How a Texas Musician Transformed His Life After a Stage 4 Kidney Disease Diagnosis

Photo credit: Maia Tharp 

What would you do if your life changed overnight?

For Dallas-based musician Larry Gayao, known as Larry g(EE) on stage, it all began with a routine eye exam. The simple checkup led to a shocking diagnosis—stage 4 kidney disease.

Larry had a choice: let fear control him, or take action. He chose action, transforming his lifestyle, rediscovering his love for music, and sharing his story to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure.

Before his diagnosis, Larry didn't pay much attention to his health.

"I was afraid to go to the doctor. I didn't want to hear bad news," Larry said. "I didn't know I had high blood pressure, let alone that it could hurt my kidneys. It's called the silent killer for a reason. It had been quietly damaging my kidneys for years."

A discussion with his optometrist changed everything.

"My eye doctor saw hemorrhaging, blood from broken vessels, in my eye. They checked my blood pressure. It was dangerously high so they sent me to the hospital," Larry said. "I thought I'd be there for a few hours. Three days later, I was still admitted."

That's when Larry's doctor broke the bad news.

"He told me I had stage 4 kidney disease. It felt like the ground dropped out beneath me. I felt scared, overwhelmed, and isolated by this diagnosis I didn't fully understand," said Larry. "I went through a period of mourning for the life I thought I'd have."

The support of Larry's family, girlfriend, and friends helped him through this difficult period.

"I also found hope in stories of others living well with kidney disease. Their resilience showed me I could take control," Larry said. "It inspired me to make changes to my lifestyle to get ready for a transplant."

Unfortunately, Larry had to put his music career on the back burner to focus on his health.

A kidney disease diagnosis can be scary. You don't have to go through it alone. NKF can match you with a trained mentor who has been in your shoes. Join NKF Peers to get started. 

With the help of his healthcare team, Larry completely overhauled his lifestyle.

"I was overweight. I loved processed foods, fast food, and alcohol," Larry said. "After my diagnosis, I adopted a plant-based diet. I eat less sodium. I stopped drinking alcohol and removed processed foods. I began walking at least 10,000 to 20,000 steps daily and started therapy."

Healthy plant-based diets limit red meat and include a lot of vegetables, fruits, and grains. These diets can slow the progression of kidney disease, lower blood pressure, and help people lose weight.

"I lost weight and my skin cleared up. My kidney numbers are fairly stable," Larry said. "I've begun the kidney transplant list evaluation."

To cope, Larry's doctor suggested he return to music.

"Music has always been a part of me. I put it aside when I was first diagnosed. Reconnecting with it gave me a reason to get up every day," Larry said. "I've since released an EP and performed at a large local venue. It's surreal to think that something so difficult pushed me back into my passion."

Learn more about kidney diets and nutrition.

Now, Larry is sharing his story to help others avoid similar health situations.

"I wish I'd paid more attention to the signs of kidney disease—tiredness, swelling, high blood pressure," Larry said. "Don't wait until you're sick to take care of yourself. Go to the doctor. Get annual blood work and have your blood pressure checked."

He's also trying to set a positive example for his nieces and nephews.

Photo credit: Clark Cabus 

"My family has a history of high blood pressure," Larry said. "I want my nieces and nephews to know that they can take charge of their health now and hopefully avoid kidney failure in the future.”

Until Larry gets a kidney transplant, he's doing his best to stay positive and healthy.

"Every day, I remind myself: control what you can,” said Larry. “Kidney disease showed me how strong I am. I'm not just surviving. I'm thriving. I want others to know they can, too.”

National Kidney Foundation is here for you no matter where you are on your kidney journey. See our free online courses for kidney health.