Bilby
Executive Chef
The more dialysis your dad does, the more he will learn his limit (to take off) and then he will be able to prevent the dizziness to some degree. The nurses like to get you very "dry" but as I always had to drive myself home afterwards, I would always opt to be a bit "wet" still. It was a real killer when I had to dialyse in the hospital in the city during the summer months as it was a good half hour drive. The sun would be glaring down and when you're feeling a little light, it was all I could do some days to make it home and just lay down for an hour or so. On those days, I would end up drinking most of what I had just taken off - somewhat defeating the point of dialysis.
Another thing is not to eat a heavy-ish meal during or directly after dialysis as that can lower your bp as well. One of our patients was in his late 70's and would stop and have a cup of sweet tea before he headed home (he also had a bit of a drive to do). It perked him up enough to get his bp stable.
It is good that you were able to sit with him. It helps the time to go by, esp at first when it is all new and a bit frightening. It will get easier from now on for all of you. Good luck.
Another thing is not to eat a heavy-ish meal during or directly after dialysis as that can lower your bp as well. One of our patients was in his late 70's and would stop and have a cup of sweet tea before he headed home (he also had a bit of a drive to do). It perked him up enough to get his bp stable.
It is good that you were able to sit with him. It helps the time to go by, esp at first when it is all new and a bit frightening. It will get easier from now on for all of you. Good luck.