In a recent announcement, Bindi Irwin revealed that she had to face her fears and undergo difficult surgery due to being diagnosed with endometriosis.
Bindi Irwin – the beloved 24-year-old daughter of the late Steve Irwin – shared a poignant photo of herself in a hospital bed with an emotional caption, “Dear Friends, I battled for a long time wondering if I should share this journey with you in such a public space. It came down to the responsibility I feel to share my story for other women who need help.”
“For 10yrs I’ve struggled with insurmountable fatigue, pain & nausea. Trying to remain a positive person & hide the pain has been a very long road. These last 10yrs have included many tests, doctor visits, scans, etc.”
Bindi revealed that a medical doctor once stated to her matter-of-factly that her troubles were just something she would have to “live with” as an average female.
“I gave up entirely, trying to function through the pain. I didn’t find answers until a friend @lesliemosier helped set me on a path of regaining my life. I decided to undergo surgery for endometriosis.”
Endometriosis is a debilitating reproductive disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining proliferates outside of the uterus, causing unbearable pain and cramping.
“Crikey! It’s The Irwins” she added, “Going in for surgery was scary but I knew I couldn’t live like I was. Every part of my life was getting torn apart because of the pain.”
She announced that doctors discovered 37 lesions here, some of which were very difficult to eradicate due to their depth, as well as a chocolate cyst.
“@seckinmd’s first words to me when I was in recovery were, ‘How did you live with this much pain?’ Validation for years of pain is indescribable,” Bindi said, before expressing her sincere appreciation to the doctors who believed in her and the pain she suffered, as well as friends and family for their support.
“I’m on the road to recovery & the gratitude I feel is overwhelming,” she added.
“To those questioning the canceled plans, unanswered messages & absence – I had been pouring every ounce of the energy I had left into our daughter & family … Please be gentle & pause before asking me (or any woman) when we’ll be having more children. After all that my body has gone through, I feel tremendously grateful that we have our gorgeous daughter. She feels like our family’s miracle.”
In March 2021, Bindi and her husband Chandler Powell joyfully welcomed their daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell into the world. They named her in honor of Chandler’s legacy.
After his wife’s surgery, Powell, age 26, displayed his admiration for her on social media.
“You are my inspiration to be as strong as I can be in every aspect of life. Seeing how you pushed through the pain to take care of our family and continue our conservation work while being absolutely riddled with endometriosis is something that will inspire me forever,” he wrote.
“The greatest gift of all is knowing that you’re out the other side of surgery totally free of endometriosis. I cannot wait to embark on this new chapter of life with you.”
Bindi’s younger sibling, Robert, also shared his thoughts.
“Love you @bindisueirwin ❤️ You are amazing. Not only for your strength battling through this physical and mental turmoil, but also for having the bravery to share your journey with the world to help other women who are suffering. You’re me hero, Bindi!”