Melody has IC (a bladder infection) for which it cause constant pains, she doesn't have a back problem. So in real life she has problems as well as playing an MS patient. I think she's a good actress to endured all this for a long time.

The MS storyline was introduced to educate people on MS that it's controllable with the proper treatment.

However, as indicated by MAK & You Go Girl she deals with a condition called interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

Melody has had previous back surgery's and struggled with Interstitial Cystitis for six years.

http://www.drdonnica.com/celebrities/000...

That is called acting. She is acting sick because her character is sick.

I suppose her back is giving her problems since her surgery.

As far as I know, she is not sick in real life.

I don't think she has MS. And we all get older but lately it looks like she has difficulty moving and uncomfortable, as if she is in pain.

Just makes me wonder how much longer she will be able to do this role?