The last thing anyone wants to do is document their most trying times, but Selma Blair did just that for the movie “Introducing, Selma Blair,” which provides an intimate glimpse into her struggle with multiple sclerosis and the aftermath of her stem cell transplant in 2019.
The 49-year-old “Cruel Intentions” actress has lived with agony her entire life despite receiving the autoimmune illness diagnosis in 2018.
As a child, she had her bladder operated on; as an adult, she had unneeded root canals; and she occasionally lost her vision. In addition, Blair constantly has musculoskeletal pain and neck muscle spasms that interfere with her speaking.
She admitted to comparing herself to others in an interview with Variety. “I didn’t realize that people weren’t injured every day. Since I can remember, I’ve been hurt.
After she gave birth to her baby, Arthur, in 2011, her perplexing afflictions only got worse. She was unable to move due to the excruciating agony; she was experiencing discomfort in all of her joints for no apparent reason.
When you consider what Blair had to go through, it’s hardly surprising that she described herself as “chronically wretched.” She worked on numerous projects and appeared in films like “Legally Blonde” and “Hellboy” despite her suffering.
After years of experiencing unidentified symptoms, Blair was eventually given a clear diagnosis in August 2018 after her leg collapsed in a Christian Siriano runway performance in February 2018. After a few months, her hands started to fail.
After seeing a neurologist, Blair was given the MS diagnosis. On Instagram, she announced the information two months later.
She said: “I have a disability. I trip occasionally. I mislay things. My memories are hazy. And the broken GPS on my left side is asking me for instructions. However, we’re doing it. And I chuckle. I’m not entirely sure what I’ll do, but I’ll try my best.
Jennifer Grey, a woman who had heard about Northwestern University’s autoimmune disease treatment via a friend, contacted her. The actress initially declined but later claimed she will “figure it out.”
She ultimately admitted to Grey that she was willing to investigate the treatment because her symptoms continued growing worse and her MS drugs weren’t working very well. In 2019, Blair underwent the dangerous but life-saving stem cell operation in Chicago at Northwestern University with the assistance of Grey, who also assisted Blair in getting into the program.
Two months were needed to complete the relatively recent operation. As multiple sclerosis is an illness in which the body assaults its own central nervous system, part of it involved Blair taking intense chemotherapy to eliminate her body’s dysfunctional immune system. She received an injection of healthy stem cells when her immunity was almost completely gone. Her body is supposed to develop a brand-new immune system that is more effective.
Rachel Fleit, who also has an autoimmune disorder, was introduced to Blair by a mutual acquaintance because Blair felt it was appropriate to share her medical journey.
People rarely discuss how emotionally taxing it may be to sort of prove you’re unwell. However, I want to be honest about MS. I feel it is vital for people to understand what it is like to live with a chronic illness,” Blair said.
In addition to witnessing Blair’s MS journey, viewers will also get to know her as a mother, daughter, and friend as they watch the documentary.
She simply continued to be there for me every day, Fleit said, “telling me the truth and giving herself to me in her completeness, which is extraordinarily generous and very special.”
Blair wasn’t engaged in the documentary’s editing, according to Fleit, who has had alopecia universalis and has been bald her entire life. She granted her unlimited artistic freedom and only asked for one modification to change the label on a family photo.
Even though the stem cell transfusion was ultimately successful, Blair had hoped for a miraculous recovery. She is, nonetheless, incredibly appreciative. She can now feel like herself again and resume her favorite activities, such as riding her cherished horse, thanks to the treatment.
“You enter it with the assumption that it will be a cure. But what is treatment? said Blair. “I’m just going through a stage of accepting my different self. And that’s okay; I’m fortunate.
Watch the documentary’s trailer in the video below:
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