Building a life around care: Miguel’s journey on dialysis

Every year, Miguel Ángel Silva leaves his home in Madrid, Spain and travels to the coast, where his family has a home near Guardamar del Segura. There, he spends his days walking along the beach, cherishing time with loved ones, and enjoying the rhythm of the summer season. His dialysis treatments continue on his travels – safely, consistently, and without disrupting the life he wants to live – thanks to his in-center care team.

For more than a decade, Miguel has been living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). He was diagnosed at the age of 37 after experiencing fatigue, swelling, and persistent discomfort, later learning that one kidney was no longer functioning and the other had limited remaining function.

At first, the diagnosis brought uncertainty. Before becoming ill, Miguel knew little about kidney disease beyond the basic role of the kidneys in cleaning and filtering the blood. Starting dialysis felt overwhelming, and he wondered what life would look like after treatment began. 

Over time, he found a way forward.

“Dialysis is a heavy burden in everyday life, but it keeps me going,” he says. “If it weren’t for dialysis, I wouldn’t be here today.”

A life not defined by dialysis care

For Miguel, dialysis is part of life, but it is not the whole story. Over the years, he’s learned the importance of following medical guidance, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy diet to live well with kidney disease. And his positive attitude has helped him overcome challenges, including additional medical complications that required further investigation and treatment. Through it all, he remains focused on taking care of himself and making the most of each day.

He also focuses on what treatment makes possible: More time with family, creative expression, travel, and the opportunity to continue pursuing the life he wants to live.

When he spends summers near the coast, his dialysis schedule shifts from early morning sessions in Madrid to evening treatments near Guardamar del Segura. That change gives him full days to enjoy the beach and time with the people closest to him.

During treatment in-center, he often sketches digitally on his tablet, drawing on his background in fine arts, jewelry design, and IT. Creativity, curiosity and humor remain part of his everyday life. So does hope.

“Dialysis doesn’t stop me from enjoying life,” he says. “I just adapt.” 

Care that goes beyond treatment

Miguel’s ability to continue treatment while traveling requires careful coordination from his care team. Securing the right dialysis slot, especially during busy travel seasons, takes planning and collaboration. Once that is arranged, the goal is for treatment to continue as seamlessly as possible. 

This support from his care team is deeply personal to Miguel. He speaks with gratitude about the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and support staff at the NephroCare Alcobendas Dialysis Center in Madrid, where he has received medical, emotional, and educational support throughout his treatment journey.

“They take great care of us,” he says. “The doctors, nurses, nursing assistants – everyone is wonderful. They truly care and are always looking out for us.” 

Over the years, those relationships have become an important source of confidence and comfort. What began as a place for medical care has become, in his words, something closer to a second family.

“Despite carrying a heavier burden than most, Miguel lives with joy and kindness that’s truly admirable,” says Ana Blanco, Clinical Care Lead. “He’s always learning, always growing, and he greets everyone with a smile.” 

A message of hope

After many years on dialysis, Miguel understands the fear that can come with a serious diagnosis like CKD. His message to others who are just beginning treatment is simple: Accept support, trust the people caring for you, and keep going one day at a time.

“To anyone who is just starting, don’t be afraid,” he says. “Trust the doctors and nurses, follow the treatment, and keep moving forward.”

He acknowledges that there are difficult moments, but there are also good ones. Many of those moments for Miguel are found in ordinary joys: A walk by the sea, a drawing on his tablet, a conversation at the clinic, and a summer day with family.

“It is not the end,” he says. “It is the beginning of something good.” 

Watch Miguel Ángel Silva’s story below and hear, in his own words, how dialysis has helped him continue living life with resilience, creativity and hope.