MANILA, Philippines: Kris Aquino, who is celebrating her 53rd birthday this February 14, had some negative news — she was diagnosed with a fifth autoimmune disease. Moreover, her heart is “so swollen” she is at risk of cardiac arrest.
But the indomitable woman assures her supporters, “I refuse to die… I am 53 now and I want to still be here when I am 63.”
Aquino has been in the United States since June 2022 to undergo treatment for her autoimmune conditions.
She recalled that she was diagnosed with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Chronic spontaneous urticaria in 2018 and had received treatment until 2022. But in that year, she was diagnosed with churg strauss syndrome or EPGA, which is her main concern so far.
While receiving treatment, she was further diagnosed with her fourth disease, diffuse scleroderma or Crest Syndrome.
In September 2023, Aquino hinted that her all physical manifestations are pointing to a possible 5th.
In her live interview with Boy Abunda, Wednesday afternoon, Aquino finally confirmed another health setback.
“Ayaw pang bigyan ng direct classification ng doctors but it’s a toss up but because of physical manifestations [such as very low hemoglobin, fluctuating blood pressure, swelling of knees, among others], right now, they’re classifying it as an autoimmune mixed connective tissue disease,” Aquino said.
Because of her condition and the several treatments they have been trying to combat her diseases, Aquino said her heart, besides her other organs, are taking a hit.
“The muscles surrounding and protecting my heart are severely swollen. And it’s not just outside the heart but also the middle layer.
“I could have a stroke at any time,” Aquino revealed.
The former actress-host said genetics was a factor in her current predicament. She revealed her grand father Benigno Aquino Sr. had a massive heart attack, her father Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. had his heart attack and not many people know that five weeks before former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd passed away in 2021, he needed angioplasty.
“I would have been okay if I didn’t develop my autoimmune diseases.”
The next months would be crucial, still according to Aquino and so she once again asks her supporters for prayers.
“I know you have been all praying for me for a long time but I really need it now because on Monday, we will try a new biological medicine. This is my chance to save my heart. If this doesn’t work, I stand a very strong chance of having a cardiac arrest.”
A devout Catholic, Aquino said that she considers whatever days left as a blessing.
“But, I really want to stay alive… Bimb is only 16. I made a promise to him that until he becomes an adult, I will really do everything [to live] because it’s no secret that his brother falls under the autism spectrum. They still need me.”
Kris Aquino, a well-known personality in the Philippines, recently shared her health struggles with the public. Despite celebrating her 53rd birthday, she received the news of being diagnosed with a fifth autoimmune disease. The condition has also caused her heart to become severely swollen, putting her at risk of cardiac arrest. However, Aquino remains determined to fight and survive, stating, “I refuse to die… I am 53 now and I want to still be here when I am 63.”
Aquino has been in the United States since June 2022 to undergo treatment for her autoimmune conditions. Her health journey began in 2018 when she was diagnosed with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Chronic spontaneous urticaria. Despite receiving treatment, she was later diagnosed with churg strauss syndrome or EPGA, which became her main concern. As if that wasn’t enough, she was further diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma or Crest Syndrome. Now, she faces the possibility of a fifth autoimmune disease.
In a recent interview, Aquino confirmed her health setback. While doctors have not provided a direct classification, her physical manifestations, including very low hemoglobin, fluctuating blood pressure, and swelling of knees, have led to the classification of an autoimmune mixed connective tissue disease. The impact of her condition extends beyond her heart, affecting other organs as well. Aquino revealed that the muscles surrounding and protecting her heart are severely swollen, posing a significant risk of stroke.
Genetics plays a role in Aquino’s health predicament. She shared that her grandfather, Benigno Aquino Sr., suffered a massive heart attack, and her father, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., also experienced a heart attack. Additionally, not many people know that former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd required angioplasty five weeks before his passing in 2021. Aquino believes that if she hadn’t developed her autoimmune diseases, she would have been in a better state.
The coming months are crucial for Aquino, and she once again appeals to her supporters for prayers. She shared that a new biological medicine will be attempted on Monday, offering her a chance to save her heart. If this treatment fails, the risk of cardiac arrest becomes significantly higher. As a devout Catholic, Aquino considers each day a blessing and expresses her strong desire to stay alive for her 16-year-old son, Bimb. She made a promise to him to do everything in her power to live, especially since his brother falls under the autism spectrum. Aquino believes that they still need her.
Despite facing numerous health challenges, Kris Aquino’s determination to overcome and her unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to many. Her openness about her struggles and her plea for support highlight the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.
Source: The Manila Times
