When Kris Aquino said on video that her doctors are just “trying to delay the inevitable,” many interpreted that to mean that the “inevitable” was in reference to death.
The Queen of All Media made this statement in connection with her revelation of what her doctors say was a “form of lupus” that she has been diagnosed with.
Without providing much detail, Aquino gave the impression that she was suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (S.L.E.), the most common form of lupus. It is the kind of lupus that could affect internal body organs like the kidneys, lungs, brain and the nervous system. It is characterized by inflammation and severe fatigue, and could manifest itself through skin problems.
The other forms of lupus include discoid lupus which only affects the skin but not the internal organs; drug-induced lupus which could result from certain medications; and neo-natal lupus which affects babies and young children.
Previously, Aquino said she was diagnosed with Spontaneous Chronic Urticaria —a form of autoimmune disease but not necessarily lupus — which causes hives similar to what happens in allergic reactions.
In a self photo posted by Aquino on Facebook, she appeared to have malar rash, a butterfly-shaped rash across the face which is a common symptom of S.L.E. Only her doctors would be able to tell whether her facial rash was caused by urticaria or lupus.
Lupus is one of the most misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed medical conditions because it mimics many other diseases. On the average, it takes six to eight years before a patient presenting symptoms is finally given a lupus diagnosis.
There is not a single test to diagnose lupus. Rheumatologists use a list of eleven criteria to screen patients who must have at least four of the eleven criteria in order to receive an official lupus diagnosis.
There is no cure for lupus. Nonetheless, it is not a death sentence. There are many approved medicines and procedures that can help address the various symptoms of the disease.
Aquino also mentioned in her video that she is “allergic to all medications” that could help with her condition. Not knowing what her doctors actually told her, I can only surmise that Aquino was exaggerating. Doctors could always recommend alternative medicines in case one drug or another does not work for their patients.
Most people know about Aquino’s flair for drama and she is quite effective in saying things that would earn for her sympathy and empathy.
What Aquino may not realize is its effect on other people who may be experiencing similar conditions, in this case, people with lupus.
Instead of calling attention to herself — if indeed she has lupus — she should call attention to the disease itself. She has the power to create greater awareness about this little-known disease, and the power to give hope and inspiration to the people who are battling the condition and remain courageous and hopeful about it.
And to the news media: Aquino’s announcement is a great opportunity to educate people, especially Filipinos, about what the disease is all about.
Because what we don’t know could hurt us, eventually.
The “inevitable” about lupus is not death. Rather it is the reality of going through a rollercoaster of symptoms and conditions that can be dealt with through a patient’s team work with his or her health providers.
Yes, lupus is a very difficult condition. But it is not automatically a “death sentence.”
(Author was a former Executive Director of the Lupus Foundation of Northern California. No part of this article should be taken as a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis which only doctors can provide.)
Politikal Pinoy 