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Michael Klim’s Battle with Rare Autoimmune Disorder
Former Olympic swimmer Michael Klim has disclosed details about his five-year struggle with a rare autoimmune disorder, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which led to mobility challenges. The Australian
sporting icon, aged 47, emphasizes the importance of early symptom recognition for effective management of the condition. This neurological disorder has significantly impacted his life, and he now shares his experience to raise
awareness.
Diagnosis and Initial Neglect of Symptoms
- Diagnosed with CIDP in 2020.
- Experienced a rapid decline in mobility over six months.
- Initially dismissed early symptoms, a decision he now regrets.
Klim openly discusses his diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020. The triple Olympian noted that he initially did not give enough importance to the earliest symptoms when they first appeared.
“I overlooked many of my symptoms at the beginning, and in typical male fashion, I didn’t react quickly enough,” he told News Corp.
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“If anything good comes from this conversation, I hope people will see a doctor even if the symptoms seem minor, such as getting cold feet in bed or feeling numbness in your toes or feet. I ignored some of these signs.”
The Impact of CIDP
Physical and Emotional Toll
CIDP led to a significant decline in Klim’s physical abilities, leaving him bedridden and impacting his overall well-being.
Acceptance and Finding New Purpose
“I had my very heart stop when I lost the ability to walk, and I think it took me about two years to come to terms with accepting the fact that my physical ability may never be the same, I may never be able to walk like a normal person, I
will be compromised.”
“But finding a new purpose in life – I was always very driven and active and very quantitative in that I was very opportunistic and attending many things and being involved in many projects.”
Understanding CIDP
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its own nerve tissues. This attack damages the myelin sheaths, which protect the nerves, resulting in weakness and
numbness in the limbs.
Lessons Learned and Perspective Shift
Navigating Uncertainty
Klim emphasizes the uncertainty and emotional challenges that come with a condition that lacks a definitive cure.
Increased Awareness
“There was a lot of time of darkness because there is no cure and you’re living in a period of uncertainty – not just yourself as a patient, but your entire support network.”
“That was the hardest thing. Previously, my injuries – if I had a rotator cuff injury or sprained ankle – I knew the protocol and knew exactly when I’d be back.”
“But this has been something different and something new and it’s definitely taught me a lot of lessons.”
Empathy and Understanding
Klim says his rare condition has made him more aware of other people and what they might be going through.
‘Let’s say 30% of people with CIDP may make a full remission, 30% – where I seem to be fitting at the moment – remain stagnant for the rest of their life, and then 30% of people end up with paralysis, full paralysis or in a wheelchair.
‘Even when I wear my braces and I’ve got my pants on, most people look at me and say, “Gee, you’re so fit”.
‘I’ve got my upper body and am still trying to look after myself, but you just don’t know what hardship people are going through underneath.’