Jamie Oliver’s wife, Jools, has been handed two life-changing diagnoses after having “45 years of her life ruined”. The wife of TV chef Jamie said she was left “drained” after a decades-long struggle with a condition her children also have – autism. Jools was also diagnosed with ADHD, explaining on the Lessons from Our Mothers podcast: “[My ADHD diagnosis] was about four years ago. And I’ve got the medication, but I don’t want to take it because I’m scared – due to health anxiety – that something will happen; it’s just an ongoing situation. But I found out the children had autism. So, then I thought, ‘my God, that sounds like me’. So, I went for that, and I’ve got that as well.”
Jools, 51, is mum to five children – Poppy, 24, Daisy, 23, Petal, 17, Buddy, 16, and River, 10.
She went on to explain: “It’s a little bit overwhelming to know what I actually have and what’s actually wrong with me. For me, I think it’s quite draining. I think it’s tiring.
“And I think it’s actually ruined, well, I’m 51, so far 45 years of my life thinking it’s something else. It’s no superpower, it’s just drain, and it’s really hard work.”
Jools said she isn’t sure if her stress was exacerbated due to the menopause, or if it is simply the result of her ADHD and autism diagnoses.
She previously opened up about her fertility struggle, admitting she was secretly longing to hit menopause so she could stop feeling broody and wanting to have a sixth child. In 2021, when she was 46, Jools thought the time could be right to get pregnant again.
She said on the Life & Soul podcast at the time: “I have thought about IVF because, having researched it and spoken to some amazing people, it seems like the right option for my age.
“But you know, it’s hard because also I’ve got a partner, you know, I’ve got to think about him; I’m not so sure he’s that keen to do it that way. So I don’t want to push anything, because I’m very lucky. I presume when I reach an age when I’m in menopause.
“I will think, actually, ‘thank God.’ I will feel relieved that it’s not possible and I can just carry on with my life, and you know, relax, because it’s always in the back of your head, that’s the problem.”
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