Having a kidney transplant is a treatment for kidney failure. Kidney failure is also known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A healthy kidney from one person (the donor) is placed (transplanted) into another person (the recipient). Treatment is usually very successful. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you have a kidney transplant. Topics include getting on the kidney transplant wait list, what to do while you wait for a kidney transplant, what to expect when you get called for a kidney…
This pamphlet gives directions for dialysis patients on warfarin who are having an interventional radiology procedure. The pamphlet explains what an interventional radiology procedure is. Space is provided to write the name and date of your procedure, as well as instructions to follow before and after your procedure. Instructions about what to do if you notice any bleeding or bruising in the area of your body where the procedure was done are included.
BK virus is a part of the polyoma virus family. About 80% of people carry the virus. People usually get this virus as children. It can stay inactive in your body without causing harm for many years. It can become active if you are immunocompromised (your immune system is weak). People who have had a kidney transplant and are taking immunosuppressive medications (medications that suppress [lower] your immune system) are at risk of infection from the virus. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of …
A fistuloplasty is a non-surgical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels in your fistula. The blood vessel is stretched with a special balloon. The pamphlet outlines who will do your procedure, where it is done, how long you will be at the hospital, how to get ready, and how the procedure is done. What happens after, risks, and a list of symptoms to watch for are provided.
A tunneled hemodialysis catheter is a special tube made of plastic. It is used for hemodialysis treatment. This pamphlet explains the procedure for having a tunneled hemodialysis catheter inserted. Topics include: why the catheter is used, how long it will be in place, where the procedure is done, how long you will be at the hospital, how to get ready, and how the catheter is inserted. Instructions for after your procedure and care at home are provided.
A non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter is a special tube made of plastic. It is used for hemodialyis treatment. This pamphlet explains the procedure for having a non-tunneled hemodialysis cathether inserted. Topics include: why the catheter is used, how long it can stay in place, how it is inserted, what will happen after the procedure, and how to care for your catheter at home. The pamphlet also explains what to do if the catheter falls out.
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula gives access to your bloodstream for hemodialysis. It is made by joining an artery and a vein during surgery. This pamphlet explains when your fistula will be ready to use, what to expect after your surgery, how to care for your incision (cut), and how to exercise your fistula arm before and after surgery. It also includes information about what to do if you have bleeding at your fistula site, and a list of symptoms that need medical attention right away.
It is very important to stay active while you wait for your liver transplant. People who are in better physical condition before their surgery are more likely to get better faster and have fewer complications. This pamphlet explains why activity is so important and provides an exercise program which includes strengthening and cardio exercises. The French version of this pamphlet 1839, "Programme de physiothérapie avant une transplantation du foie", is also available.
Prevnar® 13 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by the 13 most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Infections commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae include pneumonia (an infection in the lungs, also called a chest infection), meningitis (an infection of the lining around the brain), bacteremia (an infection of the blood and organs), sinusitis (a sinus infection), and otitis media (a middle ear infection). This pamphlet explains what Prevnar® 13 is, what Str…
Pneumovax® 23 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by the 23 most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Infections commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae include pneumonia (an infection in the lungs, also called a chest infection), meningitis (an infection of the lining around the brain), bacteremia (an infection of the blood and organs), sinusitis (a sinus infection), and otitis media (a middle ear infection). This pamphlet explains what Pneumovax® 23 is, what…
The decision to write your anonymous (unknown) living kidney donor to thank them for their donation is a personal choice. The decision is yours. You do not have to write to them if you do not want to. If you would like to write to your donor, this pamphlet will give information to guide you. The pamphlet explains when you should write, what you should say, where to send your card or letter, and if you will hear back from your kidney donor. Information about Direct Contact is included.
It can be hard to reach out to possible living donors. You may feel many emotions. This is normal. This pamphlet expalins the benefits of a kidney transplant from a living donor, how to find a living donor, who you should ask to be a donor, and what will happen when a person says they may be interested in being your living kidney donor. Contact information for Atlantic Canada Living Kidney Donation Programs is provided. Resources are included.
The decision to write your anonymous (unknown) kidney transplant recipient is a personal choice. The decision is yours. You do not have to write to them if you do not want to. If you would like to write to your transplant recipient, this pamphlet will give information to guide you. The pamphlet explains when you should write, what you should say, where to send your card or letter, and if you will hear back from your transplant recipient. Information about Direct Contact is included.
A fistulogram is a special X-ray. A colourless contrast (X-ray dye) will be injected into your blood vessels using an IV (intravenous line). This dye will help your health care tream see your dialysis access (fistula). The test will take about 15 to 30 minutes. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the X-ray, how the test is done, and care after. Risks and a list of symptoms to watch for are provided.
A fistuloplasty is a non-surgical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessel in your fistula. The blood vessel is stretched with a special balloon. The pamphlet outlines who will do your procedure, where it is done, how long you will be at the hospital, how to get ready, and how the procedure is done. What happens after, risks, and a list of symptoms to watch for are provided.
Phosphorus is a mineral found in your body. When your kidneys are working well, they keep your phosphorus at a healthy level. Sometimes after a kidney transplant your phosphorus level can be low. A good way to increase your phosphorus level is by eating foods high in phosphorus. This pamphlet lists foods that are high in phosphorus.
Velphoro® is a medication used to treat high levels of phosphorous in the blood. Phosphorous is a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth. Velphoro® binds (attaches) to phosphorous from the foods you eat and stops your body from taking it in. This pamphlet explains why someone with with chronic kidney disease (CKD) needs to take this medication, how to take and store it, and possible side effects.
A fistulogram is a special X-ray. A colourless contrast (X-ray dye) will be injected into your blood vessels using an IV (intravenous line). This dye will help your health care tream see your dialysis access (fistula). The test will take about 15 to 30 minutes. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the X-ray, how the test is done, and care after. Risks and a list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention are given.
Staff in the Home Dialysis Unit at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) teach patients how to do dialysis treatments at home. This pamphlet gives information about where to stay if you live more than 40 km (25 miles) from Halifax, the dialysis training process, supplies, and follow-up. Different types of dialysis are explained.
People with kidney disease have a higher chance of having high potassium levels. High potassium levels may lead to an irregular heartbeat or cause problems with muscles and nerves. Kayexalate® is a drug that treats high potassium levels. This pamphlet explains how to take Kayexlate®, side effects, and how to store this medication.