Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that causes the air sacs in the lungs to get inflamed. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of pneumonia, who is at risk, and how pneumonia is diagnosed and treated. Tips to help you recover quickly and prevent pneumonia are included. Symptoms that need further medical attention are listed. The French translation of this pamphlet 2061, "Pneumonie" is also available.
An ultrasound is a safe, painless test used to view the organs inside your body. It is also called a sonogram. An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that cannot be heard. The preparation for this test depends on which organ or area of your body is to be studied. Topics include: how an ultrasound works, how to get ready for the test, where it is done, who will do the test, what will happen, and how long it will take. The French translation of this pamphlet 1105, "Ultrasonoscopie" is als…
This guide will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery for a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Topics include getting ready for surgery, what will happen on the day of surgery, what will happen right after surgery, and care at home. Things to avoid for 2 weeks after your surgery, activity, and bleeding are also covered. The French version of this pamphlet 2099, "Amygdalectomie et adénoïdectomie", is also available.
Constipation is when you don’t have bowel movements (poops) very often, or they are hard to pass. We also call this “being constipated.” This pamphlet explains common causes of constipation and lists things you can do to help. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2080, "Constipation", is also available.
Cette brochure préparée par le centre hospitalier QEII, régie de la santé de la Nouvelle-Écosse, offre des renseignements sur les soins avant et après la chirurgie. Les sujets touchés sont les suivants: la confirmation de l'heure de la chirurgie, l'anesthésie, la santé et l'hygiène, les médicaments, les aliments et les boissons, les retards et les objets de valeur. Après la chirurgie, les sujets touchés sont les suivants: salle de récupération, unité des soins, contrôle de l'inconfort, exercice…
This pamphlet reviews what to expect before, during and after surgery for the insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter. Information includes how to get your bowels ready for surgery, what to bring to the hospital on the day of surgery, care of your incision/exit site and keeping your bowels regular after surgery. Information about peritoneal dialysis teaching is also provided.
LEEP is used to treat abnormal cells on your cervix (lower part of the uterus). A special wire called a “loop” is used to send a small electrical current to the area and remove the abnormal cells. This pamphlet explains how LEEP is done, how long the treatment lasts, how to prepare for the procedure, what to expect after, if you need followup care, what risks may be involved, and when you should call the Clinic. Contact information is provided.
This 1 page instructional handout was developed to assist patients with diagnosed sleep apnea when they are discharged following surgery.
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to make hemoglobin in red blood cells. Sometimes iron must be given by IV before or after surgery. This pamphlet reviews how iron is given, a list of iron-rich foods, possible side effects, what to do after receiving iron therapy, and who to call should you have any problems.
This pamphlet provides care information and a series of exercises for after a foot and/or toe injury. Topics include: what to expect after the cast or bandage is taken off, how to deal with swelling and stiffness, walking, and how to use heat and ice. Stretching, strengthening, balance, and progression exercises are listed.
Delirium is not the same as dementia. This pamphlet describes delirium after cardiac surgery, the causes, symptoms, and how family members can help. Recovery may take days to months. The French version of this pamphlet 2107, "Delirium après une chirurgie cardiaque", is also available.
Ticagrelor is a medicine used along with low dose Aspirin to reduce your risk of having a heart attack. You should not take Ticagrelor if you have or had a current bleeding problem such as bleeding from a stomach ulcer or if you have severe liver disease. Instructions for how to take and store this medicine as well as drug interactions and foods to avoid are discussed. Missed dose instructions are given. This pamphlet also describes warnings and possible side effects.
Perioperative blood management helps patients before, during, and after planned surgery. Topics include: benefits, anemia, blood components, normal blood counts, blood transfusions, and informed consent. An FAQ (frequently asked questions) section is included. We have described the preoperative period (before surgery) with these topics: donating your own blood, donating blood for a family member or friend, drugs and products that help you during surgery, procedures performed during surgery, art…
Cette brochure offre des renseignements sur les soins avant et après une chirurgie d’un jour. On y traite notamment de la nécessité d’arriver tôt, de ce qu’il faut apporter et de l'anesthésie. La brochure traite aussi de l'hygiène, des médicaments, du tabagisme, des prothèses dentaires, des lunettes, des verres de contact, des appareils auditifs, des objets de valeur et des bijoux. On y traite de ce qui se passe à la salle préopératoire, à la salle d’opération, à la salle de réveil et à la sal…
Gallstones start as small pieces and can get bigger over time. They can cause problems if they block the tubes that bile needs to travel through. This pamphlet explains what causes gallstones, symptoms of gallstones, what to do if you have a gallbladder attack, and how gallstones are diagnosed and treated. Diet tips, information about surgery and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), and the possible risks of gallstones are also provided. A list of symptoms that require immedia…
This guide is for patients that are being admitted to the Victoria General Hospital for open thoracotomy pulmonary resection surgery for lung cancer treatment. Your surgeon will make a surgical cut between two ribs. The cut will go from the front of your chest wall to your back, passing just underneath your armpit. These ribs will be separated. Your lung on this side will be deflated so that air will not move in and out of it during surgery. Your surgeon may not know how much of your lung needs…
A CADD-Solis pump is a pump that runs on a battery to deliver medications(s) that lessen the feelings of pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing. How your pump works, who will get the medication ready, how to know if your pump is working, how to take care of it, changing batteries, and dosage instructions are given. A diagram and key is provided to help you become familiar with your pump.
The Geriatric Ambulatory Care/Memory Disability Clinic sees mostly seniors (65 and over) with health problems related to frailty or dementia. Topics include: location, what to bring, what to expect, and contact info if you have questions.
This guide is for patients that are being admitted to the Victoria General Hospital for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pulmonary resection for lung cancer treatment. Your surgeon will make several small surgical cuts over your chest wall. A videoscope (a tube with a tiny camera on the end) and other small tools will be passed through these cuts.Then, your surgeon may remove part or all of your lung, drain fluid or blood that has built up, or do other procedures. One or more tubes w…
What to expect after ear surgery, how to care for yourself at home, and an explanation of the different types of ear surgery are given. This pamphlet also shows a detailed image of the ear and middle ear. A list of symptoms that need Emergency Department attention are noted.