Dr. Yongen Chang, a board-certified nephrologist and UC Irvine faculty member, discusses the evolving treatment landscape for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G). She highlights promising therapies, the role of patient-reported outcomes, and how lifestyle changes—like diet, exercise, and regular monitoring—support kidney health. The conversation also touches on fertility planning and living well with chronic kidney conditions.

When you’re first diagnosed, it’s easy to spiral into blame—wondering what you could have done differently. But the truth is, serious health conditions like IgA Nephropathy aren’t caused by something you did or didn’t do. You did your best then, and you’re doing your best now. And that matters.

For years, Jenna was told her symptoms were just stress-related—maybe even all in her head. But after a decade, she was finally diagnosed with this rare kidney disease. IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is often missed or misunderstood. By sharing stories like Jenna’s, we hope to raise awareness and help others get the answers they deserve.