Kris Aquino has revealed that she is now living with a total of 11 autoimmune diseases, adding two newly diagnosed conditions to the nine she had already been publicly battling.
The former TV host and actress, often referred to as the “Queen of All Media,” gave a health update on Instagram while answering questions from followers alongside her son, Bimby. Kris candidly admitted that the recent typhoon Crising, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on July 19, worsened her condition.
“The typhoon made my rheumatoid arthritis hurt so much (it’s hard to explain the other autoimmune diseases [I] have as well as the [two] recently diagnosed diseases because of my multiple autoimmune diseases),” she said, referring to the lingering impact of the storm on her body.
Aquino explained that her 10th autoimmune disease developed as a result of the ninth, while the 11th disease emerged due to the complications brought on by lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and others. She likened her illnesses to the multiplying creatures from the 1984 film Gremlins, saying they seem to keep spreading.
Though she didn’t disclose the names of the two new diseases, Aquino already has a long list of diagnoses that includes: autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EPGA), systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, polymyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease.
In her Instagram post, Aquino also gave a glimpse into her current life, revealing that she now uses a wheelchair and is re-learning how to walk. She’s staying at a seaside compound owned by a friend of her late brother, former President Noynoy Aquino.
“This place is very peaceful and living where I get fresh sea air and listen to the waves was always my dream,” she wrote.
Kris shared her deep love for her sons, emphasizing that she is holding on for them. “I love my sons and they aren’t ready to lose me—especially Bimb, who just turned 18.”
Close friend and journalist Dindo Balares also opened up about Kris’ daily struggle. “Hirap na hirap, nakita ko mismo… ‘I really hate being dependent, ‘” he quoted her as saying, noting how much Kris detests needing assistance even for basic tasks.
Despite the severity of her condition, Aquino continues to show courage and resilience in her ongoing health battle.