Can you drive home after Hemo?

[IrishGirl]

Can you drive home after a treatment or is it like chemotherapy and you need a person
to take you there and pick you up to go home ?





EDITED: Moved to proper section - Sluff/Admin

[kitkatz]

I have driven home for most of the nine years I have been on hemodialysis.  If they know you drive, the staff is usually careful to make sure you have a good blood pressure and have stopped bleeding.

[del]

For the 6 years hubby was in center he always had somebody with him for company but he usually drove himself to and from dialysis. He had over an hours drive.  His blood pressure very rarely dropped at the end of his treatment so he was fine to drive. 

[twirl]

I always drive, I want to get the heck out of there and not wait on anyone

My husband's school is on standby and he will get classes covered in those times I need him

[kidney4traci]

I drove myself too.  Only once was my pressure too low and I should have waited.  The staff was really good at watching out for that though.

[boxman55]

I have drove myself back and forth for 19 months. No problems...Boxman

[kimcanada]

I always drove till the snow fell, Andrew has been driving all winter, and I started driving myself again about two weeks ago.  I have never had a problem

[flip]

I drive and I keep a clamp on the seat beside me just in case. My worst nightmare is springin' a leak at 70 mph.

[terry3004]

For the year and a half I was in center, I drove to and from dialysis.  Again, they just made sure my blood pressure was good before I could leave.

[Chris]

When I was discharged from the hospital, they set me up with a company that took people to dialysis, doctors appointments, ect. They told me i shouldn't drive because i would feel so weak. Well that was b.s. I felt more frustrated than weak dealing with the idiots at my first clinic. So I started driving myself and then switched centers and doctors after I told the dialysis social worker off and then my neph who also owned the center. ew doc and new center was a complete180 in the difference in care and personality, plus the new doc was a lot better too. I did not see what the whole concern over driving was. I do think it is up to each individual on how they feel though.

[jbeany]

I drove as well.  I rarely had any bp problems.  Staying awake was more of problem than blood pressure!

[angellady07]

I'm ashamed of myself, I must be a wimp. I need someone to drive me to and from the center. I feel weak low BP, etc.. Of course it's only been 2 months maybe it will get better.

[petey]

For 12 1/2 years, Marvin drove himself home after hemo in-center treatments.  There were a few (very few) times when he felt he couldn't drive himself and then he would call me.  I would get someone to cover my classes and I would come and get him or I would get up with a family member or friend who was closer and available who could go and get him.  He knew when he wasn't feeling up to driving, and he was careful.  We only live 15 minutes from his clinic.  I would pack a "lunch box" for him to carry with him; it had a cold soft drink, a pack of crackers, and a washcloth in it for his drive home.  Thank goodness now, we're on home hemo.  When he finishes a treatment, he gets up out of the chair and ... ta da! he's home!  If you're aware of your body and know the "signs" of low bp, you should be fine.

[IrishGirl]

Thanks for the input. Angel lady I do not think you are a wimp. I think everyone has different experiences.....you are right, as a beginner you may well even out later. But if not, who cares? No
body gets a trophy for bravery is what I think...and if you need a person to transport you then
go for it and certainly do not be ashamed. All those imbalances and fluid shifts going on in such a short
period, I am amazed, simply amazed that anyone can drive home afterwards. Its a huge thing that happens to a body. Equilibrium and blood pressure are so different for every person. I really appreciate all the input, thanks ever so much. IrishGirl

[mikey07840]

I've only be on hemo for a few months. My freind drove me the first day only. Since then I have always driven myself.

Everyone is different though. Some folks drive themselves ay my clinic and others have someone drive them.

In any case, hang in there. I hope everything goes well for you.

Mikey

[flip]

FWIW...there are 20 patients on my shift and only two of us drive.

[devon]

Thanks for bringing this up!   

I had not thought of this issue.  As I am pre-dialysis, I've not yet encountered this but it will obviously be an important issue when I do start.

-Devon

[KT0930]

I have only been on hemo for about five months in my life, and both times were with a permcath. However, I drove myself after all treatments except one. For one other treatment, my BP was low, so they held me there until it got high enough for me to go (diastolic over 100).

[kitkatz]

I am so spoiled since the hubby retired from his job.  If he is home he drives me now to dialysis and then comes to pick me up. Ain't he just a sweetie! 

[flip]

He is a real sweetie. Now ask him if he will sit in for you occasionally.

[jonn r]

i drive myself.....it keeps me sane by driving there.......i think i mite even drive other people there to make some money

[glitter]

The first year on dialysis my husband was too ill to drive- but he has been driving for the last year, he does okay.

[Rerun]

I can't drive to well at night.  My first 4 or 5 months on dialysis they only had third shift, so I had someone drive me.  Now I drive myself.  I do Nocturnal in center right now, so I moved close to the clinic (one mile) and so I can drive myslef.  Thank God!  I hate dealing with Paratransport.

[Phillip_20]

So, you can drive while on dialysis?

[kitkatz]

Not while on the machine, silly!