6 Daily Rituals to Help You Manage C3G/IC-MPGN

Incorporating small habits into daily life can provide a sense of stability and lower stress when managing a chronic kidney disease such as complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or immune complex-membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN).

“As a physician, I always tell my patients with C3G/IC-MPGN and other chronic kidney diseases that small daily habits can make a difference over time,” says Michael Chichak, MD, a general practitioner at MedVidi in San Jose, California. “Living with a condition can be really tough because you never know what will happen next.”

Integrating positive daily habits into your routine can help you manage your treatment effectively and improve your overall health.

“They don't replace treatment,” Dr. Chichak says. “You still need to take your medications, get monitored, and see a specialist, but they can complement it. Patients who do these things often feel more in control, have fewer ups and downs with their symptoms, and are better able to stick to their treatment plans.”

1. Keep Medications on Schedule

It’s important, however, to have a plan to ensure you are adhering to your medication schedule. This is especially important for people with C3G and IC-MPGN as they usually have complex treatment regimens.

“I suggest connecting medication intake to already established routines of eating meals or brushing teeth,” she says. “This will develop natural triggers that won't require conscious effort to be activated.”

You can also use a calendar to remind you when to take your meds and when you need a refill. Another way is to set reminders or alarms on your phone or watch and keep your medications where you can see them. For example, if you take them in the morning with breakfast, keep them on the kitchen counter.

2. Track Your Symptoms

Symptoms of C3G and IC-MPGN can fluctuate and be unpredictable. You may be feeling good and going about your daily activities without any problems and suddenly get a flare-up of symptoms.

Keeping track of your symptoms allows you to detect changes that you can tell your healthcare team about.

“I often suggest that patients keep a log of how they're feeling, their energy levels, blood pressure, and what they're eating,” Chichak says. “Over time, this can help you see patterns, such as what makes your symptoms better or worse. That can help your doctor give you more personalized care.”

3. Set a Sleep Schedule

• Develop a bedtime routine. This means going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time every day and avoiding naps during the day.
• Turn away from screens. Putting away electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and computers two hours before bedtime can reduce the amount of blue light you are seeing, which may keep you awake.

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• Cut out coffee after noon. Consuming caffeine later in the day can keep you awake, as well.
• Avoid drinking too close to bedtime. Drinking anything less than two hours before you go to sleep can cause you to wake up to urinate. If you consume alcohol less than a few hours before bed, it also may affect your sleep quality.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment. If you can, ensure the area you sleep in is quiet, dark, and cool.

4. Keep Moving

“Exercise is important, and it doesn't have to be hard,” Chichak says. “Even just walking a bit every day can help your blood flow, give you more energy, and make you feel less tired. The goal is to do a bit every day, not to be perfect.”

5. Monitor How Much You Drink

Fluid management can be tricky when you are living with chronic kidney disease. You don’t want to drink too little and get dehydrated, but you also don’t want to overload your kidneys. How far your kidney disease has progressed is key to whether you need to increase or restrict how much you drink.

Let your doctor know immediately if you think you are retaining fluid. Your doctor and a registered dietitian can work with you and discuss how much fluid you should be consuming per day.

6. Manage Your Stress

There are healthy and simple actions you can incorporate into your daily routine to reduce stress.

• Take a break from social media and the news.

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• Take deep breaths periodically when feeling stressed, or learn to meditate.

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• Keep a journal.

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• Spend time outdoors if possible, even for a few minutes a day.

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• Explore hobbies or activities that you enjoy and may find relaxing.

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• Reach out to friends and family who can provide support and practical advice.

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“Living with a condition can be really tough because you never know what will happen next,” Chichak says. “Doing simple things every day can help you feel more in control, and when you feel more in control, you stress less. That's important, because stress can worsen your inflammation, blood pressure, and overall health.”

How to Build a Ritual Routine That Sticks

It’s one thing to start new habits. It’s another thing altogether to stick to them.

It may be wise to start slow, Chichak says, by taking on a few new habits instead of trying to change everything at once.

“For example, take your medications at the same time every day and drink plenty of water,” he says. “Ask your doctor how much is right for you. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. These things might seem simple. They can help your body feel more stable and reduce the ups and downs of how you feel from day to day.”

Another way to help build a routine is to “attach” the new habit to something that you already do every day. For example, take your medicine while you brew your morning coffee. Or meditate for five minutes before reading email.

The Takeaway

• Employing a few daily rituals when you have a chronic kidney disease such as complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or immune complex-membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) can help you keep your treatment on track and build feelings of control.
• In addition to keeping your medications on schedule, consider tracking your symptoms and fluid intake, especially if you have an advanced form of kidney disease.
• Ensuring you are getting enough quality sleep and exercise also can be beneficial, as can practicing relaxation techniques and getting support to manage your stress.
• New habits can be hard to stick with, so consider starting slow and building into a new routine.