In a vlog uploaded on October 19, Angelica Panganiban reveals that she underwent a life-changing hip replacement surgery, even if she was advised against it. The 37-year-old actress and mom willingly conveyed that her decision was because of her longing to be a more present mom for her daughter, Amila Sabine.
She was advised to wait for five more years. That's how long it would've been for her to feel complete relief from her disease. ICYDK, Angelica was earlier diagnosed with avascular necrosis in 2023—which basically means that her hip bone has already died.
In July 2024, Angelica underwent cord decompression instead of fully replacing her hips. While hip replacement is a resolution for Angelica, her doctors didn't recommend it because of her young age. "Sino ba namang tatanggi na mase-save 'yung hips ko at makakalakad ako kahit paano," she first expressed in a vlog where she revealed her current health status.
However, she pointed out that despite the supposedly pain-relieving cord decompression procedure months ago, Angelica didn't feel any comfort and was in even more pain following her first hip surgery. "But after a month ng bed rest, after a month of surgery, bumalik kami sa doctor. I am explaining na ako 'yung nakakaramdam, of course ako I am explaining na walang nangyari. Kung tutuusin, mas sumama 'yung pakiramdam ko. Sabi 'nung doctor sa'kin, tiisin ko na lang. Bigyan ko pa 'yung sarili ko na mga five years bago ako magpa-hip replacement," Angelica narrated.
Enduring the pain for five years isn't something that Angelica wants to experience, especially when her daughter is growing up fast. "Hindi ko kayang tiisin. Alam mo 'yon, defeated ka na nga eh. Talo ka na sa sakit mo. Then ihihiga ko lang? Hihiga lang ako ng five years or hahayaan ko lang lumaki 'yung anak ko, pinapanood ko lang siyang maglaro and never niya akong nakalaro, na pwede naman, may paraan naman," she declared.
Aside from that, Angelica bared that her recent mother's death was a major turning point for her. For Angelica, she doesn't want her life to be full of regrets. So, she feels that doing the hip replacement surgery as early as now would be the perfect timing for her. "Since namatay si Mama nang biglaan, then talagang nag-click sa akin na, oh wow, sobrang bilis ng buhay. Hindi ako papayag na may mangyari sa akin na ang dami kong regrets, ang dami kong 'sana' sa buhay."
With all the complications and hardships that Angelica had to overcome for her health, she imparts an important message for everyone: listen to your body. For Angelica, experts and doctors are surely there to guide us but it is vital that we know how to trust ourselves and to listen to our bodies.
Angelica said, "Walang ibang mas nakakaalam ng nararamdaman mo kundi ikaw. Kung ano ang sa tingin mong tama, you have to fight for it." In the vlog, Angelica also shared some clips of her doing physical rehab sessions for her condition. At some points in her vlog, Angelica can be seen getting emotional after walking with relief, unlike when she was feeling severe pain because of her disease.
Angelica Panganiban's first hip surgery
Back in July, Angelica also documented her cord decompression process. At the time, she and her husband, Gregg Homan were very hopeful that the procedure would work for Angelica. "Naniniwala ako sa milagro na hindi ko na kakailanganin ang hip replacement," she declared in a vlog—full of hope that her condition will reach complete healing through proper care and therapy.
She also explained that the procedure drilled through her bones to be able to release tension from the damaged area of her body. Aside from that, more medical treatments were given to Angelica during her one week at the hospital.
She explained, "Nag-drill sila ng butas sa buto ko para magkaroon ng blood flow and ma-release ng tensions. Multiple holes.Tig-tatlo bawat balakang. Kasama 'dun kinuhaan ako ng bone marrow aspiration. There's bone stimulation and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) somay tatlong medicinesna binigay sakin na makakatulong sa pag-slow down ng aking pag-collapse ng hips ko," Angelica detailed.
We're praying for your full recovery, Angelica!