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Starting college can be exciting — and a little overwhelming. When you have a rare kidney disease, planning ahead can help you protect your health while adjusting to life on campus.
Between classes, social activities, and living away from home, it’s easy to put your kidney health on the back burner. However, staying on top of healthy routines and monitoring is crucial when your kidney function is at stake.
If you’re preparing for college, you need a plan. Here’s an overview of two specific types of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), along with tips for a successful college experience.
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C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) are specific types of kidney diseases. They happen when imbalances in the immune system, like complement pathways or immune complexes, cause damage to the kidneys.
Specifically, C3G and IC-MPGN affect the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys, called glomeruli. These filters help “clean the blood” by removing waste and excess fluid.
In both conditions, abnormal immune activity causes inflammation in kidney tissue. Over time, inflammation damages the glomeruli, and kidney function suffers as a result.
C3G and IC-MPGN are different diseases. But they cause many of the same symptoms and complications. Either condition can range from mild to severe.
As you become more independent, it’s up to you to pay closer attention to your kidney health.
Common symptoms that your kidneys aren’t working their best include:
Sometimes these symptoms may go unnoticed, especially if you’re out of your normal environment. Keeping up with your regular healthcare visits will help ensure that you don’t miss anything.
If your school is far from home, talk with your current nephrologist about how to continue your care.
Some people may fully transfer their care to a nephrologist near campus. Others may keep seeing their current nephrologist through telehealth visits. But it’s still important to have a plan B in case you need in-person care while at school.
Be proactive about setting up your care in advance, so you’ll know where to go if you need an appointment quickly.
Before moving, make sure your new healthcare providers can access your medical history. Ask your nephrology team for copies of:
Also, contact your old and new insurance companies about the change, the start date of any new insurance, in-network providers near campus, and how to get a copy of your insurance information.
Research your options in case of an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the student health clinic and nearby hospitals and urgent care centers.
Look up their phone numbers, locations, and hours. Keep this information in your phone or write it down on a card for your wallet.
Know how to contact your nephrology team after hours if questions come up. They may have an answering service with a healthcare professional you can talk to.
Medication management can get complicated when you move away. Planning your refills in advance will help you avoid running out of medication.
Before the semester starts, you can:
Some treatments for C3G or IC-MPGN come through specialty pharmacies. Specialty pharmacies deliver medication through the mail.
Be sure to check if a signature is required to receive your shipment. Also, make alternative plans if you’re leaving for holidays and school breaks.
If you need infusions, make sure you schedule appointments around your class schedule. Figure out transportation and insurance coverage before you get busy with classes.
Some medications need refrigeration or special storage conditions.
If you live in a dorm, talk to your college’s Housing Office or other resource person to find out about keeping a fridge in your room. Even if this isn’t normally allowed, there may be an exception for medical needs.
Your college should also have a disabilities department that can assist you.
College schedules can be hectic. Late nights studying or out with friends can set you off track.
These systems can help you stay accountable:
Taking medications consistently is one of the most important ways to prevent kidney damage. You may also need to check your blood pressure or monitor your weight.
You may need regular blood work and urine tests to monitor your kidney function. Ask your nephrologist about arranging standing lab orders. That way, you won’t need to get another doctor’s order every time you need routine tests.
Many labs open early, but if you’re not a morning person, schedule your visits at a time that’s more likely to work for you.
Smartphone apps or paper notebooks can help you record your health information in one place so you can share it during medical appointments.
College dining halls are convenient, but not always kidney-friendly. Your healthcare provider can give you specific guidelines about what to eat.
In general, people with kidney issues may need to be careful about sodium, protein, and optimal water intake. Here’s how to do that when you don’t have access to your own kitchen.
Like restaurant meals, dining hall foods can be high in sodium. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure and put added stress on the kidneys. It can also promote swelling.
You can ask for nutrition information from your campus dining service department. Grab a piece of fresh fruit for a low-sodium choice you can add to your meals or have for a snack.
Some people with C3G or IC-MPGN need to limit how much protein they have in one day. If that’s true for you, meet with a renal dietitian who can help you learn to eyeball the right portions.
Protein is found in plant and animal foods. Common sources include:
Protein is essential and not something you should try completely avoiding. Instead, ask your provider if you need to watch your protein portions and how to do so.
Hydration is critical for healthy kidneys. Carrying a reusable water bottle can make it easier to drink throughout the day. Limited water intake is recommended only in advanced stages of kidney disease or in cases of excessive swelling.
If that is not the case with you, drinking the right amount of water actually helps to maintain better kidney function. In certain situations, you need to increase your water intake, such as when sweating, exercising, having a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Make sure you have talked to your doctor about the ideal amount of water intake for you.
In addition, be mindful about your caffeine intake. Energy drinks and coffee aren’t the best way to stay hydrated or fight fatigue.
College can be stressful, especially during exams and major deadlines. Stress doesn’t directly cause C3G or IC-MPGN, but high stress levels can make it harder to maintain healthy habits.
Get into a healthy routine before life gets stressful.
While you don’t have to be perfect, aim for:
If it’s taking some time to make new friends on campus, don’t hesitate to reach out. Find a counselor or social group you can connect with, and make time to keep in touch with loved ones at home.
Binge drinking can be a dangerous aspect of campus life. If you have kidney disease, it’s important to be especially careful about the risks of alcohol and other drugs.
Understand your risks by having an open discussion with your healthcare providers. They can help you make a plan to stay safe.
Vomiting and diarrhea can be especially dangerous for people with kidney disease. They can make you dehydrated and impact your kidneys.
Contact your healthcare team if you have:
Don’t assume these symptoms will just go away or that it’s safe to treat them yourself with over-the-counter (OTC) meds.
Some medications aren’t safe with kidney disease, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. The safer alternative for you can be acetaminophen. However, call your nephrologist before taking any OTC medications or supplements or combinations of these.
You don’t need to share every detail of your medical condition. But letting your professors (and a trusted friend) know about your kidney disease can help you get support when you need it.
You can keep your explanation simple. For example, you might just mention that you have a medical condition and sometimes need to get lab work, take meds, or go to appointments.
Giving your professors a heads-up can make it easier to handle unexpected absences or other issues if they come up. If you’re not sure how to have the conversation, the disabilities department at your school should be able to help.
On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with kidney disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Do you have any tips for college? Let others know in the comments below.
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