Computed Tomography (CT) scans are images made by a computer and X-ray machine. CT scans give more detailed pictures of bones and soft tissue organs than regular X-rays. These images will help your doctor recommend the best treatment for you. Topics include: how you get ready for the scan, what happens during the scan, questions about breastfeeding after the scan, side effects, how long it will take, when to expect results, and where to send your feedback. A list of hospital contact info is pro…
Botox injections may be used to treat blepharospasm (rapid eye blinking) or facial muscle spasms. Botox blocks the chemicals that are causing the spasms and they go away. Botox is not a cure but gives temporary relief from symptoms. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the injection, treatment, and side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 1783, "Injection de Botox®", is also available.
The cornea is the clear front part of your eye. Your eye doctor has recommended a corneal transplant because you are not able to see well through your cornea or it is causing you pain. A donor cornea will be used to replace the damaged or diseased part of your cornea. Instructions for after your procedure and care at home are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 1718, "Greffe de cornée (kératoplastie)", is also available.
This guide is to inform the reader about the services offered by the CF Program and how to access them. The first part of the guide identifies the members of the health care team and their roles. Common tests are explained. Other topics covered in the pamphlet are: medications, maintaining equipment, respiratory equipment and supplies, home intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization. Your role, keeping yourself updated, and the importance of research in battling CF is explained. Symptoms that …
Strabismus is a disorder when both eyes do not line up in the same direction. This means that they don’t look at the same object at the same time. This pamphlet explains what to expect after surgery (adjustable suture, dressing, medication, double vision). It also goes over how to apply eye ointment and followup care. The French version of this pamphlet 1715, "Correction du strabisme", is also available.
Methadone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is often used to manage chronic pain. This pamphlet explains how to take methadone, when to take it, and what to do if you miss a dose. Special precautions, side effects, storage instructions, and a list of symptoms that require a call to your primary health care provider's office or the Pain Management Unit are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2193, "La méthadone pour traiter la douleur chronique," is also available.
In HCM, there is a thickening of the heart muscle, usually in the wall between the 2 lower chambers (the septum). When the muscle thickens, it gets stiff and makes it hard for the bottom chambers to relax and fill with blood before each heartbeat. Thickening can also make it harder for blood to leave the heart. This can lower the amount of blood the heart can pump out to the rest of the body. Thickening of the heart muscle can create scar tissue. This can make you more at risk of dangerous, fas…
In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. ARVC usually affects the right side of the heart. The fat and scar tissue causes the right side of the heart to stretch. In very bad cases, a weak heart may cause fluid to build up outside of the heart, in the lungs (causing shortness of breath), or the ankles or belly (causing swelling). ARVC also affects the electr…
In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the heart muscle becomes weak. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. This causes the bottom chambers to dilate (stretch). A weak heart can also cause fluid to build up in parts of the body like the lungs (causing shortness of breath) and the ankles or belly (causing swelling). DCM may also affect the electrical activity of the heart and can cause fast, dangerous heart rhythms. The pamphlet gives the causes of DCM, symptoms, diagnostic…
LQTS is a rare disease where there are changes in the electrical signals that make the heart beat. In LQTS, channels in the heart cells do not work properly. The abnormal opening and closing of the channels can lead to dangerous heart rhythms. The heart may beat so fast that it cannot pump blood out to the body. This can cause collapse and, if the rhythm does not stop, sudden death. The pamphlet provides the causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment, and some general activity guidelines. We…
Opioid medications are analgesics (painkillers), commonly known as narcotics. They are used to manage severe pain. This pamphlet explains when to take them, what to do if you miss a dose, special precautions, common side effects, and a list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Common concerns about tolerance, dependence, and addiction are explained. Instructions for storing opioids are given.
This pamphlet is about hernia surgeries. A hernia forms when an outer wall of muscle breaks open or tears. This allows organs (such as a loop of bowel or tissue) to fall through the opening. Different types of hernia surgery are described. Topics include what to expect before surgery, on the day of surgery and after surgery at home. Some after surgery topics include pain control, deep breathing and coughing exercises, foot and leg exercises, care of your incision, physical activity, meals, heal…
An STI is an infection that is spread through sexual contact. Most STIs can be treated very easily. However, if left untreated, many can cause problems later. This pamphlet explains common symptoms of STIs, how we test for and treat STIs, what has changed with the STI Clinic, how to make an appointment, what to do if you just want to be screened for STIs, and what to expect at the Clinic. The STI Clinic's location and hours are also provided.
Some people have problems swallowing. This means that some food or liquid may go into your airway instead of your stomach. This is called aspiration. Aspiration is the word used when food or liquid ‘goes down the wrong way’. This pamphlet provides a list of signs that may mean you have swallowing problems. Safety tips to prevent aspiration (food or liquid going into your lungs) and choking are offered. The French version of this pamphlet 2175, "Lignes directrices pour s’alimenter sans danger", …
Some people have problems swallowing. This means that some food or liquid may go into the airway instead of the stomach. This is called aspiration. Aspiration is the word used when food or drink “goes down the wrong way”. This pamphlet provides recommendations that are safe for you when choosing foods. Foods that may increase the risk of aspiration are reviewed and space is provided for your dietitian to personalize your eating plan.
For many people with swallowing problems, it can be safer to drink thick liquids. The thickness will depend on how well you are able to swallow. In this pamphlet, the Swallow Team will check off which thickness level is best for you. A variety of commercial and household products and methods are suggested. The signs of too little fluid (dehydration) and ways to prevent this are provided. A list of symptoms to watch for is also given.
Pureed foods are easy to swallow. Almost any food can be pureed with the right ingredients and equipment. This pamphlet explains how to puree, including what liquids to add, how much food and liquid to mix together, helpful hints to make pureed meals, and ways to add calories and protein. What to do if constipation becomes a problem is also discussed. Recipes are included.
Some people have problems swallowing thin liquids. This means that some liquids may go into their airway instead of their stomach. This is called aspiration. Aspiration is the word used when food or drink goes ‘down the wrong way’. Sometimes aspiration can increase the chance of getting pneumonia (lung infection). It can also be very unpleasant and cause coughing. It may be hard to drink enough thick liquids to stay hydrated. To make sure you get enough liquids, you may be able to drink water b…
This pamphlet describes how to take your blood pressure at home. Topics include: advantages of monitoring your blood pressure at home, things to consider when buying a blood pressure monitor, how to measure, ideal blood pressure numbers at home, as well as a diagram showing the right way to take your blood pressure. The French version of this pamphlet 2197, "Surveiller la tension artérielle à la maison," is also available.
All fruits and vegetables have potassium. This pamphlet provides a list of foods that are high in potassium. If you have high blood potassium levels, you should avoid these foods. If you have low blood potassium levels, you should choose more of these foods daily. The French version of this pamphlet 2181, "Aliments riches en potassium," is also available.