For more than a decade, Juan Vasquez, Navy veteran, lived with kidney failure that slowly but relentlessly changed every part of his life. Juan was used to staying active, working hard, and pushing forward — even when things were difficult. But after years of dealing with diabetes and worsening kidney disease, his health began to decline in ways he could no longer ignore.
Juan first went on dialysis more than eight years before his transplant. He started with peritoneal dialysis, but it didn’t work well for him — he remained overloaded with fluid and never felt relief. After moving from Houston, Texas in 2016, he transitioned to in-center hemodialysis for a little over two years. Eventually, an opportunity opened for at-home hemodialysis, and with the support of his wife, he was able to set up treatments at home. While dialysis kept him alive, it took a toll on his body and spirit. He became anemic, exhausted, and progressively weaker. Walking became difficult and his energy was depleted.
Despite the challenges, Juan did everything he could to stay engaged in life. He stayed mobile, played golf, and followed his doctors’ orders closely — choices he now says made a critical difference. “Golf saved my life,” he shared. Remaining active helped him cope mentally and physically while waiting for a transplant.
While on the waitlist, he watched friends receive their transplants before him, which led him to explore additional options. He eventually came across the Methodist Transplant Institute. The evaluation and listing process moved quickly, and Juan found himself near the top of the list. One Saturday, he received the call: a deceased donor kidney was a match.
The transplant took place on August 26, 2023. While Juan was initially anxious about how quickly the kidney would begin working, recovery came with fewer complications than he expected. The pain was manageable, more uncomfortable than severe, and his prior experience with medical care helped him feel confident managing wound care at home. About three months after surgery, Juan returned to the golf course for the first time — an emotional milestone that reminded him just how far he had come.
Throughout his journey, Juan credits the transplant team with making him feel supported every step of the way. He describes the care as efficient, compassionate, and deeply encouraging. “Everyone wanted you to succeed,” he said. From transplant coordinators to physicians such as Dr. Shen and Dr. Kapturczak, Juan felt surrounded by people who genuinely cared about his outcome. “Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant knows what they’re doing — their expertise really stood out,” he shared.
Today, life after transplant feels freeing. Juan no longer has to plan his days around a dialysis machine and is rediscovering independence and energy. He enjoys being active again, spending time with his wife and daughter, caring for their five dachshunds, working on his vintage car, and pursuing hobbies like leatherwork. Most importantly, he feels healthy enough to fully participate in life again.
Juan doesn’t shy away from sharing hard-earned advice with others facing kidney disease. He urges patients to take their health seriously, follow dietary and medication guidance, and avoid letting negative thoughts take over. “Focus on the positives, talk to others who understand the journey, and find the things you love that keep you moving forward,” shared Juan.
By sharing his story, Juan hopes to encourage others who may feel stuck or discouraged to keep going — and to believe that life after transplant can be full, active, and meaningful again.