Talking with the amazing David Rush
What most people know about David Rush is that he is a world-class producer and recording artist, who formerly toured with Pitbull to 40 different cities at the height of his career. But what many don’t know is that he has been battling chronic kidney disease (CKD) for nearly two decades. Indeed, David was diagnosed with late stage 3 kidney failure at 24 years old and began dialysis in March 2007. Fourteen years later—David, now a father of two, is also a motivational speaker and active advocate for kidney health, sharing with others how he is living his life to the fullest despite his long battle with kidney failure. David hopes to inspire others by sharing his journey and has recently joined forces with AstraZeneca’s Unfiltered Kidney Conversations, which aims to raise disease awareness and share stories of patients living with CKD.
Below David and I talk more about this condition that afflicts more than 39-million Americans—and how he is helping other patients become Better Than Before:
JWM: Can you provide background on when and how you were first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and how you felt about your diagnosis at the time?
DR: I started having problems with my kidneys as a teenager in high school. I didn’t know why my socks felt too tight around my ankles or why I was often out of breath during workouts and had a weird taste of metal in my mouth. It turns out that I was actually in the early stages of kidney failure.
In one of my physicals as a teenager, the doctors spotted blood and protein in my urine and a kidney biopsy showed more internal issues, but my doctor said I just needed to watch my diet and lose some weight.
But, it wasn’t until age 24, when I was urged by my girlfriend at the time (and now wife—who is a medical professional—to undergo another physical that I discovered how poorly my kidneys were functioning. My doctors told me I was in late stage 3 of kidney failure and needed to start dialysis immediately, or I would not see my 25th birthday. Still, I brushed it off and delayed treatment until I passed out in my sister’s home 10 months later–waking up in the emergency room, connected to a dialysis machine. That was the beginning of my dialysis journey.
JWM: Since then, what has been your experience living with CKD? Have you developed any other complications as a result and are there any challenges you still face today?
DR: I’ve had quite the journey with CKD. After doing dialysis for three years, in the summer of 2010 and a day before my wedding, I received the best news that my older brother was tested to be my donor and ended up being a perfect match for a kidney transplant. Seven years later, my donor kidney failed, and I was back on dialysis, which I still do today. In retrospect, I am grateful for those seven years where I had the luxury of not needing dialysis. During that time, I had two kids back-to-back and was able to be a stay-at-home dad to them and raise them. The good news is I am now officially back on the transplant list—which gives me renewed hope!
In terms of complications as a result of CKD, I’ve developed anemia along the way, which caused me to feel extreme fatigue and tired all the time. I looked at it as a form of weakness and I didn’t want anyone to pity me so I sort of hid it, but once I started mentioning it in my music it was like therapy to me and a lot of people gravitated to it. It gave me a sense of accountability, pride and power that I could be that voice. Any opportunity I get to talk about it, I would, and I will. I never shy away from it.
JWM: What does your regular treatment regimen look like?
DR: In the wake of COVID-19 and knowing I’m a high-risk patient, we decided to switch from in-center to home dialysis as of October 2020. This has allowed me to spend more time at home and be flexible with producing music while continuing treatment from the comfort of my home.
Although I spend four and a half hours a day—three days a week—hooked up to a dialysis machine, I’ve found a way to balance my treatment with my passion for recording music and making time for family, which has brought me joy and a way to cope.
Prior to COVID-19, being able to dialyze while traveling helped me live dreams I thought might be over, including touring with Pitbull to 40 different cities, getting married and having children.
JWM: How have you learned to manage your diagnosis while still finding a healthy balance in life, making time for your family, your career, hobbies, etc.?
DR: It’s so easy to get lost sitting in a chair while dialyzing for all those hours. Even though I don’t always want to be there, I tell myself I’m not going to make this a pity party and let my diagnosis beat me. I try to stimulate my brain as much as possible. I’m also grateful to still be very active in the music industry, consulting and writing music for artists. This is something that has really kept me motivated over the years.
People tend to overlook the mental health aspect of dialysis patients—you don’t feel normal and often feel like a burden to family and friends. I often remind myself that it is all about perspective and balance. I’ve accepted that dialysis is part of my life versus a burden and that has helped shift my outlook to be more positive. My battle with CKD has been a blessing in disguise as it taught me a lot about being healthy and taking care of my body.
JWM: You’re involved in a campaign called Unfiltered Kidney Conversations, dedicated to providing resources and sharing stories of people who are living with CKD. In your own words, what does this campaign mean to you and why was it important for you to get involved?
DR: CKD impacts 39 million people in the US and it often goes undiagnosed in its early stages, as was the case for me. I’m proud to be joining Unfiltered Kidney Conversations, since it aims to empower patients like me to have real conversations with their doctors about CKD and its associated conditions, such as anemia and hyperkalemia. By sharing my story, I hope to empower others who have gone through similar journeys with CKD and remind them they are not alone.
Black Americans are three times likelier to develop end-stage renal disease. What do you want Black Americans specifically to take away from your story?
By joining Unfiltered Kidney Conversations, I hope to bring to light the gaps in care the black community faces.
My mom died from liver issues and her sister passed away from the same disease a few years later. I often wonder whether these tragedies could have been avoided with something as easy as seeking medical guidance and shifting some of their lifestyle habits earlier on.
That is why this campaign is so personal for me and education so important. I’ve experienced that the Black community has a sense of pride that can be detrimental to their health, which can often lead to delays in care or not taking medical advice seriously altogether.
JWM: What is your message to people who are living with CKD today?
DR: I want others with CKD to know that diagnosis is not a death sentence. My experience drove me to be more impactful and present in my own life. My mantra is to focus on the “wins only” and to “find your why.”
JWM: I always say that life isn’t always unicorns and glitter. We are all thrown curveballs. And just when we think we know what’s next, here comes the change-up. In other words, life is unpredictable. Yet, despite the challenges of CKD, you are still living an empowered life and inspiring all of us to do the same, no matter what obstacles are tossed in our paths. Thank you so much David for sharing your heartfelt and compelling story.
For more information about David and his important campaign, please log onto: Unfiltered Kidney Conversations.
