Grey’s Anatomy actress Leven Rambin is opening up about a terrifying health ordeal after what was supposed to be a routine surgery turned into an emergency.
The 36-year-old actress, who played Sloan Riley in season six of Grey’s Anatomy, revealed that she woke up in the ICU after undergoing surgery for endometriosis.
But instead of coming out of the procedure with the answers she expected, Rambin said she was left with a nicked aorta, emergency surgery, and a massive scar.
“Going in for the endometriosis diagnostic and removal, and coming out with a NICKED AORTA, emergency surgery and a scar the size of my forearm was not on the bingo card,” she wrote on Instagram.
The Texas-born actress shared several photos from the hospital as she documented the scary experience for fans.
In one image, Rambin could be seen lying in a hospital bed while wearing a gown and reading Gone Before Goodbye, the Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon book.
Despite the ordeal, she managed to smile for the selfie.
Other photos showed an IV in her hand and Rambin resting in the hospital as nurses and family members surrounded her.
The All My Children alum said the road ahead will not be easy, but she is focused on healing.
“The road to recovery will be long but I am determined to heal & start my family,” she wrote.
She added, “Oh how I love being a woman.”
Rambin also thanked fans who had reached out with messages of support, especially those who had gone through similar medical scares.
“Thank you all for your support and prayers,” she wrote. “ESP those who have shared they went through something similar. It helps me feel less alone.”
Fans quickly flooded her comments with concern and encouragement.
“Omg! I am so sorry and that is so freaking scary!” one person wrote. “That is not supposed to happen.”
The fan added that they had undergone several surgeries for endometriosis and never would have expected something like that to happen.
“I am so glad you are ok,” the commenter wrote.
Another fan posted, “Omg! So thankful you’re still here with us.”
A third wrote simply, “Praying.”
Another supporter added, “Leven!! You’re so loved and we’re all here for you – so sorry this happened!!”
Rambin’s surgery was connected to her battle with endometriosis, a condition that affects tissue similar to the lining of the uterus.
Endometriosis happens when cells similar to those in the womb are found outside the uterus. Each month, those cells react like the lining of the womb, building up, breaking down, and bleeding.
But unlike a period, the blood has no easy way to leave the body, which can lead to severe pain and fertility issues for some women.
Rambin has been candid about her desire to start a family.
In June, the Fire Country actress said she was preparing for surgery as part of her fertility journey. She had previously frozen her eggs and said the procedure could help determine whether she would be diagnosed with infertility.
She explained that the surgery was needed for insurance to cover the next steps and to better understand her fertility status.
In a previous TikTok video, Rambin said a nurse had reassured her that her body was “normal.”
She also shared that a doctor told her, “This could be your lucky month but if you want to be efficient you can go ahead and do the IVF.”
Rambin said at the time that she was also planning to undergo endometriosis diagnostic surgery.
“So that should be fun,” she said. “She said the best time to get pregnant is right after that.”
“So let’s go ladies,” Rambin added.
The actress is now recovering from a much more serious ordeal than she ever expected, but her message to fans made one thing clear: she is still determined to heal and move forward with her dream of becoming a mother.
