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.
A gastroscopy is an exam of the esophagus (throat), stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). We have described getting ready for the test, how it is done, care after the test, and possible complications. If sedation is given, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1504, "Gastroscopie", is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet, 1477, is also available.
An ERCP is an examination of the common bile duct, gallbladder, and the duct of the pancreas. The doctor will do this test with a flexible tube with a light at the tip. We have described getting ready for the test, how it is done, care after the test, and possible complications. As you will be given sedation, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1503, "CPRE (Cholangiopancréatographie rétrograde endoscopique)", is also available. The…
Sterotactic surgery is used to diagnose or treat several types of brain-related conditions, such as movement disorders, pain syndromes, and brain tumours/tumors. A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken. A pathologist (a doctor who diagnoses changes in body tissues or fluids) will look at the tissue sample and make a diagnosis. What to expect before, during, and after surgery are stated.
Some specific instructions for how to take care of fibreglass and plaster casts are described. Instructions for caring for all other types of casts are also provided. How to keep your cast dry and what to do if you have any problems are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1108, "Comment prendre soin de votre plâtre," is also available.
This booklet describes the symptoms, causes, management, and treatments of heart failure. The main focus of the booklet is on managing symptoms. Information is provided on eating less salt, drinking less fluid, and a variety of medicines and exercise. Lists of community resources and symptoms that need immediate medical attention are listed.
Pulses are beans, dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas. They are a good source of minerals, vitamins, fibre and protein. Pulses are easy on the budget and easy to prepare. This pamphlet includes several recipes using pulses, as well as tips on reducing gas caused by eating pulses. A list of websites is provided for more information and recipes. The French version of this pamphlet 2081, "Légumineuses faciles d’emploi : préparer des lentilles, des haricots et des pois secs", is also available.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test of part of the lower bowel (also known as the lower large intestine or the sigmoid). The doctor uses a special tube (endoscope) with a small light and camera on the end that bends to look at the inside of your lower bowel and rectum. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is doen, and care after the test. Possible complications and symptoms requiring immediate medical attention after the test are noted. If sedation is given, you must …
A colonoscopy is an exam of the large bowel (also known as the large intestine or colon). The doctor uses a special tube (endoscope) with a small light and camera on the end that bends to look for any changes on the inside of your large bowel. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, what polyps are, care after the test, and possible complications. If you are given sedation, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of th…
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…
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are lumps of crystals which usually form in the kidneys from material in urine (pee). This pamphlet describes your care if you are a patient who visits an Emergency Department (ED) with a kidney stone. Care instructions are given and a list of the symptoms that need medical attention are outlined.
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.
After your hand surgery, you will need to learn how to care for your suture lines (with a dressing, without a dressing, and with Steri-Strips™). Please check with your health care provider about suture removal. Contact information for Dr. Morris is given in case you have problems and/or complications.
This pamphlet will help you with your drain care at home. Most dressings and surgical drains can be handled by you or with the help of a family member or friend. The pamphlet defines T-tube, J. Pratt and Hemovac drains. Directions are given on how to empty these drains. Symptoms that require medical attention are listed. Chart are provided to record the amount of fluid.
A bone scan is done in the Nuclear Medicine Department. A very small, safe amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is given. The dosage of the radioactive material is so small that it will not harm you. A gamma camera is used to take pictures. Getting ready for the test (what to wear and bring) is outlined. The steps of the test are provided. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call immediately so that another patient can be booked. The French version of this pamphlet 1956,…
A lung scan is done in the Nuclear Medicine Department. A radioactive material (radioisotope) is given. The dosage of the radioisotope is so low that it will not be harmful to you. A gamma camera is used to take pictures of your lungs. The pamphlet explains how to get ready for the test, what to wear and bring, how the test is done, and how long it takes. The French version of this pamphlet 1957, "Scintigraphie pulmonaire", is also available.
An indium white blood cell scan is done in the Nuclear Medicine Department. It is a 2-day test. This pamphlet explains the procedure for the scan, getting ready, what to wear and bring, and how the test is done. The French version of this pamphlet 1958, "Scintigraphie aux globules blancs marqués à l’indium", is also available.
A kidney scan is done in the Nuclear Medicine Department. A radioactive material (radioisotope) is given. The dosage of the radioisotope is so low that it will not be harmful to you. A gamma camera is used to take pictures of your kidneys. The pamphlets explains how to get ready for the test, what to wear and bring, and how the test is done. The French version of this pamphlet 1959, "Scintigraphie rénale", is also available.
This pamphlet provides information about your care before and after a day surgery procedure. Topics about preparing include: arriving early, what to bring, and the anesthetic. The pamphlet also describes what to do about hygiene, medications, smoking, dentures, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, valuables, and jewelry. What will happen in the pre-operative room, operating room, recovery area, post-recovery area, and when you go home are described. The French version of this pamphlet 1537, "…
The Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians (SDHHNS) is a non-profit organization which is committed to providing services to meet the needs of Deaf, hard of hearing, and late-deafened people with dignity, integrity and respect. Interpreters may be hired through SDHHNS who are graduates of a recognized interpreter training program and members of a professional association. Contact numbers to arrange for interpreter services in Halifax and Sydney are provided.