“I can finally see a new me”: Bindi Irwin shares update on difficult diagnosis
Bindi Irwin has taken to social media to assure her supporters that she is on a journey to “better health” one week after revealing her endometriosis diagnosis.
The Australian sweetheart shared a picture of herself sitting up in bed, smiling, with a beautiful bouquet of red roses in her arms. For her caption, Bindi stated that she was in the process of healing, and then took the opportunity to thank her followers for their “kind words and stories of strength” from their own endometriosis experiences.
“I can finally see a new me on the journey towards better health,” she said. “I can’t wait to be able to focus all my energy on our family.”
In true Irwin fashion, Bindi mentioned “the conservation work we are so passionate about”, and sent her “love and light” out to everyone reading.
Seven days prior, Bindi had thanked friends, family, and fans alike for “for encouraging me to find answers when I thought I’d never climb out. Thank you to the doctors & nurses who believed my pain. I’m on the road to recovery & the gratitude I feel is overwhelming.”
And now, the wildlife warrior - and ‘endo warrior’ - received a fresh flood of encouragement and support for this next phase of her health journey, with many delighted to hear that the 24-year-old was taking the time to focus on her recovery.
“Good, get plenty of rest and feel better soon. Thank you so much for spreading so much awareness for us endo warriors,” wrote one fan.
“Take all the time and healing you need, you’re such a strong person Bindi and so many people like myself look up to you and love the things you do in life,” said one. “You just keep focussing on yourself and your little family of yours and take each day at a time.”
“So glad you're using this time for physical and emotional healing. You are [a] true light in this world,” wrote another.
“Continue to rest up and think of yourself and your healing, which can be hard as a mum right?” said English TV personality Jo Frost, before adding “the hubby and the family got the little one, all good. Speedy recovery you darling.”
“Bindi you are an inspiration to every woman who follows you,” one follower told her. “Your Dad and Mum had the joy of seeing you grow strong and courageous. I believe you are a beautiful treasure for your fans. God bless you honey and your family.”
Meanwhile, one fan struggled to understand how it had taken so long for Bindi - who had shared how she’d been struggling for a decade - to be diagnosed with the condition, writing “Not sure what Dr's are thinking today or doing today...it shouldn't take this long for a diagnosis....”
“These last 10yrs have included many tests, doctors visits, scans, etc.,” Bindi wrote in her original post. “A doctor told me it was simply something you deal with as a woman & I gave up entirely, trying to function through the pain.”
Doctors often struggle to offer a formal diagnosis as symptoms can be varied, reflect other underlying health issues, and come with great periods of time between symptoms starting - or being noticed - and reaching out for help.
But for many in the comments, Bindi sharing her story is a reminder and encouragement for people to continue to advocate for their bodies, and to always fight to get the help they need.
As one follower said, referencing the endo journeys of those close to her, “ it’s not a nice disease! It’s crazy how prevalent it is yet still not well understood. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Wishing you love and healing, Bindi!!”
Images: Instagram