Aussie swimming legend Michael Klim opens up on the crippling condition that’s so painful he can’t stand up – and the way his youngsters reacted when he instructed them the horrible news
Australia swimming legend Michael Klim has revealed the crippling condition that has affected him for over two years it is so dangerous he can barely stand up.
The 45-year-old was identified with continual inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020.
According to Australian charity Brain Foundation, the dysfunction ‘ends in slowly progressive weak point and lack of feeling in the legs and arms.
Former swimming nice Michael Klim was identified with continual inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020
‘It is attributable to the physique’s immune system inappropriately reacting towards and damaging myelin.’
It causes extreme ache and numbness in the joints to such an extent Klim can now not stroll unassisted.
Klim had been coping with signs for 3 years earlier than being identified and admitted breaking the news to his three kids was significantly troublesome.
‘From the get-go I knew there was no treatment – as a mum or dad, I didn’t need to harm the youngsters emotionally, however I couldn’t proceed hiding it from them anymore,’ he instructed New Idea.
‘I used to be continuously falling over, and it acquired to the stage the place I couldn’t stand up. […]
The uncommon dysfunction means the 45-year-old can now not stroll with out unassisted
Klim has credited his accomplice Michelle Owen as being his ‘human strolling stick’
The former swimmer is aware of there isn’t any treatment to his debilitating illness
‘When I did finally sit them down, Rocco and Stella cried, and younger Frankie checked out me as if to say: “It’s OK, Dad, we’re in this together”. It nonetheless breaks my coronary heart.’
Klim’s accomplice Michelle Owen has performed an enormous function in serving to him battle the debilitating illness.
‘She has nice power, and a real sense of calmness. She’s my human strolling stick,’ he stated.
‘She has been my rock since the very starting, particularly by some actually robust days throughout lockdown.’
Klim (third from left) gained six Olympic medals throughout three separate Olympic Games
The six-time Olympic medallist underwent again surgical procedure two years in the past to assist decompress the nerves in his backbone and usually undergoes intravenous immunoglobulin remedy, which helps to scale back situations which assault the physique’s immune system.
In July, Klim instructed The Sunday Telegraph he had been collaborating in a specialised rehab program to fight the signs of the dysfunction.
He additionally made massive modifications to his food regimen, ‘sustaining a principally carnivore’ food regimen.
‘I’ve acquired particular orthotics and braces to help my drop foot and weak legs,’ he stated.
He gained gold in the 4×100 freestyle relay at the Sydney Olympics alongside Ian Thorpe (proper)
‘Without them I fall over, and I’ve to make use of a strolling stick.’
Klim will launch his basis subsequent yr to lift funds and consciousness for CIDP analysis and to supply much-needed assist for these affected by the illness and their carers.
‘I simply need to assist crack the code – I don’t want this on anybody,’ he stated.
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