Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi shares heartbreaking health update: ‘I was tested for everything. Every tropical disease’

Bindi Irwin, the 26-year-old conservationist and daughter of the late Steve Irwin, has shared an emotional health update, reflecting on the struggles she endured before receiving a proper diagnosis for her chronic pain.

Misunderstood Pain

Speaking to The Courier Mail, Bindi revealed the emotional toll of living with undiagnosed pain for years. “Everyone thought I was becoming this flaky person because I would bow out of commitments at the last minute because I was in so much pain,” she said.

In August 2023, Bindi publicly disclosed her battle with endometriosis, a painful condition that affects millions of women but is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. She recalled her uphill battle to receive a proper diagnosis after countless medical professionals dismissed her symptoms.

Bindi has opened up about her health. Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty

A Flood of Stories

After sharing her story, Bindi was overwhelmed by the response from women who had experienced similar struggles. “In some ways, the response was devastating because so many women came forward,” she said. “It broke my heart. Some of their stories were identical to mine; some had taken even longer to get a diagnosis.”

Despite the pain, Bindi found beauty in the connections formed through shared experiences. “It was women supporting other women, and that part of it was beautiful,” she added.

Years of Misdiagnosis

In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Bindi described the years of uncertainty and invalidation she endured before being diagnosed with endometriosis.

“I was tested for everything—every tropical disease, Lyme disease, cancer, you name it. I had every blood test and scan imaginable,” she said.

Doctors frequently dismissed her pain as minor or psychological, suggesting it was “all in her head.” This led Bindi to question herself. “You wind up in this strange space of self-doubt, fear, and insecurity,” she shared.

Her turning point came when her condition worsened to the point where she collapsed in a fetal position, signaling it was time for a fresh perspective.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe abdominal, pelvic, and back pain, along with bloating, nausea, and painful menstruation.

After years of searching, Bindi finally found a doctor who took her pain seriously. Earlier this year, she underwent surgery at the Seckin Endometriosis Center in New York City, which removed 37 lesions and a “chocolate cyst” from her ovary.

A New Chapter

The surgery was life-changing for Bindi, giving her hope for a healthier future. “I feel like I have a second chance at life,” she said. “It’s not like a light switch, but every week I feel like I’m able to do a little bit more.”

In May 2023, Bindi reassured her fans that she was on the mend and expressed gratitude for the medical care she received.

Bindi has found comfort in the messages of support from other women. Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty

A Message of Hope

Through her journey, Bindi has become a voice of hope and advocacy for women battling similar health issues. Her story highlights the importance of listening to one’s body, seeking answers, and finding support in a community of understanding.

Featured image credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty