Actress Angelica Panganiban shared her ongoing struggle with avascular necrosis, a severe bone disease affecting her hips. This condition, often referred to as “bone death,” occurs when bone tissue dies due to insufficient blood supply, as explained by the Mayo Clinic.
Panganiban first noticed symptoms during her pregnancy, initially attributing the hip pain to common prenatal discomforts. However, the pain persisted post-delivery, exacerbated by physical activities, which unknowingly aggravated her condition.
The severity of her situation became evident during a trip to Palawan in March, where she experienced intense pain, limiting her mobility. Seeking medical help upon returning, Panganiban underwent therapy, which initially seemed effective but later proved inadequate against the recurring pain.
Her fiancé, Gregg Homan, guided her to a bone specialist who diagnosed her with avascular necrosis following an MRI and recommended platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. This treatment involves injecting plasma derived from Panganiban’s blood into the affected area.
Initially advised to consider joint replacement surgery, Panganiban opted for PRP injections, a less invasive approach. She expressed her bewilderment and self-pity regarding the diagnosis, especially since she had never used steroids, often a cause of such conditions.
Despite the challenges, Panganiban remains positive about her treatment and recovery, aiming to return to work in 2024. She and Homan, who got engaged in October 2022, welcomed their first daughter, Amila Sabine, in September 2022.