Overcoming BPH: Jay's Journey to a New Life

For many men, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH) can creep in gradually — small inconveniences that eventually turn into major disruptions. That was the case for a dedicated sports coach and father of two, Jay Garcia, who found himself struggling with frequent urination, discomfort and sleepless nights. His journey led him to Desiree Sanchez, MD, a trusted urologist at Adventist Health Simi Valley, and ultimately to life-changing relief through aquablation therapy.

Recognizing the problem

As a full-time sports coach, his days were packed with practices, games and mentoring athletes. But off the field, Jay's health was beginning to have an impact on his daily life in ways he couldn’t ignore.

“I couldn’t fully relax until I was home. Throughout the day, I managed to keep things under control, but once I was home, the urgency became overwhelming,” he recalls. Nights were even worse — waking up four to five times a night, sleep deprivation became his new normal. “I couldn’t remember the last time I had more than two hours of uninterrupted sleep.”

Like many men, Jay tried to manage the condition on his own — staying active, eating healthy and even relying on an urgent care physician for routine checkups. But after years of makeshift solutions and costly visits that didn’t yield long-term results, he realized he needed a specialist. That’s when he was referred to Dr. Sanchez.

Finding the right treatment

Meeting Dr. Sanchez was a turning point. “She asked the right questions, made it easy to talk about, and helped me understand this wasn’t something I could just fix on my own.” Her words stuck with him: ‘You’re going to love who you become.’

With her guidance, he moved forward with surgery, expecting a traditional procedure for BPH. It wasn’t until after his operation that he learned he had undergone aquablation therapy — a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment using the power of water to precisely remove excess prostate tissue.

A seamless surgical experience

“I was excited and focused on the day after surgery,” he says. Any nerves he had disappeared once he experienced the warmth and professionalism of the Adventist Health Simi Valley team. “They put socks on my feet, made me feel comfortable and took incredible care of me. I was worried about things that never even happened.”

Post-surgery, he was amazed at the difference. While there was some discomfort, it was nothing compared to what he had endured before. Within three days, he was back on the baseball field, feeling like himself again.

Life after aquablation: A newfound freedom

Now, just months after the procedure, Jay feels like a new man. “100% — I love who I’ve become.” He no longer rushes to the bathroom mid-practice or mid-conversation. He can bend over without discomfort. Most importantly, he can finally sleep through the night.

For years, he had been hesitant to seek treatment, believing he could manage on his own. “Being Latino, I was resistant. I minimized it; I tried to handle it myself. But we only know what we know — until someone talks to us about something different.”

A message for others

For those still on the fence about treatment, Jay's advice is simple: “Do it. It’s life-changing. You’ll love who you become.” He hopes his story resonates with others, encouraging them to seek the help they deserve.

Now, as he looks ahead, he can’t believe how much better he feels already. “At one month, I felt pretty good. At two months, I feel great. I can’t imagine what three months and beyond will feel like.”

Thanks to Dr. Sanchez and the groundbreaking aquablation therapy, he has his life back — and he’s making the most of every moment.