Symptoms, Diagnosis and Acceptance: Chloe's Story of Endometriosis and ADHD
This is a super special interview that we can't wait to share with you. Chloe is a strong, honest and brilliant young woman that is publicly navigating endometriosis, ADHD and BPD through her social media platforms @endometriosischlo so she can offer empathy and support to any other young women that are living through similar experiences. Chloe dives into every element of her journey. From diagnosis to navigating a loving relationship to even changing her diet to improve her symptoms. This blog is full of helpful tips and raw vulnerability, we can't wait for you to read it.
Please start by telling us about yourself 💜
I'm Chloe, I'm 27 years old and I'm from Lancashire in the UK. I live with my boyfriend Jack and our adorable little cat Maisie. In 2016, I was diagnosed with POTS and in 2023, after a long 12-year battle for answers, I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis. I have also been diagnosed with several other chronic illnesses such as ADHD and BPD too. The path to each diagnosis has been lengthy, but I am grateful to be at a point where I’m beginning to understand myself better.
I started using a walking stick after my first surgery as I was struggling so much to walk with my pain. I was so nervous about the reactions I would get, so I just stuck to using it around my house. Once I had gotten used to using it around my house, I then started using it around my close family and friends to build up confidence before using it in public. I spotted Cool Crutches on Instagram a little while ago and was completely mesmerised by the designs and colours of all the sticks, so this year I finally got my first Cool Crutches mobility aid which was a Black Glitter Walking Stick and I’ve fallen in love. It is so much comfier than my other walking sticks and doesn't make any clicking or rattling sounds like they do. I feel so much more supported with it, and it has a luxury feel to it which I adore.
How was your journey from symptoms to being diagnosed with endometriosis?
LONG!
My advice for anyone on this journey is to just keep pushing for answers. Never let anyone tell you that your pain isn't real. See as many different doctors as you need to until one listens. You've really got to be strong and advocate for yourself, or take someone with you to appointments who can advocate for you on your behalf!
I was 14 years old when I started getting endometriosis symptoms, and it took 12 years to finally be diagnosed. I remember being in excruciating pain when my periods arrived and experiencing very heavy bleeding. I tried to talk about it with my friends at the time, but no one else could relate to what I was going through, so I began to feel very lonely and isolated. I went to the doctors numerous times, but I was told my pains were "just normal period pains," and so I started to wonder if I was just weak, as all my friends were dealing with their period pains just fine. These intense period pains came back every single month and resulted in me needing time off school, then time off college, and then time off work. The pain only got worse as I grew older, and I became very depressed and even suicidal as my pain was ruining my life and isolating me so much. I went to my doctors more and more but was told to just take birth control, as that would stop my bleeding and "fix me," which it never did. In 2020, after an incident that left me vomiting from pain and passed out on my bathroom floor, I knew I needed to demand more answers. Once again, I was faced with doctors telling me that it was ‘all in my head’ and ‘it was just anxiety,’ but I pushed for more tests and finally got my referral to a gynaecologist. Three years later, I received my diagnosis and had my first laparoscopy.
What are your secret weapons for managing endo?
My three main products are my heat pad, my CBD cream and my walking stick. I use my heat pad and CBD cream together on my stomach. The CBD cream gives an icy sensation and works anywhere on my body where I’m experiencing pain, and the heat pad provides a feeling of relief and comfort whenever I need it. Both work really well for me and are lifesavers when I’m having a flare-up. I would absolutely recommend MyObi Apollo 2.0 and Pure Spectrum CBD Recover Salve and Cream; I have tried and tested many brands, but these are my favourites.
Alongside those two products, my Cool Crutches walking sticks are my new best friends. I was extremely nervous to start using mobility aids and was certain that everyone would stare at me; luckily, when it actually came to it, no one cared! However, I definitely feel more confident now that I have such gorgeous, SILENT walking sticks. My Black Glitter is stunning and goes with absolutely everything, and my new Marble design is the first colourful aid I’ve had, and I can’t wait to use it every day throughout the summer months. I'm wholeheartedly converted to this brand and dream of a diamanté walking stick one day👑 As well as the style, the quality of them is unmatched. My hand doesn’t get sore after using them all day, plus they feel so sturdy in comparison to my old, cheaper sticks. Having a mobility aid I love to show off that I know is safe means I use it more, so I have a lot more freedom than I’ve had in the past. I couldn’t live without any of these products.
I have also been able to reduce some of the pain I experience by changing my diet. I recently decided to go on a 30 day anti-inflammatory diet and the results have been INCREDIBLE. Not only has their been reduced pain, but it has improved my mental health and even improved my chances of fertility. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking to try something natural to better their symptoms, however, please make sure you speak with a medical professional first. If you do decide it's safe to go ahead, you must use Sophie Richards AIP Guide and Recipe Books as I wouldn't have been able to do it without this!
Please tell us about your experience of living with ADHD and BPD
All my life I knew I was different but didn't exactly know why. I was always asking myself why my brain was "broken". I blamed the trauma I experienced growing up, but as I got older I knew I needed more answers. In 2024, after a lengthy mental health assessment, I was diagnosed with BPD, and it was during one of these appointments that my psychologist advised I be assessed for ADHD. I spoke to my GP and was referred through the Right To Choose Scheme, and I received my diagnosis within a few months. I cannot begin to explain the relief I felt when I heard the words ‘You’ve got ADHD’. I suddenly felt like everything made sense. I felt so validated and understood. I’ve since had to unpack a lot of difficult moments throughout my life. I’m trying to reframe the memories of being bullied for being weird and being left out because other children didn’t want to spend time with me with understanding and empathy for my younger self. I wish I could just go back and give her the biggest hug and tell her that it isn't her fault, she isn’t annoying or weird; she’s just different, and different is beautiful.
My BPD and ADHD have definitely had an impact on my physical disabilities as I find I struggle with a lot of extreme emotions around my disabilities. My ADHD constantly wants to be busy and on the go; however, my body just can't keep up, which causes a lot of internal frustration. My BPD also makes me experience a lot of self-doubt and self-hate, which only gets worse when I experience flare-ups or need hospitalisation due to my pain. However, I'm slowly learning how to be kinder to myself and show myself more compassion since my ADHD diagnosis.
What are the tools you use to nurture your mental health?
Meeting Jack and adopting Maisie has really helped my mental health. Their love helps me get through my toughest days, and they bring so much joy to my life. When Jack and I started dating, I was experiencing painful periods but not pain every day. I explained that I had endometriosis and how it affected me, so he knew what I was dealing with before we started our relationship. Right from the get-go, he was nothing but understanding and supportive. Since then, my health has declined; the pain is worse, I now use a mobility aid, and I’ve had two surgeries, and Jack has been absolutely incredible throughout. He supports me and cares for me whenever I need him to. It has definitely been hard for him to see my health decline so fast, but he has never once made me feel like a burden or made me worry he would leave. We have been through a lot together, but we are stronger because of it.
Outside of the support from my little family, I find it helps to do small things for myself as often as I can. Whether it’s skincare, something creative, or simply just listening to some music, taking that time for myself outside of doctor appointments and days sleeping off the pain in bed helps fill my cup.
For anyone who is struggling with their mental health, please remember that you will still experience joy and happiness despite the pain and struggles. I am so grateful that I found the strength to fight through my dark mental health battles, and I’m now here experiencing life. Even on the hard days, it’s absolutely worth it. Try to remember that better days are always just around the corner.
What advice would you give someone else that is dating with a chronic illness?
No matter your disabilities or conditions, you are still worthy and deserving of love. Never stay with anyone who makes you feel like a burden. I know dating can be hard and even scary when you are dealing with chronic illnesses or disabilities, but I promise that the right person is out there for you who will love you and support you no matter what! I would say that being honest about your health from the start is always best, as you can then have an open discussion about how it affects you and whether the person is able to give you the support that you need. Not everyone will want to or be able to, and that’s okay. It doesn’t reflect negatively on you; it simply means they just weren't the one.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
I love to create content on social media to raise awareness for endometriosis, chronic illnesses and disabilities, so a goal of mine is to continue growing @endometriosischlo to reach as many people as possible. I will be holding a few giveaways throughout March for Endometriosis Awareness month which I’m really excited about. I am working with some incredible brands that I can’t wait to share! I have a few personal goals for this year too but just taking them one step at a time and trusting that everything will fall into place as they are meant to.
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