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…
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.
Our bodies need fluid to work properly. The kidneys, liver, and heart work to keep fluids in balance. Sometimes, fluid builds up in our bodies. You may not notice when this happens. When the kidneys are not working properly, fluid intake must be limited to keep fluid from building up in your body. Signs that you are taking too much fluid are listed. Tips for managing fluid intake through your diet are provided.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dalteparin is a medication that is part of a group of drugs called blood thinners. Fragmin® is the brand name of dalteparin. During hemodialysis your blood passes through the dialysis blood lines and a dialyzer (artificial kidney), which can cause clots to form. Dalteparin stops clots from forming. This pamphlet explains how to take dalteparin, possible side effects, and symptoms that you should mention to your nurse.
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…
This pamphlet reviews how to protect your peritoneal dialysis catheter. Information includes how to care for your incision (cut) or exit site after surgery and keeping your bowels regular. Information about when to call your VON or home care nurse is also given. The French version of this pamphlet 2098, "Prendre soin de votre cathéter de dialyse péritonéale", is also available.
La brochure porte sur la façon de protéger votre cathéter de dialyse péritonéale. On y traite des soins de l’incision (coupure) ou du point d'émergence cutané (point de sortie) après l’opération et du maintien de la régularité intestinale. On vous indique aussi quand appeler l’infirmière de l’Ordre de Victoria du Canada (VON) ou des soins à domicile. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Care of Your Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter" pamphlet 0352. This pamphlet reviews how to protect your pe…
One of the ways that your body protects itself from infection is by destroying cells it does not recognize as its own. When your body does not recognize a cell, it produces an antibody. Antibodies destroy infections and transplanted tissues (like in a kidney transplant). A highly sensitized patient has a high percentage of antibodies. These antibodies make them more likely to reject an organ after transplant. This pamphlet explains how to know if you are sensitized, what the Highly Sensitized P…
Le médicament Tums (carbonate de calcium) permet de réguler le niveau de phosphore dans le corps. Ce dépliant explique pourquoi les personnes ayant des maladies rénales doivent prendre ce médicament, comment le prendre et le conserver, ainsi que ses effets secondaires possibles. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of the English pamphlet 1514, "Tums (Calcium Carbonate) and Kidney Disease". Tums (calcium carbonate) is a medicine used to treat high levels of phosphorus in the body. This pamph…