TV host and actress Kris Aquino on Wednesday shared an update on her current medical condition months after flying to the United States to receive medical treatments for her autoimmune disease.
"I didn't want to post until I had clarity about my health situation. Maraming salamat po because I know from my Ate & friends back home that many still continue to pray that I get better," Aquino wrote in a Facebook post.
The 51-year-old actress said she continues to suffer due to her multiple health conditions, which have resulted in fatigue, sudden appearance of bruises all over her body, her inability to tolerate solid food, among other kinds of pain.
"There have been times i wanted to give up," she said. "BUT i remind myself Kuya & Bimb still need me & mahiya naman ako sa lahat ng mga patuloy na nagdarasal para gumanda ang kalusugan ko if i just give up."
Aquino also clarified that she has been diagnosed with four autoimmune illnesses – three were detected while she was still in the Philippines, while the fourth one was confirmed when she moved to Houston, Texas.
She added that “all [her] physical manifestations” point to a possible fifth autoimmune illness.
"Opo, pinakyaw ko na!" she said.
Despite this, Aquino remains grateful "to be blessed to have means to move to another state, have more tests done and go to other specialists." She added that finally, she will be able to start immunosuppressant therapy.
"I was warned that the safest form of chemotherapy (I don't have cancer) that can be used for my autoimmune conditions will make me lose my hair. Hair will eventually grow back but permanently damaged organs won't — so dedma muna sa vanity."
Among the health conditions the actress has been diagnosed with is Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (EGPA), formerly known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
