Bindi Irwin Shares Update on Her ‘Crippling' Endometriosis Journey 2 Weeks After Emergency Surgery
The 26-year-old said endometriosis is 'crippling' and she'll continue to raise awareness for women who deal with constant pain from it
She previously shared that she had been diagnosed with endometriosis in March 2023 after more than 10 years of debilitating symptomsBindi Irwin is sharing an update on her health two weeks after undergoing an emergency surgery.
On May 25, the 26-year-old posted a series of photos on Instagram and revealed that she's now 'healing' after suffering from a ruptured appendix and more than a dozen endometriosis lesions. Due to her hospitalization, she was forced to miss the annual Steve Irwin Gala on May 10 in honor of her late father, Steve Irwin.
'Healing,' she wrote in the caption. 'Thank you for your incredible words of support and kindness. The reason I share my health journey is because more girls and women desperately need answers to their undiagnosed pain.'
'I've battled with endometriosis for more than 12 years. This disease is crippling and can make you feel incredibly isolated,' she said. 'We need to raise awareness and change the narrative for women's health. I see you, your pain is real, and you deserve answers and genuine health care.'
In the comments section, her mother Terri said, 'Thank you for sharing your journey. ❤️'
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On May 12, Irwin first shared an Instagram video from her hospital bed and revealed that she had just gotten out of surgery.
"I had my appendix removed. I also had 14 new endometriosis lesions that had to be removed, and they kindly stitched up my hernia as well," she said, adding that she's "forever grateful" to her doctors.
"I just wanted you to know that I am on the road to recovery, one step at a time. I am so lucky to have so much love in my life from my beautiful family," she continued. "Sending love and light your way and we'll get through this.'
Irwin, visibly tired in the clip, then elaborated more on her condition in the caption.
"I am so thankful that I got the help I needed with Dr. Seckin and Dr. Chu at Lenox Hill Hospital. After many months of a grumbly appendix, I finally had to seek help the day of our Steve Irwin Gala. After consulting with Dr. Seckin, we agreed that if I flew to New York, he could also check for endometriosis again," she wrote.
"Surgery was a success. My appendix was removed, along with another 14 lesions (after having 37 endometriosis lesions and a cyst removed two years ago). I also had a repair to a large hernia I acquired through childbirth four years ago," Irwin added.
Noting that she is "on the road to recovery," she said she appreciated all "the kind messages I've received, and the support for our Gala in Las Vegas."
Irwin first revealed her endometriosis diagnosis on Instagram in March 2023, before opening up in more detail about her health journey in a PEOPLE cover story in August that year. The following May, she became the first international figure to receive the 2024 EndoFound Blossom Award at EndoFound's 12th Annual Blossom Ball in New York City.
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