Second anniversary of a second lease on life

  Doctors don't need to run any tests to see that David Canales' kidney transplant two years ago was a complete success. They just have to watch him roughhouse with this beloved boys.

  After years of feeling tired and irritable, the local physical education teacher and avid sportsman is once again feeling very much alive.

  "You know what, I'm feeling great. I'm doing great. Oh, my energy level is through the roof and my kids are having a ball with me. We're doing lots of running around, getting outside and doing things. It's just wonderful."

  But that certainly wasn't how Canales, 37, would have described life two years ago. Prior to getting a kidney from a family friend, Canales said, he felt like his body weighed a ton and he totally lacked the ambition to do much of anything.

  Canales' challenging medical journey began seven years ago when he was rushed to the hospital with flu-like symptoms. Doctors discovered large amounts of protein being secreted through Canales' urine. That clue led to the eventual diagnosis of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, or Berger's Disease.

  "I always felt tired then and very irritable. I used to have to force myself to do things. I would force myself into doing it. I coped with it that way."

  The Cibola High School teacher recalled feeling overwhelmed back then, plus being scared at the thought of not being there for his beloved boys. The two youngsters ended up being their daddy's greatest inspiration.

  "I kept going for my sons. They were my first concern. I was bound and determined that I wasn't going to let them down or let myself down."

  Doctors told Canales that Berger's Disease is a kidney disorder that usually progresses over 10 to 20 years, often resulting in the need for dialysis or a complete transplant.

  Canales' kidneys were operating at 16 percent of their capacity. That was six points above the level that would have meant turning to dialysis.
  To Canales, the worst milestone he reached was not having enough energy to be involved in his sons' sports anymore.

  Thankfully for Canales, a friend jumped at the chance to be tested as a possible donor. Luck was with them, too. His friend, a local Marine, was a perfect match.

  "My guardian angel came though just like that. I never thought it was going to be him," Canales said. "To me it was like he saw me as a wounded soldier out in the battlefield. 'I'm going to bring him back. You're a dad with two boys and I'm not going to leave you out there.'"

  After Canales recovered from the surgery, the benefits of the transplant began to appear everywhere. Today even the doctors are impressed with his progress.

  "I just had my two-year evaluation and the doctor was surprised! He said 'You are doing just excellent.' I'm maintaining a healthy lifestyle and am 42 pounds lighter than the day I went into surgery."

  With his energy back with a vengeance, Canales goes to the gym three to four times a week. He also likes going on eight-mile runs.

  "I just feel like a different person. My doctors say my kidney could last up to 15 years, so I plan to make the best of it. I'm just going to live my life to the fullest and thank God every day."

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Darin Fenger can be reached at
dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.