Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nephrology/Dialysis Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0739

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Parathyroidectomy is a surgery that removes your parathyroid glands. Your parathyroid glands are in your neck (usually on the back of the thyroid gland). They help to control your blood calcium and phosporous levels. Hyperparathyroidism is when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. If this happens, you will need a parathyroidectomy. This pamphlet explains what a parathyroidectomy is, the possible complications with this surgery, care after surge…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Central Zone. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1220

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This pamphlet is for patients who are beginning dialysis. It explains what to expect when starting hemodialysis, common questions you may have, your hemodialysis schedule, and your hemodialysis health care team. Information about Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Patient Relations, and Ethics is included. The pamphlet also includes a list of resources and words you may hear during your treatment. A blank Hemodialysis Care Plan, Hemodialysis Tracking Sheet, and Hemodialysis checklist are also…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Kidney Transplant Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1805

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This pamphlet lists medications you should not take if you get very sick with diarrhea (loose, watery poop), or you are vomiting (throwing up). These medications keep your blood pressure down, and protect your kidneys and heart. They can also harm you if you do not have enough fluids in your body. Diarrhea and vomiting can make you dehydrated (not have enough fluids in your body). Information about what to do if you have not taken your medication(s) for more than 1 day (24 hours) and/or cannot …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1425

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The liver is an organ in your body that helps to break down and digest the food you eat, cleans your blood, and fights infection. Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. “Hepatitis” means swelling of the liver. Hepatitis B can cause serious liver problems, including liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer. People with kidney disease who may need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the future, have a higher chance of getting Hepatitis B. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. MOTP Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

2333

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There are never enough kidneys donated to do transplants for all the people who need them. Some people wait years for the right kidney to be donated. If you are interested in becoming a living kidney donor, this pamphlet will answer some common questions. Topics include: the benefits of a kidney transplant from a living donor, who can donate, deciding to donate, and how to get started if you want to donate a kidney. Information about the donation process, including evaluation, surgery, recovery…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

2357

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People with kidney disease often take many medications. These medications can help with your kidney disease and other medical conditions (like high blood pressure [hypertension] or diabetes). It is important to take your medications regularly and as told by your health care provider. This pamphlet explains what you need to know about your medications and non-prescription medications, how you can make sure your medications are OK for your level of kidney function, and what will happen if a medic…

Nova Scotia Health. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0196

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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…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Pharmacy Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Vascular Access Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1444

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Kidney Transplant Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1510

Available Online

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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 …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0397

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1032

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1093

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0651

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Physiotherapy. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1299

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1889

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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…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1890

Available Online

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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…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2272

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2271

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2273

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2283

Available Online

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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.