In December 2013, Kristen Johnston revealed she was diagnosed with lupus myelitis, which is a form of transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, according to Mayo Clinic.
She wrote on Facebook that she had been experiencing "[f]ull body muscle weakness" and needed a neck brace to keep her head up. Johnston said that it took four months, 17 doctors, and "2 fun-filled weeks in November partying at The Mayo Clinic" before she was finally diagnosed. Johnston later said her condition was so severe, it felt as though she was "swimming in molasses." She treated her lupus with chemotherapy and steroids, and says she's grateful her health has improved. "Every single day is a gift, and I don't take one second of it for granted."
