Kris Aquino shares first health updates in 2024: 'My battle has become more complex'
Kris Aquino vowed to continue fighting and to not "be a wimp" despite showing symptoms of another autoimmune disease as she shared the first updates on her health this year.
In an almost three-minute Instagram reel, the actress posted a first-part video of herself taking shots by her doctor as part of continued medication. It was the first time this year that Kris gave news of health since November 2023.
"Explains and answers almost everything that has happened and is happening. 2024 please be kind," she captioned in the first video.
In the second video, Kris remained grateful to her friends including actress Kim Chu and her son Bimby, who have visited her in the hospital.
The 34-year-old host revealed in a lengthy post that she "felt very weak" since Thanksgiving day and even lost her appetite. She also shared how she experienced daily headaches.
Kris revealed that she was reluctant to post after losing some weight and as her hemoglobin level declined. "Twice, I had my blood drawn and the last was for a thorough autoimmune blood panel. It took almost 2 weeks to get my results."
Despite the fluctuation, the Crazy Rich Asians star happily shared that she is eventually climbing her way up and managed to regain 3 pounds more by putting serious effort into her diet.
"I cried nonstop when I got my blood panel results. My Churg Strauss/EGPA is still being treated, but to add to it my CREST SYNDROME is now in full ACTIVE mode," Kris wrote.
The TV host also shared that she's experiencing symptoms of another autoimmune connective tissue disease, which have caused persistent rashes on her face. "It's highly likely... that I'm at the initial stage of SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus) or what's commonly known as lupus."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, SLE or lupus is when the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage in organs. It affects the joints, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels, and has no cure.
Some of its symptoms include skin rashes—which Kris has been experiencing—fevers, and pain or swelling in the joints.
"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, several friends and fans in the industry sent their utmost support 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 currently battling with five life-threatening autoimmune diseases, seeking health treatment since June 2022 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.