Dad is new to in-clinic HD

Hi all,

My dad's into his third week of HD at the local Fresenius clinic and the staff couldn't be a finer collection of professionals. Kind, concerned and very friendly. They've watched over him carefully in these first few weeks, and have been extremely cautious in checking him over before letting him leave after treatment. The home dialysis wing has been equally attentive and accomodating, and have answered all his questions (and mine) -- of which there we many and varied. Very impressed with the other patients, too; it seems as if they've all adopted my father as a family member, so it's very touching to see how concerned they are about his experiences. It drives home that we -- and I do mean ALL of us -- are in this together, and the incredible advice and comfort we receive from them and the wonderful people here help my family and I cope with this huge lifestyle change tremendously.

However, we did run into a rather alarming incident this morning -- one in which I was grateful that an RN and PA was right there when it happened. My father had just finished his HD session, and he was feeling great. My mother and I met with him to discuss some things with the staff. He didn't eat or drink anything but insisted he felt very healthy. The three of us stood around and chatted with the home PD nurse for a few minutes, throughout which my dad insisted on standing (though I kept asking him to sit). In mid-conversation, my dad just FROZE.

He just stood there, not moving, not swaying, slumped or anything, with his mouth seemingly caught midway in a yawn. He wasn't responding to any questions, his eyes were glazed over and appeared to be staring out into nothingness. I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Thank God the nurse caught the problem immediately, and she told me to help her lie my dad down on the floor gently before he fell over, paying special attention to protect his head.

After he lay down, he started to come to, but he was initially slurring his words and was a bit confused. The RN, a tech and the PA put him in a wheelchair, took his blood pressure (it was very low) and brought him back to the HD section to give him some fluids (via IV, I think). My mom and I didn't want to get in the way, so we stepped out and waited for my dad in the outside waiting room. We were really freaked out! How on earth did my dad suddenly pass out like that without warning? I thought there were supposed to be warning signs, like yawns or some signs of exhaustion. Can blood pressure drop all of a sudden like that, after dialysis is completed and bp appears to be normal?

Thanks in advance for any comments,
Steve