James “Uncle Jim” Myers (He/Him/His)

My name is James Myers. I live in Hammond, IN. I am an ESRD & PKD patient. I was lucky enough to have a transplant on April 27th, 2016. I write to you today to tell you my story, as well as, my experiences with polycystic kidney disease. At the age of 25, I went into the hospital with chest pain. From a simple x-ray, and was diagnosed with PKD.

Every step that I took from the date of my diagnosis was for one reason and one reason only; to avoid dialysis. I was able to do that for over 30 years, but in 2012. I could not delay it any longer. I began passing out, at home, in my classroom, everywhere. Many times after passing out, I was fearful I would be unable to reach the phone and call for help. I lived alone, and this caused a great deal of anxiety. At the age of 58, on July 28th, I started what would be a 4 year stretch on lifealysis. My schedule was 3 days a week, 4 hours per session.

I was very, very angry when I first went on dialysis. After watching my Dad die, I felt this was the beginning of the end. I had dreaded this for a long time. My Dad passed after a short 5 yrs on dialysis, and I felt I was on the same life path as him. My days were numbered. I observed that many of my clinicmates came to the center by ambulance, were brought in on a gurney, walker or wheelchair. Many used a cane. Many were diabetic on top of ESRD, and had suffered ambutations. 5 people's were 90 yrs old or more. One woman was autistic and had the mentality of a 10 yr old.

One of my dearest friends, Maureen O'Brien, looked after me. Forced me to open my eyes. I was able to drive and walk around on my own power. I had a fairly clear mind. I was taking classes toward 2 MBAs and was teaching other MBA candidates at the same time. Maureen had been dealing with kidney disease since the age of six. Every step along the way she had to argue and fight with healthcare officials. She had 3 transplants. She provided encouragement and a bright, vivid smile. She provided a light on my path.

I began to understand my role. I made a conscious choice. I wanted to help my fellow Kidney Patients. I wanted to use my loud voice to help others. I wanted to advocate for my clinicmates who could not advocate for themselves. I did not like the way the dialysis clinics, the government and the care staff pushed around or neglected my fellow Kidney Patients. The last straw for me was when they began to push for the cutting of funds to dialysis patients and clinics. I looked around the room and I realized with my health and skill set, I was the only one who could help. It occurred to me that if i did not accept this responsibility, maybe no one else would.

I joined as many kidney organizations as I could, I applied to be an advocate for as many groups as I could. I became very, very active on social media. I wrote petitions, I blogged, I contacted newspapers, I spoke and visited with my Congressman and Senators. I spoke frequently. To this day, I do whatever I have to do to bring about change for my fellow Kidney Patients. My life has purpose now. I like to think that my Dad & Maureen would be proud of me. Learn more about my story and reach out to me by visiting my blog @Kidneystories!