Tyler Labine reveals he had life-threatening clot in liver and intestine: 'Trying not to die'
BRAMPTON, CANADA: The Canadian-American actor Tyler Labine, who played Dr Iggy Frome on the NBC medical drama 'New Amsterdam', had a near-death experience last week when he discovered that he had a blood clot in his liver and intestines. He shared his frightening ordeal on Instagram along with a video and photos of being ferried to the hospital in an ambulance and his stay there with IV fluids and angiocath bandages on his arm.
Labine said that he had a stomach ache on Tuesday that he ignored. He wrote, "Sometimes it’s a Tuesday and you’re walking around with a tummy ache so you try to sleep it off." However, the pain worsened and he decided to go to the emergency room on Wednesday. That's when he learned the shocking truth.
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'Im counting my blessings'
He continued, "And then sometimes your tummy ache turns out to be a potentially fatal blood clot in your intestines and liver and you have to spend the next three days in the hospital trying not to die." The 45-year-old actor said that he is recovering slowly with the support of his family and his girlfriend Martha. He expressed gratitude for being alive and his new perspective on life. He said, "I’m doing alright. Slow recovery but I’m here with my family supporting me and my lovely girlfriend Martha taking care of me. Im counting my blessings and just possibly reassessing what’s really important to me in this life."
'Sending healing thoughts'
People, stars, and costars reacted to his health update by sending prayers and wishing him a speedy recovery. "Oh, man. I’m so sorry. Sending healing thoughts," wrote actress Fiona Gubelmann. "Sending you love and energy bro. Blessings," actor Ricky Gonzalez, who starred alongside Labine in 'Reaper', wrote. "Feel better buddy," comedian and actor wrote. Alejandro Hernandez who has also worked in 'New Amsterdam' wrote, "Sending love hermano." Actor Nestor Carbonell wrote, "I’m so sorry to hear this, Tyler. Here’s to a strong and speedy recovery."
'It was really triggering me'
This is not the first time that the star of 'Tucker & Dale vs Evil' has been candid about his health issues. In 2021, he revealed to People that he has a history of disordered eating and body dysmorphia, which also affected his character in 'New Amsterdam'. He said that he was uncomfortable with the way his character was portrayed as constantly eating unhealthy snacks. He said, "It was really triggering me. I have disordered eating and body dysmorphia."
'It's a big breakthrough for me to tell my story'
He then decided to share his personal story with the producers, who incorporated it into the show. Labine said that he has struggled with binge eating, fad dieting, and even attempted suicide at age 12. He said that he finally sought help after years of suffering in silence. He said that playing Iggy has been therapeutic for him and he hopes to inspire others who are going through similar challenges. He said, "It's been really cathartic to embark on this journey with Iggy ... but it's a big breakthrough for me to tell my story, and hopefully it will help other people."