These answers are drawn from what Jake has published on this site about his own experience living with Crohn’s disease. They reflect his personal story and perspective — not medical advice. Always work with your own care team on treatment decisions.
Who is the person behind Game of Crohn’s?
Jake Klein — a writer, creator, and surfer who has been living with Crohn’s disease since he was twelve years old. Rather than hiding his condition, he uses his creativity as an outlet to transcend the trauma of chronic illness, and he refuses to accept defeat.
What is the “Game of Crohn’s”?
It’s the guiding concept of this site: navigating IBD is treated as a strategic game that requires the right gear, a solid alliance, and a deep understanding of the terrain. Whether you’re in the “ER Level” or strategizing for long-term “Wellness Victory,” the guide provides maps and maneuvers to help you take control of your story — from managing clinical trials to mastering the mind-gut connection. Crohn’s may be the opponent, but you are always the hero of your own journey. And success doesn’t always mean conquering the game — sometimes it’s measured in the ability to survive it and even learn to thrive within it.
When and how were you diagnosed?
In the summer of 1996, at age twelve. What began as abdominal pain and constant vomiting during a childhood summer at the New Jersey shore ended in a hospital stay, a battery of colonoscopies and endoscopies, and a gastroenterologist’s diagnosis: Crohn’s disease — a chronic illness he would live with forever.
What treatments have you tried?
It has been a long, arduous journey of trial and error. He started with Pentasa after diagnosis (little to no effect) and Prednisone from his first flare-up — high doses of which induced mania, aggression, and a deep depression that led to hospitalization for suicidal ideation at age twelve. His first biologic was Remicade, which worked amazingly well — seemingly stopping his flare-up overnight — until it failed after four years. He then tried Humira (some relief, wearing off within a week of each dose), Cimzia injections (similar, lasting only a week or two), Entyvio (about six months with no change in symptoms; he was uncomfortable with its potential side effects, including PML caused by the JC virus), a second try of Remicade (about six months, not enough relief to continue), Stelara (short-lived relief with flares throughout), and Rinvoq, a pill-form JAK inhibitor (initial relief, including during a hospital flare-up, but flares continued roughly every three months). In short, he has tried every biologic available, including the newer pill-form JAK inhibitor drugs — each worked to some degree before losing its effect.
What is your current treatment situation?
He is currently doing very well on Tremfya, which he started in September, and has been declared in remission. He chose it over its sister drug Skyrizi — which his brother Eli, who also has Crohn’s disease, takes with good results — because Tremfya works on two pathways rather than one. He still experiences GI symptoms at times depending on what he eats, and he stresses the difference between everyday GI symptoms and a true pro-inflammatory IBD flare-up.
How many surgeries have you had?
Five major surgeries: four small bowel resections and one rectal fistula abscess surgery with seton placement.
How do you manage daily life with Crohn’s?
With extreme discipline. He describes living on a metaphorical tightrope: every choice — what he eats, how he moves, how he manages stress — is a high-stakes calculation. He keeps a constant food journal to correlate symptoms with their causes, believes that “food is thy medicine,” and is well educated in holistic healthcare and nutritional and supplemental nutrition. He also credits two “portals of transcendence”: the ocean — surfing, introduced by his cousins, became his place of worship and a state of total mindfulness — and sound — learning piano by ear, producing music with synthesizers and Ableton Live, and playing in a Philadelphia band called Histrionica.
Is this site a medical resource? Does it give medical advice?
No. This site is his blog, written to give his unique perspective on Crohn’s disease and to share information to inform, intrigue, and engage readers. The treatment history here is his personal experience — not a recommendation. Treatment decisions should always be made with your own medical team.
Does Crohn’s disease run in your family?
His brother Eli also has Crohn’s disease and is currently doing quite well on Skyrizi.
What can I find in the store?
The Store page currently says “Store Coming Soon,” but the Shop already offers Game of Crohn’s branded merchandise — including a hoodie and mugs in several color options (Antique Silver, Black Sigil, Burgundy, and Deep Olive).
How can I reach out with questions?
Jake welcomes questions — the site invites readers to reach out, and he can be followed on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
What is your philosophy on living — and thriving — with Crohn’s?
That peace is not a destination reached when finally “cured” — peace is the quality of the struggle itself, the ability to thrive within the storm. In his words: “My creativity is my transcendence; the ocean is my sanctuary; and my struggle is my philosophy.” He is still here, balancing on the wire, watching the tide come in.