Research led care helps Michael to live a full life with Crohn's disease

In 1998, at just 20 years of age, Michael Klimek was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

30 Sep 2020

The past 22 years have been a long and at times frustrating journey, but with the help of clinical trials and an innovative medical team, Michael now lives a very normal life.

“Living with Crohn’s disease is challenging. While unwell you can look completely normal on the outside, but internally, you are just trying to make it through each day while exhausted and in constant physical pain”, Michael said.

“Unfortunately, the cause and cure are both unknown, so it is only the symptoms that can be treated”, he added.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Gastroenterologist Professor Ian Lawrance and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coordinator Jill Philpott first met Michael in 2001 and have been caring for him ever since.

While under Professor Lawrance’s care, Michael was involved in several ground breaking clinical trials, including the initial trial for Natalizumab, which led to further research and therapeutic treatments for the disease.

“I have so much gratitude for Professor Lawrance and Jill Philpott, who have been by my side for almost 20 years. Anytime I needed help, they were always there for me.”

“Thanks to them, I am now in long-term remission, feel normal and live life to the fullest.”

Australia has one of the highest rates of Crohn’s disease in the world. It is estimated that approximately 75,000 Australians are living with inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

The condition causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

In 2015, St John of God Subiaco Hospital established the Centre of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, to improve disease outcomes for patients.

The Centre coordinates access of specialist care between gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, specialist nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and clinical psychologists.

Since its establishment, the Centre has helped over 800 patients.