‘Your pain is real’: Bindi Irwin reveals debilitating endometriosis diagnosis

By MiNDFOOD

In March Bindi revealed this image of herself in a hospital bed, saying she had undergone surgery to remove  37 endometriosis lesions. <em>Instagram / @bindisueirwin</em
In March Bindi revealed this image of herself in a hospital bed, saying she had undergone surgery to remove 37 endometriosis lesions. Instagram / @bindisueirwin
The Australian conservationist said she felt a responsibility to share her story for "other women who need help."

24-year-old Bindi Irwin, the daughter of the late Steve Irwin, has opened up about the pain she has suffered due to endometriosis. Sharing a statement on social media, Irwin said she has struggled with “insurmountable fatigue, pain and nausea” for the past ten years due to endometriosis.

“Trying to remain a positive person and hide the pain has been a very long road. These last 10yrs have included many tests, doctors visits, scans, etc,” she wrote. Endometriosis affects 1 in ten women, with many reporting chronic pelvic pain that seriously impacts their physical and mental health. Most women with the condition visit a GP over ten times before being referred to specialist care for a diagnosis.

Irwin, who gave birth to her daughter Grace in March 2021, said that she was told by doctor that the pain was “simply something you deal with as a woman.”

“I gave up entirely, trying to function through the pain.”

Irwin said it wasn’t until a friend offered help that she looked into surgery for endometriosis. “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. To cut a long story short, they found 37 lesions, some very deep & difficult to remove, & a chocolate cyst.”

She went on to speak about how important it was for her pain to finally be acknowledged. “Validation for years of pain is indescribable. My family & friends who have been on this journey with me for 10+ yrs – THANK YOU, for encouraging me to find answers when I thought I’d never climb out.”

She finished by recognising the stigma women with endometriosis experience. “I’m sharing my story for anyone who reads this & is quietly dealing with pain & no answers. Let this be your validation that your pain is real & you deserve help. Keep searching for answers.”

Irwin’s post has recieved many messages of support. Her brother, Robert, saying: “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!”

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