Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Fatigue: Tips to Cope and Feel More Energized

FSGS damages the filters in your kidneys, limiting their ability to filter waste from your blood. Waste buildup in your blood can then cause you to feel tired and weak, says Andrew Moses, MD, a nephrologist at Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Finding relief for FSGS fatigue can be tricky, but there are ways to cope and feel more energized. Here are some strategies to try.

Being honest with the people in your life — and yourself — can help you navigate the challenges that come with fatigue. Try these tips.

Be Intentional When Planning Your Schedule

Prioritizing the important stuff becomes crucial when you’re not sure if you’ll have the energy to get things done later in the day. Structure your day so you can tackle tougher projects or more essential chores first thing in the morning, says Avrum Gillespie, MD, a nephrologist and professor of medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. Responsibilities that require a little less energy — or don’t have to get done that day — can fall lower on your to-do list.

Tell Family and Friends About the Challenges of Living With FSGS

Don’t want to postpone dinner with your friends? That’s understandable, but chances are, they’d be happy to reschedule if you fill them in on what’s happening with you. “As this is a rare condition, many people don’t know about it or understand it. So be open with the people in your life about how you feel,” says Dr. Gillespie.

That may look like briefly explaining FSGS to your loved ones (e.g., “I have a condition that makes it harder for my kidneys to do their job, which can cause me to feel pretty tired”) and suggesting other options that work for you, such as picking another date or time of day when you’d feel more energized.

Be Mindful of How Much You Exert Yourself at Work

“Asking for less physically taxing jobs at work and avoiding overexertion can help keep swelling down,” says Dr. Moses. Swelling, or edema, is common with FSGS and can contribute to fatigue, because swollen muscles can require more energy to move around.

If your job is physical in nature, wearing compression socks/stockings and putting your legs up from time to time (if you’re able to do so) can help, says Moses. If you work a register, for example, request a stool to sit on. Or if you have a desk job, consider talking to your manager about working from home when you’re feeling particularly fatigued or swollen.

Set Realistic Expectations

You have a rare kidney disease. That’s not a small thing, and you should cut yourself some slack if you’re not able to keep up with the activities you once juggled without issue. “Set realistic expectations that it will take a while before things get better and that they may not be the same as before you developed the condition,” says Gillespie.

Work with your loved ones to establish a clear understanding of what you may and may not be able to do around the home, and be honest with yourself, too. Working with a mental health professional who specializes in chronic conditions may help you find acceptance.

While it may not be possible to completely do away with FSGS-related fatigue, there are lifestyle changes you can make to shore up your energy levels. Try these strategies.

Prioritize Getting Good Sleep

Stick to an FSGS-Friendly Diet

Follow the diet prescribed by your nephrologist. Recommendations will depend on the underlying cause of the disease, but generally, cutting back on salt will help with swelling, says Moses, which can improve fatigue.

Take Care of Your Body and Mind

Similarly, mindfulness and meditation can also improve fatigue symptoms. But keep in mind that these aren’t a quick fix and will take practice, says Gillespie. He recommends sticking with a mindfulness routine for several months to see if it has a real positive effect on your energy levels.

• Fatigue from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can affect every corner of your life, from work to relationships. But there are strategies that can help you cope and feel more energized.
• Be honest with yourself and the people in your life. Set realistic goals, work toward having candid conversations with your loved ones, and make adjustments to your work routine to avoid exacerbating the fatigue.
• Small lifestyle tweaks can make a big impact. Following your doctor’s advice on diet, sleep, and stress reduction can help you navigate daily life with more clarity — and hopefully increase your energy, too.