Despite exhibiting symptoms of another autoimmune disease, Kris Aquino has pledged to persevere and resist succumbing to weakness. Sharing her first health updates this year, the actress took to Instagram with an almost three-minute reel documenting her ongoing medical journey. The initial video featured Kris receiving shots from her doctor as part of her continued treatment, marking her first health-related communication since November 2023.
In the accompanying caption, she addressed the events that unfolded, stating, “Explains and answers almost everything that has happened and is happening. 2024 please be kind.” In a second video, Kris expressed gratitude to friends, including actress Kim Chu and her son Bimby, for their visits during her hospital stay.
In a detailed post, the 34-year-old host disclosed feeling notably weak since Thanksgiving day, accompanied by a loss of appetite and daily headaches. Kris admitted hesitancy in posting due to weight loss and a decline in her hemoglobin level, undergoing two blood draws with the last one being an extensive autoimmune blood panel that took nearly two weeks for results.
Despite fluctuations, the Crazy Rich Asians star shared positive news of her gradual recovery, having managed to gain three pounds through dedicated dietary efforts. Kris also revealed experiencing symptoms indicative of another autoimmune connective tissue disease, resulting in persistent facial rashes. She acknowledged the likelihood of being in the initial stages of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, a condition where the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and organ damage.
Quoting information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kris elaborated on lupus affecting various organs, including joints, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels, with no known cure. Noteworthy symptoms include skin rashes—consistent with Kris’s experience—fevers, and joint pain or swelling.
“My faith is still strong,” Kris said on all the medication her body has to take.
“My battle has become more complex BUT I promised my sons & my sisters- I won’t be a wimp. And I’m promising all my friends plus all who continue to pray for me: bawal sumuko, tuloy pa rin ang laban,” she added.
Meanwhile, numerous friends and supporters in the industry extended their heartfelt encouragement and prayers to the actress.
“Praying for/with you always, Ate,” singer Erik Santos commented on the post.
“di ako mapapagod na ipagdasal ka araw araw” actress-comedianne Pokwang shared with a praying hand emoji.
“Love you, Tita! Get well soon!” Darren Espanto said with a heart emoticon.
The multimedia icon is presently confronting five potentially life-threatening autoimmune conditions and has been undergoing medical treatment at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles since June 2022.
