MANILA -- Kapamilya singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla has opened up about her struggles with having a "mega ureter."

A mega ureter, or large ureter, is when a ureter is wider than three-eighths of an inch. This can result from an abnormality of the ureter (primary) or the bladder being blocked (secondary).

"I was born with a mega ureter. My left ureter was the size of a sausage when it should be a thin tubular structure with a 3 to 4-mm diameter. My right one is normal. I like how my new doctor describes it as 'You have a structural problem' instead of my usual 'I was born with a defective left ureter'," she explained in a lengthy post on Instagram.

According to the singer-actress, this was a long-overdue struggle as she was more prone to having urinary tract infections which led to a serious health concern.

"For many years, I've had endless battles with UTI (urinary tract infection), and taking oral antibiotics became routine. They had no proper machine in the Philippines while I was growing up and doctors only saw my real problem in 2007! So, my first surgery to correct this problem was 17 years ago. Right after filming 'Zsa Zsa Zaturnah' in 2007, I underwent open surgery to finally correct my left ureter. It was tapered and reinserted in my bladder," she revealed.

However, despite having the first operation and going through endless cycles of treatments and medical procedures, Padilla felt almost hopeless about her condition.

"Last year, the infection I was having was harder to cure. I became resistant to most antibiotics and tests showed that I was already having a (pee) reflux and the function of my left kidney was so much lower than my usual," she said.

"I went to the US in January but was advised not to have surgery. I was disappointed because I didn't know what to do about my problem. Six months later, the infections started again, and took 3 weeks for the low dose of antibiotics to kick in. Of course, I was already resistant to most antibiotics and I felt that it was only a 'band-aid' to my bigger problem. And honestly, you've noticed the weight gain, right," she added.

Despite this, the singer-actress did not stop to find a much more effective treatment that could help her with her condition, until she found a clinic in Singapore through the help of her friend Alice Eduardo.

"I then thought of Singapore since I heard of people going here for their medical needs, and asked my friend, Alice Eduardo to give me a recommendation. They gave me an office number that's based in Manila. And they coordinated with doctors who could help me with my problem…"

Padilla remains grateful for having a positive outcome from her procedure.

"And of course, my case wasn't an easy one since I was already operated on before. And there are scar tissues to deal with. Dr Bang said the surgery was straightforward. They didn't perform a board flap as planned. Part of the ureter was cut and then reinserted in my bladder. And I have 6 new holes from the laparoscopic surgery," she said.

The singer-actress is grateful that her body continues to function despite the different procedures she endured.

"My body is a map of all the surgical battles it's been through. This is my third surgery with-regard to the left side of my kidney. In 2012, after Dolphy died, I had a growth taken out so a partial nephrectomy was performed on my left kidney. By the grace of God, I pray that it continues to function so that I may be healthier," the singer said.

Ending her post, the Kapamilya singer looks forward to healthier days ahead so she can continue her normal routine with husband Conrad Onglao and celebrate her 40th anniversary in the industry.

"I will miss our 'ASAP' cycle for September and can't wait to rejoin them in October or November and for my anniversary concert to finally push through. We've moved it to November 29. So, guys, I wish you could be there to celebrate my 40th!!" she said.