Kris Aquino reveals sixth autoimmune disease, now in isolation
Metro Manila, Philippines — Kris Aquino shared a health update on her social media account, saying that she is now in isolation in light of a recent medical procedure and the discovery of a new autoimmune disease.
The “Queen of All Media” said on her Instagram account that she had an ultrasound-guided PICC line insertion, a minimally invasive surgery at Makati Medical Center.
“I always try my best to highlight the positive because having 6 autoimmune conditions is depressing (hindi po ako nagkamali, in my last update I had 5 diagnosed autoimmune disorders),” said Aquino. [Translation: I did not make a mistake; in my last update, I had five diagnosed autoimmune disorders] She said that her sixth autoimmune disorder is rheumatoid arthritis.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines rheumatoid arthritis as a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease that mostly affects joints. It occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. The disease causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints.
“Kahit gaano katapang ako, there are moments especially pag nagsabay-sabay my unexplainable allergies, my lupus (rashes, fever-like heat in my entire body, migraine) and rheumatoid arthritis flares (the worst, stabbing/crushing deep bone pain in my knees, hips, ankles) plus my high blood pressure (170/116); i ask myself KAYA KO PA BA?” she said.
[Translation: No matter how brave I am, there are moments, especially when my unexplainable allergies, my lupus [rashes, fever-like heat in my entire body, migraine], and rheumatoid arthritis flares all act up at once [the worst, stabbing/crushing deep bone pain in my knees, hips, ankles], plus my high blood pressure [170/116]; I ask myself, can I still do this?]
The former TV host also shared that during her hospitalization, her white blood count (WBC) dropped, and she had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
“What did that mean — wala na kong panlaban sa kahit anong viral or bacterial infection. I’m now in isolation. So many rules for family & friends na gusto akong dalawin. Yes, it’s lonely,” she said.
[Translation: I no longer have any defense against any viral or bacterial infection. I’m now in isolation. So many rules for family & friends who want to visit me. Yes, it’s lonely.)]
Aquino, however, said that despite her ordeal, she will continue to fight.
“What keeps me going? I REFUSE TO DISAPPOINT ALL THOSE PRAYING FOR ME. Ayokong maisip nyo na binalewala ko yung time & effort ninyo. Because your compassion has deeply touched my heart. Kaya bawal sumuko, tuloy ang laban,” she added.
[Translation: I don’t want you to think that I disregarded your time and effort. Because your compassion has deeply touched my heart. So giving up is not allowed; the fight continues.]
Kris is the youngest of five children of the late former Sen. Ninoy Aquino and President Cory Aquino, and the sister of the late former President Noynoy Aquino.
