I still felt isolated even when my family was around me, because I was the only one experiencing it.
C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare, long-term disease of the kidneys caused by a fault in part of the immune system called the complement system.
C3G is classified into two separate types, dense deposit disease (DDD) and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GB), both of which are diagnosed and treated in the same way.
C3G is a progressive form of kidney disease but the rate of progression and the type of symptoms it causes, vary from person to person. In the early stages, it may cause no symptoms at all. C3G has a major impact on kidney function and over time, about 30-50% of those affected will develop kidney failure, which means they will need to have dialysis or potentially, consider a kidney transplant.
There is no cure for C3G and no specific treatment. Current treatments and supportive care aim to slow the progression of the disease and treat symptoms. Thanks to advances in research, understanding of C3G is improving all the time. A number of new treatment approaches are currently being investigated and these have the potential to improve the outlook for those affected by C3G.
The impact on everyday life depends upon the symptoms experienced and the degree of damage to the kidneys. The need for regular monitoring and frequent medical appointments can interfere with daily life. Symptoms vary from person to person and can come and go. It is difficult to predict the path of C3G and this uncertainty can be a major factor for many people with C3G, making it difficult to plan for the future.
Making sense of C3G >