially women, when they voice their health concerns. For years, her symptoms were ignored or misattributed, causing unnecessary suffering and delaying proper treatment. Her experience is a reminder that healthcare professionals should take all complaints seriously and avoid making assumptions based on gender or other factors.
