It takes courage to speak up when your body feels like it's betraying you, and that's exactly what General Hospital actress Risa Dorken did. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she detailed how she spent Christmas week in the hospital after an eight-month-long health battle. Now, she's sharing her story to highlight the importance of advocating for yourself in tough medical situations.
“After three trips to the ER, seven doctor visits, pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds, countless blood tests, two CT scans, three MRIs, a HIDA scan, a low FODMAP diet, an echocardiogram, and even a treadmill stress test—all while fighting back tears and dealing with what felt like an invisible problem—I almost accepted my new reality,” Risa revealed on Instagram last December 29th. That’s a lot of tests, right? But she wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
Knowing Your Body Matters
Risa went on to explain, “I know my body better than anyone else. The pain I was experiencing was unbearable, and I knew deep down it wasn’t normal. So, I decided to try a different hospital. And guess what? They listened! Thank you, UCLA, for your professionalism, care, and kindness.” Sometimes, switching to a new healthcare provider can make all the difference, and that’s exactly what happened for her.
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Alongside her emotional caption, Risa shared some candid photos from her hospital stay. She also listed the health challenges she faced during this difficult time. “Emergency gallbladder removal surgery, developing jaundice (my skin and eyes turned yellow), going back for an ERCP to remove a missed or lodged stone, and then dealing with pancreatitis. I thought I understood pain before, but this experience changed everything,” she explained. “None of those earlier scans showed a ‘real’ problem, but in reality, my gallbladder was in really bad shape.”
Gratitude and Lessons Learned
Risa took a moment to express her gratitude to her medical team and her husband, Bo Clark, who stood by her side through it all. “We finally have answers, and we’re healing because I stood up for myself. It’s sometimes hard for healthcare providers to take you seriously when they see mental health conditions on your chart, run their tests, and tell you nothing is wrong—it’s just anxiety,” she wrote. “It’s devastating to feel dismissed, especially when your health and happiness are at stake. Sometimes, scans don’t tell the whole story, and you could have a ticking time bomb organ rotting inside you. Health and mental health are all that truly matter.”
Risa wrapped up her post with a heartfelt message: “Be nice to each other. Why not, ya know? Being a human is tough. Wishing you all a healthy 2025! Take care of yourselves. XOXO.” Her words remind us that kindness and self-care go a long way.
Words of Support Pour In
Her fans and fellow actors flooded the comments section with words of encouragement and admiration for her strength. “Risa! I’m so glad you followed your instincts and are doing okay. Sending you a big hug,” actor Marc Anthony Samuel commented.
“RISA!!!! I’m so sorry that you had to advocate for yourself and deal with all this pain in a hospital. But I’m glad they finally figured out what was wrong. Heal quickly, friend!” another supporter chimed in. Another commenter added, “OMG, it’s unbelievable that after all those tests, they didn’t catch the gallbladder issue! Thank goodness you persisted! It’s a rough recovery, but you’ll feel better soon. Here’s to a healthier 2025!”
Risa portrayed Amy Driscoll on General Hospital from 2016 to 2024, starring in over 100 episodes of the beloved soap opera. After finally uncovering the root of her health issues, Risa reassured her fans that she is “doing well.” Her story serves as a powerful reminder that trusting your instincts and speaking up can lead to the care you deserve.
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