Robert’s Story

Life After a Kidney Transplant

After years with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, Robert learned that one of his kidneys was close to giving out. The nephrologist determined that one of Robert’s kidneys was heading to “danger zone” and that he needed to begin dialysis before his kidney gave out.

Robert began the process to be trained on how to administer his own dialysis at home—a tremendous benefit, as Robert was in a wheelchair after having his right leg amputated above the knee, which would make regularly getting to and from dialysis
appointments difficult.

After numerous surgeries to place the port for dialysis, Robert was finally able to start doing dialysis at home. For three years, Robert managed his dialysis without any issues. For three years, he patiently waited on the transplant list while keeping up with countless medical appointments.

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, he got a phone call at 6:15am from an unrecognized number. Robert assumed it was a misdial, but then received another call at 6:30am. He abruptly answered the phone given the early hour and was met with an angelic voice.

It was the call he had been waiting for. The person on the other end said: “Your kidney is here.”

Robert popped out of bed and immediately headed to Dell Seton, where his new kidney was implanted. The very next day, his surgeon, Dr. Turgeon, came with good news. Robert’s kidney had been donated by a deceased person, which, she explained, typically means it takes the kidney 3-5 days to “wake up”.

However, Robert’s kidney was already awake and working! Robert was cautioned that the kidney could go back to sleep, but that the team was prepared for that instance.

Two days after the surgery, the kidney was still awake. Three days after, it was still functioning. Everything looked good, and Dr. Turgeonconfirmed that the kidney was working, and it was a good match. He was discharged home the following day.

Very soon after the surgery, Robert could tell things were different. His A1C was the best it had ever been, same with his cholesterol. But the improvements went beyond the numbers—his energy, stamina, clarity, attitude, and patience all improved.

“Ever since, my whole world has changed,” shared Robert. “I got a life-changing experience from the person who decided to be an organ donor.”

In January of 2025, Robert, who had not walked since 2014, decided to walk. He got measured for a prosthetic and is currently focused on training to walk with a cane instead of with a walker.

“There’s no doubt that without the kidney, I might still be alive, but I wouldn’t be in this good of health. I’m outside doing yard work, which I never did while on dialysis. And I’m beating my ex-wife at Wheel of Fortune,” said Robert. “I’m so grateful that I had a strong support system, especially my daughter, who was by my side through this entire journey.”

Robert didn’t just gain a new kidney—he gained confidence and improved independence. “I get to walk my granddaughter to her school, I get to walk into church and restaurants—it makes me feel good about myself, and my daughter is very proud of me and very happy for me.”

Transplant care is lifelong and Robert knows he has the best team by his side.

“Everyone at Dell Seton who took care of me and comforted me–that’s my family. They mean everything to me.”

Most recently, Robert participated in the National Kidney Foundation’s Austin Kidney Walk alongside many of the caregivers who changed his life.

“I was floating on the way home. It felt so good to walk amongst real people and among the caregivers at Dell Seton,” he said.