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…
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.
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…
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.
Gastroparesis means stomach paralysis. This means the stomach is slow to empty. The guidelines in this pamphlet may help you to lower your symptoms and keep up good nutrition. A list of suggested food choices and foods to avoid is provided.
This pamphlet will help you and your family learn more about cornea donation. Palliative care patients may be able to donate their corneas. Some myths and facts about cornea donation are provided, as well as the reasons why some people may not be able to donate. Common fears and misunderstandings, what to do if you decide to change your mind, and information given to your family about your donation are outlined. Testimonials from recipients are provided. The French version of this pamphlet, 219…
This pamphlet describes how to get ready for a colonoscopy if you have chronic kidney disease. Steps to prepare solutions on the day before your colonoscopy are listed. The day before your procedure and on the day of the test you should drink only clear liquids, and a suggested list is included. Remember not to eat any food or drink milk, or other liquids that are not clear, on the day before your colonoscopy or on the day of the test.
This pamphlet will explain what blood clots are and why they happen. It also explains what your health care team will do to help prevent a blood clot from happening to you, as well as how you can tell if you might have a blood clot. Finally, it will go over what you can do to help prevent yourself from getting a blood clot. The French version of this pamphlet 1545, "PrĂ©venir la formation de caillots de sang lors d’une hospitalisation", is also available.
This two-sided single sheet pamphlet explains leg exercises to be used as a teaching tool for patients. It outlines the steps involved for doing these exercises and provides illustrations. The French version of this pamphlet 1766, "Exercices pour les jambes", is also available.
A FibroScan® is a scan of your liver to measure how stiff your liver is. It is a painless test which involves a probe being passed over the top right area of your abdomen (tummy). It is similar to an ultrasound scan. Info is included on what to expect before, during, and after your fibroscan. The French version of this pamphlet 2199, "Passer un FibroScan®", is also available.
Incision care, pain management, how to position your bed after surgery, and instructions for activity and diet are listed. A list of symptoms that need the attention of your surgeon, a list of important phone numbers, and information about your post-operative appointment are also provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2184, "Après votre opĂ©ration de la thyroĂ¯de Ă l’hĂ´pital gĂ©nĂ©ral de Dartmouth", is also available.
Falls among older adults are a common problem. Up to half of residents in long-term care may fall each year. This pamphlet explains situations when most falls happen, what raises your risk of falling, and what staff in the Veterans' Memorial Building may ask you to do while living in this unit to prevent falls from happening.
This pamphlet describes what CRPS is, its causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment. The French version of this pamphlet 1788, "Syndrome douloureux régional complexe (SDRC)", is also available.
The Active Cycle Breathing Technique (ACBT) will help clear secretions like sputum. Sputum is mucus mixed with saliva (spit). This pamphlet outlines steps involved in breathing control, deep breathing exercises, and huffing. A technique summary is provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2200, "Technique de respiration en cycle actif (TRCA)," is also available.
Instructions are given for certain medications you may need after you have your baby for the treatment of pain, heartburn, iron deficiency, and hemorroids.
This guide will help you and your family through your surgery experience. It will help you to learn about the care you will receive and how you can help yourself before and after surgery. Topics include: lymph nodes (what are they? what happens after they are removed?), getting ready for surgery, the day of surgery, after your surgery, exercises after surgery, getting out of bed for the first time, taking care of your incision and drainage tubes, exercises at home, and followup visits with your…
This pamphlet is a teaching tool for patients. It outlines the steps involved for doing these exercises as part of the Burn Care Exercise Program. Instructions and diagrams are included. These include 'wrist flexion and extension', 'wrist radial and ulnar deviation', and 'pronation and supination'.