(BPT) - For 36-year-old Austin, Texas, resident David R., kidney disease was something he never expected. After months of feeling sluggish, nauseous and experiencing cramping in his hands and feet, he made an appointment to see his doctor to discuss his health. However, just two days before his appointment, the pain moved to David's abdomen, and he was raced to the emergency room.

"I thought I was dehydrated," David recalled. "But the doctors said I had stage 5 kidney failure."

Following his diagnosis, David was empowered to take charge of his kidney health, partnering with his doctor to learn more and develop a care plan to manage his condition. Several years into dialysis, David was matched with a living kidney donor and received a kidney transplant.

Now, 17 years into his kidney heal

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