Kris Aquino is determined to fight on despite showing symptoms of another autoimmune disease among the “more complex” health issues she faces.
Aquino on Sunday posted a three-part video on Instagram chronicling her latest battle with autoimmune diseases such as Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss Syndrome) and Crest Syndrome.
The Philippines’ Queen of Talk said she underwent a thorough autoimmune blood panel and revealed that she is already experiencing signs of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus.
“I cried nonstop when I got my blood panel results,” Aquino wrote in one of the videos where she shared her worsening health struggles since before the holidays.”My Churg Strauss/EGPA is still being treated, but to add to it my Crest Syndrome is now in full active mode.”
“And I’m already exhibiting many symptoms for another autoimmune connective tissue disease. It’s highly likely based on my ANA count (blood panel), my high inflammatory numbers, my anemia, my now constant elevated blood pressure at night, and the consistent appearance of ‘butterfly rash’ on my face that I’m at the initial stage of SLE, or what is commonly known as lupus,” she said.
According to the Department of Health, lupus occurs when the body’s immune system, which normally protects against infection and disease, goes out of control, causing inflammation and damage to the cells and organs.
It develops among people who inherit the tendency for the disease and are exposed to certain triggers, such as sunlight, fluctuating or excess hormones, medications, infections, pregnancy, and stress.
The 52-year-old TV personality revealed that she was reluctant to post after losing some weight and as her hemoglobin level declined.
“My faith is still strong,” said Aquino on the treatments she has to take for her diseases.
“My battle has become more complex but I promised my sons and 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.” [I can’t give up, the fight continues.]
In August of last year, Aquino expressed hope for healing after her health tests showed improvement but she admitted that while she was on the “correct path to remission,” she still has a “long way to go.”
Aquino has been in the US since June 2022 to seek treatment for her life-threatening autoimmune disease..