The rare kidney diseases complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3 glomerulopathy, or C3G) and immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) can cause changes to your appearance. For some people, changes like unintentional weight loss or weight gain, swelling, puffy eyes, and rashes can negatively affect body image.

MyKidneyDiseaseTeam members candidly share their experiences with body image changes related to C3G or IC-MPGN. Some also offer helpful tips for rebuilding confidence and improving self-image.

This article discusses how these chronic kidney diseases can affect appearance and how members experience these changes.

🗳️ Which changes to your appearance have you noticed since being diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy or IC-MPGN?

Unwanted weight gain or weight loss

Swelling or puffy eyes

Rash

More than one of these

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What Is Body Image?

Body image is how you see yourself and how you feel about the way you look. It can affect your sense of self-worth and self-confidence.

Body image can also influence how you think and behave. A negative body image may contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Your body image can change throughout your life. It may shift with weight changes or other noticeable changes to your appearance.

People living with chronic diseases are at greater risk of body image concerns. This is especially true for conditions that affect appearance, including rare kidney diseases such as C3G and IC-MPGN.

“I have these huge bags under my eyes. Even though I’m getting older, I’ve never had bags under my eyes until now.”

— A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam member

How Can C3G and IC-MPGN Affect Your Appearance?

Both C3 glomerulopathy and IC-MPGN can cause symptoms that affect the way you look.

For example, many people with C3G and IC-MPGN experience swelling, which can change body shape or size. A kidney rash can also affect appearance. These symptoms may persist despite treatment.

Swelling in C3G and IC-MPGN

Swelling in C3G and IC-MPGN happens because these conditions can cause your body to retain extra fluid. Edema (swelling from excess fluid) most often affects the hands, ankles, and feet.

Some people with IC-MPGN also have swelling or puffiness around the eyes.

One MyKidneyDiseaseTeam member wrote, “Feet, ankles, and legs are so swollen today. Elevating them hasn’t really helped. So frustrated!”

Weight Changes in C3G and IC-MPGN

Many people with C3G and IC-MPGN also experience weight changes as a side effect of corticosteroids (steroids), especially when taking them for a long time. Fluid retention can also cause weight gain.

In one small study, 4 out of 13 people with C3G or primary IC-MPGN said that weight gain and swelling negatively affected how they saw themselves.

C3G and IC-MPGN can also cause unintentional weight loss. This is often linked to a poor appetite and may occur along with other signs of kidney failure, such as blood in the urine and fatigue.

Unwanted weight changes, whether gain or loss, can affect body image. MyKidneyDiseaseTeam members have shared their experiences with weight changes:

What Members Are Saying About Experiences With Weight Changes

“As time has passed, I’ve lost muscle tone, body mass, and strength.”

“I’m losing weight too fast. I see it all in my face — the fat hanging from my face and turkey neck.”

“I have C3G stage 4, 17 percent. I was fit and strong before I got this and have lost a fair bit of muscle mass.”

How Do Appearance Changes Affect Members’ Lives?

Body changes from C3 glomerulopathy or IC-MPGN may affect your life in unexpected ways. Even a small change of appearance can affect you emotionally or change how you interact with other people.

C3G or IC-MPGN may also affect your dating life or friendships.

Impact on Relationships and Social Life

When swelling and weight changes in C3G or IC-MPGN affect how you see yourself, it can have a domino effect on how you interact with others. Along with changes in body image, you may notice shifts in your relationships with family members, friends, or your partner. You might not be sure how to explain your C3G or IC-MPGN to the people you care about.

Although many MyKidneyDiseaseTeam members talk about supportive loved ones, others feel that their condition has negatively affected their relationships.

“The closest friends we have don’t understand,” one member wrote. “The symptoms make it almost impossible to make plans, other than tests and doctors’ appointments — the swelling, no appetite, nausea, and headaches.”

What Are Ways To Boost Your Self-Image?

If you’re living with C3 glomerulopathy or IC-MPGN and have noticed changes in your self-image, work with your healthcare team and loved ones to find ways to feel better about yourself despite your symptoms.

Stay on Track With Kidney Disease Treatment

Even when it’s well managed, C3G or IC-MPGN can affect body image. However, managing your disease gives you a better chance of controlling symptoms and slowing kidney disease progression. Staying on track with treatment can also help you feel more in control of your health.

A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam member with C3G described how they stay positive: “The only thing I can do is be rigorous with the medication, make the necessary lifestyle changes to exercise and diet, and cross my fingers.”

Manage Swelling

Ask your doctor about ways to reduce swelling, if this is your main body image concern. Along with recommending kidney disease medications and treatments, they may suggest lifestyle changes, such as limiting sodium intake. They may refer you to a dietitian for help with dietary changes.

MyKidneyDiseaseTeam members have shared tips that have helped them manage swelling. “Last night, my feet were swollen,” one member said. “I did a little self-care reflexology with lemongrass, juniper berry, and massage blend. No swelling this morning.”

Another member offered tips for lowering dietary sodium. “I don’t add salt unless it’s an ingredient in a recipe, and then I use less than is called for,” they said. “I never add salt to a food after it’s prepared.”

Focus on the Positive

Along with kidney disease treatments and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, working on how you think about your body may help improve body image. While it may be easy to focus on swollen legs, puffy eyes, or weight changes, challenging negative thoughts about your appearance may improve your quality of life.

Try focusing on features you like or choosing clothes that help you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid dwelling on changes you don’t like or speaking negatively about your body.

Get Support From Loved Ones and Professionals

Support from loved ones and other people living with C3G or IC-MPGN can go a long way toward improving your body image and overall outlook. You can talk with trusted friends, family members, or other members of MyKidneyDiseaseTeam.

You might also consider adding mental health care to your treatment plan. A therapist or counselor can help you work through your concerns about body image and other challenges. You may be able to find a mental health professional who has experience supporting people living with chronic conditions.

Join the Conversation

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with kidney disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How have signs and symptoms of C3G or IC-MPGN affected your body image? Let others know in the comments below.