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Helpful Tips for Managing Dialysis

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This list is for those of us on Dialysis. My experience has been with peritoneal dialysis.
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Dialysis Oral Hygiene

If you are on dialysis you know the feeling of you oral hygiene being a question mark. Here is what I use daily to combat oral hygiene.

 
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Equal Parts Peroxide and Water - Gargle until bubbles form and spit it out.
Why I use Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oral Rinse
 
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One of my favorite toothbrushes.
My Current Electric Toothbrush
 
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Soft bristles for those with sensitive gums.
My of my favorite toothbrushes
 
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I switched to this and notices less pink in the sink.
Parodontax for gum care.
 
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Please make sure you floss, be gentle though.
Floss
 
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A non-drying mouth rinse that i use to finish off my  routine.
Biotene - Moisturizing Oral Rinse
 
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These have been a game changer for scraping gunk off my tongue.
Tongue Cleaner
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Another favorite and affordable option
Simple Colgate Manual Toothbrushes

Dialysis Skin Recommendations

 
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Warn between hands right after your shower.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Original Solid Jar
 
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If you prefer a softer whipped alternative.
Brazilian Coco Whipped Bum, Bust & Body Cream
 
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After the shower to seal in moisture
Baby Oil
 
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Aquaphor has helped my dry skin during dialysis. This is especially great on my feet as I have perm calluses. This with exfoliating has my feet baby smooth. I mix this in with my cocoa butter.
Aquaphor®Skin Healing Ointment
 
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I use supergoop on my skin every morning - It's a must even in the winter time. Sunscreen has made my skin even and helped my scaring. This brand is oily but if you aren't afraid of some shine and want to maintain supple skin.
Supergoop - Sunscreen - A Must Have
 
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Washing my hands as much as I do cause extreme dryness. Sometimes lotion doesn't cut it. These are great to do on a weekly basis to have baby soft hands, I seal with the aquaphor healing oilment.
Aquaphor® Hand Mask
 
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Chat lips wont stand a chance. I usually keep several of these around. One if my purse, the car, at work and a house lipbalm.
Aquaphor® Lip Repair
 
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This is a super light oil that I use in the summer. Sometimes I dont want a thick cream on my skin. Use this this right after a shower.
100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
 
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Great for textured skin from Dialysis
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner Pads for Clear Skin
 
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Antibacterial Body Wash is Important
Antibacterial Body Wash 8 Oz - Dr. Lift
 
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Antibacterial Soap is a must
Dove Care and Protect Antibacterial Daily Use Softening Body Wash, 30.6 fl oz
 
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Super Clean
Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser 16 oz Pump
 
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Understandin Skin Issues with Dialysis  (TW, Skin Photos)
Skin Problems and Dialysis | DaVita

Dialysis Friendly Deodorant Recommendations

When you're in end stage renal failure, you must switch to aluminum free deodorants. Here are the ones I've tried and loved.

 
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I started testing this one out in DC humidity will report back.
Dove Aluminum Free Deodorant
 
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My tried and true. I always find myself returning back to Arm and Hammer
ARM & HAMMER™ Deodorant Products
 
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This used to hold up in my transit to work in DCs hot summer.
Natural Deodorant Cream without Aluminum, Activated Charcoal
 
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One of my favorite charcoal products.
Charcoal & Magnesium - Deodorant Stick
 
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When you're on dialysis, your body works differently - and that includes how you sweat and process toxins. Humble's aluminum-free formula is especially important because your kidneys can't filter aluminum like they used to, and it can build up in you... 

The natural ingredients help manage the unique body chemistry changes that come with dialysis, without adding unnecessary chemical burden. Plus, their "Love It Guarantee" means you can try it risk-free - because finding products that work with your b... 

For anyone managing kidney disease, choosing products with the fewest, cleanest ingredients isn't just preference - it's smart health management. Humble gets that, keeping it simple so you can focus on what matters: your health and healing.
Humble Deodorant
 
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The Scent alone is worth the splurge.
Lume Whole Body Women's Deodorant - Smooth Solid Stick - Aluminum Free - Toasted Coconut Scent - 2.6oz

Wellness and Health

 
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Used this until I started to need infusions paired with VitC for absorption
Vitron-C® - High Potency Iron Dietary Supplement Plus Vitamin C
 
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It sends my reading directly to my phone. 

No more fumbling and losing numbers before treatment.
OMRON Wifi - Blood Pressure Monitor
 
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Great for Dialysis Treatment keep your Blood Pressure and Weight in one app.
Omron Wifi Scale - Sends it right to your app.
 
OMRON Body Composition Monitor & Scale
 
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Helpful for Cramping and Body pain
McKesson Disposable Plastic 6x9 Hot Pack
 
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Masks are a must for me in public.
LEMENT 5-Layer Dust Safety Face Mask
 
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Want to learn more about Kidney Disease start here.
National Kidney Foundation
 
Save a Life and Donate a Kidney to me.
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More information on my Genetic  Kidney Diagnosis which is also known as African Sleeping Sickness.
Understanding - APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)
 
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Learn more about Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease Resources
 
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A podcast on how to take back your career with Chronic Illness.
Chronic Boss Unfiltered
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Kids Book that teaches what Dialysis is.
Peritoneal Dialysis: A Bath for My Belly
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Dialysis Log Books are great for tracking weight, fluids and much more.
Dialysis Logbook: Peritoneal Treatment Tracker
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I haven't read this yet, but I certainly think it's helpful.
Dialysis without Fear: Guide to Living Well
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Phosphorus, Potassium & Sodium Counter for Kidney Disease
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Dialysis Set Up

 
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When you're on dialysis a cart or space is essential. I store all of my new unopened bottles of alcavis and ExCept on the bottom, the middle for my caps, gloves, and mask. My top row has all the main things needed for a dialysis treatment. 

Gauzes, open bottles of cleaners, clamps, creams. A part like this is so helpful for dialysis treatments at home.
Dialysis Utility Carts
 
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This dialysis cart will make your treatments flow easier. Wheels so you can bring it to wherever you're doing your treatments.
3 Tier Rolling Utility Cart with Drawer
 
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Managing dialysis means juggling 15+ daily medications with perfect timing - phosphate binders with meals, blood pressure meds between treatments, and everything else that keeps you going. 

This organizer gets it. Extra-large compartments actually fit those chunky binders. Separate meal-time sections eliminate timing guesswork. One-handed design works even when protecting your fistula. Days detach for easy clinic trips. 

After years of medication chaos, finally have peace of mind. Built tough enough for your dialysis bag, clear enough to see through brain fog. Because kidney disease is hard enough without playing pill bottle roulette.
XL Weekly Pill Organizer 4x Daily, White
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I used to stare at my pill bottles every morning, wondering if I'd already taken my meds. Sound familiar? This 2-times-a-day organizer changed everything. What sold me:  

The AM/PM compartments are actually large enough for real medications (not just tiny vitamins), and the clear design lets me see at a glance if I've taken today's dose. No more doubling up or missing doses because I can't remember. 

The individual day pods pop out smoothly, so I can grab just what I need for overnight trips or a day at the office. After three months of daily use, the hinges still snap shut securely - no pills spilling in my bag. Best part? Setting up my week tak... 

For anyone juggling multiple medications or supplements, this simple organizer brings genuine peace of mind. Worth every penny for the mental clarity alone
Pill Organizer 2 Times a Day AM & PM
 
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So thick and much better than the standard Baxter Cotton Pads.
Non-Woven Sterile 2x2 Gauze Pads 100ct
 
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After years of ripping off tape and taking half my skin with it, I finally found this gem. This skin-sensitive tape is strong enough to secure gauze through showers and daily activities, yet comes off like a whisper when it's time to change dressings... 

No more red, raw strips where the tape used to be. No more dreading dressing changes. It breathes well too, so the skin underneath doesn't get that awful, macerated feeling. I've used it on everything from post-surgery sites to daily wound care. 

Sticks reliably for days if needed, but still peels off gently even on delicate, healing skin. The roll tears easily by hand - no hunting for scissors when you're trying to manage a dressing one-handed. For anyone dealing with frequent dressing chang... 

Your skin will thank you.
Nexcare Gentle Tan Skin Tape 1in x 10yd, 2 Rolls
 
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You can never have enough chuck pads during dialysis. You need at least two a day, but usyally you get 50. 

They don't send enough In my opionon.
Medline Ultra Lightweight 17x24 Disposable Underpad, 100 Count
 
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They are helpful but you shouldn't wear these long term. They are helpful for showering.
Ceeport Transparent Film Dressing 6x8, 20 Packs
 
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I keep extra on hand. These are larger and hold more product. Great for covering up your site for ourdoors.
Gauze Care Sterile 4x4 Gauze Pads, 100pk
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To hold your catheter in place.
Peritoneal Dialysis PD Catheter Holder Patch
 
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Baxter doesn't send enough so I buy more.
Medline Ultra Lightweight 17x24 Disposable Underpad, 100 Count
 
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Much Larger and thicker than what baxter/vantage sends monthly.
Non-Woven Sterile Gauze Pads 2x2 Pack of 100
 
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Ive been using these on my temp chest port to shower.
Transparent Film Dressing 6'' x 8'', 20 Packs
 
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Large Enough for chest ports and belly ports.
Waterproof Shower Cover for Dialysis Port, 10x10, Pack of 25
 
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I order additional supplies from this website.
Carewell - Medical Supply Store - Free Delivery - Save 20%
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This is important when you want a clean surface for dialysis.
Hibiclens Antimicrobial Soap 8 oz Foaming
 
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Make Draining Easy, no heavy lifting. When I'm traveling this is so helpful to help you rid yourself of the waste from dialysis. 

It's so helpful if you don't want to life a bucket of a bag to dispose of your dialysis fluid.
Stickman Drain-Away PD Toilet Clip - Fits 1.5-1.7 Rims
 
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I prefer a larger bottle of Sanitizer because I go though these quickly when setting up for dialysis. Always use 70 percent of higher when doing treatments.
McKesson Premium Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, Spring Water Scent
 
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Heating Pads are great for Warming up Manual Bags
Comfytemp XL Heating Pad 33x17 Blue
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Clamps for emergency cut offs, I keep these in my purse just in case.
Dialysis Tubing Clamps, Yellow, Bag of 5
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These desks are helpful if you are hooked up but still want to watch a show, work or read.
BUYIFY 23" Folding Wood Lap Desk w/ Cup Holder
 
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Blue Light glassed for Cycler use at night.
Blue Light Glasses 99% Block - 5 Pair
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Hepa filters promote for clean exchange environment. Great if you have pets as well.
Kenmore PM2010 Air Purifier H13 HEPA 1200 Sq.Ft
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Dialysis Friendly Cookbooks

 
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Low Sodium and Dialysis go hand and hand.
Low Sodium Slow Cooker Cookbook: 100+ Heart Healthy Recipes
 
Super Easy DASH Diet Cookbook for Seniors 60+
 
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My current diet plan is to eat clean.
Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook: Lower BP

Skin Sensitive Dialysis Supplies

 
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Useful for my skin.
3M Tegaderm™ Transparent Hypoallergenic Film Dressing
 
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These do no mess up my skin.
Nexcare Gentle Paper First Aid Tape 1in x 10yds
 
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A must have for my supplies.
Band-Aid Adhesive Bandages Sensitive Skin 20ct

Infusion Clothing and Accessories

 
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On my wishlist of items to try.
Infusion Collection

Kidney-Friendly Snacks for Dialysis Patients

I'm not a professional dietician nor Doctor, please always check with your nephrology team regarding snacks. Eat based on your labs. 

 
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Make Red Pepper Salsa and Enjoy
Tostitos Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips, 13oz, 5 Pack
 
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A low Phos Snack Plain of Caramel Only
Quaker Large Rice Cakes, Caramel, Pack of 3
 
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Hard candy is a great low-phos sweet treat
Werther's Original Hard Caramel Candies 30oz
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Low phosphorus, portion-controlled bags
Jelly Belly Cherry Lovers Heart Jelly Beans 3.5oz Pack of 3
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low phos compared to chocolate-based cookies
Voortman Vanilla Wafers, 10.6 oz
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Candy with no dairy/phosphate additives
SWEDISH FISH Soft & Chewy Candy, 240 Ct
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Dialysis-friendly candy option
JOLLY RANCHER Assorted Fruit Hard Candy 14oz
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no phosphate additives
SkinnyPop Original Popcorn, Dairy-Free, 12ct
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Apples are among the best kidney-friendly fruits.
Mott's Unsweetened Applesauce 3.9oz 36ct
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Hot or Iced tea is a safe low-phosphorus drink option.
Celestial Seasonings Wellness Tea Variety, 16 Bags
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Phosphorus-free alternative to sodas (which contain phosphoric acid)
Crystal Light Lemonade Drink Mix, 30 Pack
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Traveling while on Dialysis

Traveling while on PD had many moving parts. I used my trip to Disney to determine these items. 

 
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Can lug your cycler in it's softcase through the airport with ease.
Mount-It! Foldable Luggage Cart with Wheels
 
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4 hours of chill for your neck.
Arctic Air Neck Chill Cooling Tube 3 Pack
 
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Beat the Heat without drinking water.
SHAKEitCOOL Cooling Towel - Blue Wave
 
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Wet, Wring, place on your body to stay cool.
SHAKEitCOOL Extended Cooling Towel - Paisley M
 
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Using a scooter makes travel easier.
Washington DC Scooter and Wheelchair Rental | Scootaround
 
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Swim in Private Pools or Saltwater with PD Catheter.
Peritoneal Dialysis Waterproof Shower Pouch (50)
 
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Pack a Scale with you, this one if great for traveling. I bought one down there and left it behind. Buy this and keep it with your travel items and listed under your list of medical items in your cycler/supplies bag.
RENPHO Mini Travel Body Weight Scale
 
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Another option for a personal scale to travel with for PD Travel
Venugopalan Portable Digital Body Scale
 
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Carrying case for Manual PD Users, pricey but IMO worth it.
Daytripper CAPD Solution Warmer Save $48.00