Content Warning: This article discusses pregnancy loss.
Bindi Irwin broke down during an emotional interview with Good Morning America, as she recounted how her health battle with endometriosis impacted her pregnancy with her now two-year-old daughter Grace.
The 25-year-old wildlife warrior was discussing her 10-year battle with the condition when she made the surprise admission that her pain became so great during her pregnancy that she was certain she had miscarried.
WATCH: Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell take daughter Grace on a family trip. Article continues after video.
“I was tested for cancer. I had MRIs, I had ultrasounds, I had CT scans, just you name it. I was checked for everything,” the mother of one shared, as she spoke of the countless tests she endured to get a diagnosis, and an explanation for the “unexplainable pain, fatigue, cramping and nausea” she had been experiencing.
“The scariest thing was that there were no answers,” she added, blinking away tears before making the heartbreaking admission that she often feared miscarrying during her pregnancy.
“Along my pregnancy journey. I would often have times when I thought I was miscarrying because I would have severe unexplained pain. I would think that I was loosing our beautiful daughter.”
“We’re so lucky to have Grace, so many women can’t fall pregnant because of problems with endometriosis.”
In September, younger brother Robert Irwin provided fans an update on his sister’s ongoing battle with endometriosis during an appearance on Sunrise, making the shocking revelation that Bindi was “going downhill fast” before she opted into surgery.
“When it comes to women’s health, so often it’s thought of as a women’s discussion, a women’s issue, but this is something that we all need to talk about,” Rob started.
“Bindi was going downhill fast, and since getting treatment for endometriosis – after being turned down and completely written off as, ‘oh, it’s all in your head’ or, ‘oh, it’s normal’ – she finally got the help that she needed and the help she deserved.”
“And she’s a new woman, so I’m very vocal now about saying, put it on your radar. Put endo on your radar for all women, and men, start making this a normal conversation to have.”
Robert’s revelations came just weeks after Bindi provided an update to fans on her personal journey battling endometriosis.
On Instagram, she took the opportunity to address the most commonly asked questions from her followers regarding her struggle with the condition and her recovery following surgery.
“Reaching this point has been an arduous and challenging process. I am immensely grateful to have come out on the other side of excision surgery, and I can confidently say that I am finally experiencing an improvement in my condition,” Bindi said in the new video.
Bindi then provided a more comprehensive account of her symptoms, acknowledging that she endured daily pain throughout her life.
She also shared that it wasn’t until after giving birth to her daughter, Grace Warrior (who sweetly appears in Bindi’s Instagram video), that she began a serious quest for answers.
“What was really hard was Grace not knowing what was wrong with her mum and not knowing what was wrong with me either,” Bindi explained.
Bindi then further disclosed her diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), saying she struggles to consume food without experiencing discomfort.
And regarding her decision to undergo surgery in the United States, Bindi shared her rationale, emphasising the importance of having both her mother, Terri, and her husband Chandler Powell’s families present to support and care for Grace while she underwent the procedure.
WATCH: Bindi Irwin captures adorable moment daughter Grace recognises Steve Irwin. Article continues after video.
At the time, Bindi – beloved daughter of the late Steve Irwin – initially took to Instagram to share with her fans that she had been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery for it.
The 24-year-old wrote, “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 with 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 10 years have included many tests, doctor visits, scans, etc.”
“A doctor told me it was simply something you deal with as a woman & 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. Going in for surgery was scary but I knew I couldn’t live like I was,” Bindi continued.
Bindi then shared that during the surgery, doctors found “37 lesions, some very deep & difficult to remove, & a chocolate cyst,” and she felt incredibly validated when a doctor asked her while in recovery, “How did you live with this much pain?”
Bindi went on to thank her family, friends, doctors and nurses for their continued support and encouragement before ending her post with:
“Things may look fine on the outside looking in through the window of someone’s life, however, that is not always the case. 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.
“I’m aware of millions of women struggling with a similar story. There’s stigma around this awful disease. 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.”
Bindi also shared a link to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, a non-for-profit that strives to increase awareness around the disease as well as fund landmark endometriosis research.
Chandler instantly commented on the post and wrote, “You are the strongest, toughest person I know. I love you and I’m so excited for this new chapter of life ❤️.”
Robert Irwin, Bindi’s younger brother, also commented. “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 my hero, Bindi! 🙌,” he wrote.
If you would like to access the free 24/7 National support line, call 1300 308 307 or visit www.rednosegriefandloss.org.au
