In 1999 Loy Cates , now 75, began to lose kidney function. Eventually he started dialysis in April 2003.

At first Loy, of Memphis , Tenn. , was frustrated that he couldnt get his health problem under control, but he got much needed relief when he started dialysis. Now, Im thankful that its available to me. It saved my life, he says. Im too old for the cadaver list. Dialysis is keeping me alive, so I cant complain too much.

He says that those who have a bad attitude about dialysis arent doing anything but hurting themselves. Patients who dont control their fluids or dont do an exercise program appear to be trying to end it all.

Loys eating habits have changed dramatically. Now he carefully watches his sodium (or salt), potassium and phosphorus. You cant eat everything you want to eat, but there are a lot of good things that you can eat.

Although Loy admits that kidney disease sometimes affects his strength, he finds that he feels much better if he maintains an exercise regimen. I work out at the gym and do the bike and treadmill for about 15 minutes. Then I use light weights and work most of the muscle groups.

In addition to pumping iron, Loy still enjoys his favorite hobby, golf. There are several old men in my golf group  we console each other on our game, he says.

Loy, who has been married for 55 years and has four children and seven grandchildren, also makes time to attend church regularly. There were lots of prayers going up for me when they couldnt find out what was wrong, he says. Im a big believer in the healing power of faith.