My name is George Arroyo, in 1995, while in my early 30’s, I was diagnosed with Kidney Disease. Prior to being diagnosed I suffered from high blood pressure but was otherwise in good health. By 1999 my health began to decline. I spent one very difficult year being treated on dialysis. The treatment took a toll on my body and I lost nearly 50 pounds. The hardest part was trying to control what I drank and ate on the weekends. When my fluid intake was too high I would spend agonizing hospital visits having fluid pulled from my body which caused severe and painful cramping. At one point, the catheter in my chest became infected and this also caused me to become severely ill. Mentally the dialysis is very rough, being away from home a lot is strenuous and there is no such thing as taking a vacation.
One year later, I received a life saving Kidney Transplant. After the transplant I am no longer able to work in the medical field, since it’s better for my health if I avoid the flu, infections and the common cold. But I give back to the kidney community by volunteering my time to others in need. The only medication I take is for his high blood pressure. I wish when I was younger I had paid attention to the warning signs. There are no real symptoms to tell you kidney disease is coming. The warning signs were both my parents have diabetes and my high blood pressure. I want people to know the importance of getting an annual physical if you have or have a family history of high blood pressure or diabetes. Be sure to ask to have your kidneys checked annually. The Kidney Foundation provides free kidney screenings so take advantage. And if you are on dialysis lean on family and friends for support. Make sure you follow all the health guidelines the doctors give you, like keeping to a healthy, low-sodium diet and drinking less fluid.