Rumbo Bryan Rumbo, at 66 years old, received his second kidney transplant in May.

He said he’s got a total of four kidneys, with the original pair functioning “minimally.”

The first transplanted kidney he received nearly 10 years ago was shutting down, but was not removed. And now, his most recent transplant was placed on the opposite side of his abdomen.

“Most kidney transplants typically last about 10 years,” Rumbo said. “Some last longer. My sister has had hers for nearly 23 years.”

Rumbo’s family has Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, which is usually inherited. He said many of his family members have PKD and have also received treatments and transplants.

The disease causes cysts to develop on the outside of the kidney, and for Rumbo, his sacs filled with waste.

When they burst, harmful toxins were released into his abdomen.

“Mine were extremely painful,” Rumbo said. “It was like being stabbed with an ice pick.”

PKD cysts can profoundly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of the normal structure, resulting in reduced kidney function and leading to kidney failure.

The disease can also cause cysts in the liver and problems in other organs, such as blood vessels in the brain and heart.

The number of cysts, as well as the complications they cause, help doctors distinguish PKD from the usually harmless “simple” cysts that often form in the kidneys later.

Some of the symptoms and signs of PKD include pain in the back and lower sides, headaches, urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, and cysts in the kidneys and other organs.

Rumbo was first diagnosed about 21 years ago. He said he noticed he was slowing down and tired. And for a “very active” veterinarian and ranch owner in Henderson, that was very unusual.

A simple ultrasound showed the cysts, and six months later, he received his first transplant.

It took about 18 months to make arrangements for the second one. While he waited, he was on dialysis treatments nearly twice a week.

He also had preparatory surgery to ensure the transplant would be successful. Asked if he had any information about his donor, he said all he knew was the kidney came from a female.

Dr. Steven Potter performed the transplant surgery at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

“I’m doing really well,” Rumbo said. “I look around at other transplant recipients, and they don’t appear to be doing as well as I am.”

Rumbo must take several anti-rejection medications.

“But I’ve done great — much better than average. The doctor is thrilled with my progress.”

He attributes his health and strength to having a good outlook on life.

“Most people give up. I don’t. I just keep going. I’ve been active my whole life.”

Rumbo retired five years ago from a 35-year veterinarian business, where his wife also worked, in Henderson before moving to Chandler.