Kate Mansi, best known for her role as Kristina on General Hospital, is opening up about her personal health journey and how her stepfather helped save her life.
A Decade-Long Diagnosis
Mansi, 38, revealed to People that she was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015 after undergoing emergency surgery performed by her stepfather, an OB-GYN. Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing severe pain, heavy periods, and infertility.
Despite not experiencing the typical symptoms, Mansi began suffering from a distended stomach and intense pain. Doctors dismissed her concerns, attributing them to issues like a turning IUD, bad periods, or even the flu.
Pain on Set
The actress recalled continuing to work while enduring unbearable pain. “They would say action, I would do my scene, and then the second they said cut, I was literally doubled over in pain,” she explained. Eventually, she drove herself to the emergency room.
Stepdad Steps In
At the hospital, doctors discovered an 11-centimeter mass in her abdomen and suspected cancer. Her stepfather, frustrated by the delays, scrubbed in himself. “I’m not waiting for an oncologist. I’m gonna do the surgery or she’s not gonna make it,” he told her.
The surgery revealed a ruptured ovarian cyst, with blood coagulating into the mass and cutting off oxygen. During the procedure, her stepfather also discovered endometriotic tissue, leading to her diagnosis.
Moving Forward
Since then, Mansi has frozen her eggs and says she is “much more stable now.” She recently directed an episode of General Hospital that addresses endometriosis, hoping to raise awareness and empower women to speak out.
“Empowered to speak up, telling their stories and coming out of their shadows and realizing we don’t have to live with this quietly anymore,” she said.
With her platform, Mansi is determined to shine a light on a condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
