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.
During this special X-ray test, a colourless dye is injected into your blood vessels so that they can be seen on X-ray. An angiogram can be used to X-ray blood vessels in various parts of the body. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.
Telemetry is a way of recording your heart’s rate and rhythm. A transmitter is used to send this information to a monitor at the nurses’ station. The recording happens while you are awake as well as while you are asleep. This pamphlet answers questions such as why telemetry is done, where and how it is done, and what to do if you have any problems. The French version of this pamphlet 1893, "Télésurveillance", is also available.
Non-invasive tests described in this pamphlet include: Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) blood flow test, treadmill exercise test, arterial duplex test, carotid duplex evaluation, venous duplex ultrasound, and blood flow evaluation of fingers and/or toes.
This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems. This pamphlet explains what a lumbar puncture is, how long it takes, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that require medical attention is included.
This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what a pacemaker is, how the procedure is done, what will happen after your procedure, and your care at home. The French version of this pamphlet 1944, "Vivre avec un stimulateur cardiaque (pacemaker)", is also available.
Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…
A gastroscopy is a test of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This pamphlet describes possible risks, getting ready for the test, how it is done, and care 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 a test to look at your common bile duct, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. This pamphlet describes risks, getting ready for the test, how it is done, and care after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1503, "CPRE (Cholangiopancréatographie rétrograde endoscopique)", is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet, 1476, is also available.
A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken from your body for testing. A stereotactic biopsy helps to diagnose and/or treat brain conditions (like movement disorders, pain syndromes, and tumours). This pamphlet explains how the biopsy is taken and what will happen during your surgery.
This pamphlet answers common questions about care at home after surgery. Topics include: how you will feel, activities, what to eat, managing pain, dressing(s) care, driving, etc. Specific instructions are given for patients with sleep apnea, and patients who use CPAP machines. The pamphlet includes a list of symptoms that need medical attention right away.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are images made by a computer and X-ray machine. CT scans give more detailed pictures of bones and soft tissue organs than regular X-rays. These images will help your doctor recommend the best treatment for you. Topics include: how you get ready for the scan, what happens during the scan, questions about breastfeeding after the scan, side effects, how long it will take, when to expect results, and where to send your feedback. A list of hospital contact info is pro…
Cardioversion is used to treat heart rhythm problems. During a cardioversion, an electrical shock is given to your heart. This pamphlet explains getting ready for the procedure, how the procedure is done, and recovery. The French version of this pamphlet 1726, "Avant et après une cardioversion", is also available.
Laser treatment uses a strong beam of light (laser) that can be focused to treat certain diseases of the retina. The 3 most common diseases treated with a laser are – retinal holes or tears, diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), and other problems with retinal blood vessels. The pamphlet describes getting ready for a laser treatment, what will happen during treatment, and care after.
The abdomen is the area from the bottom of your rib cage to your pelvic (hip) bones. Abdominal pain can be caused by many things, including: indigestion, constipation (not being able to poop), gas, infection (either bacterial or viral), food poisoning, ulcers, appendicitis, gallbladder or liver disease, kidney stones, bladder infections, menstrual pain, and muscle spasms (muscle movements you cannot control). Most abdominal pain goes away without treatment. This pamphlet gives instructions for …
This pamphlet explains how to get ready for eye surgery. Topics include where to go, cancelling your surgery, and getting ready (what you can eat and drink, medications, and what to do if you have diabetes). Information about scents, valuables, and what to bring to the hospital is included. What to expect if you are having a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic is given. A map of the QE II Health Sciences Centre is included. The French version of this pamphlet 2014, "Préparation en vue d’un…
If the pressure inside your eye stays too high after using drops and/or laser treatments, you will need surgery to treat your glaucoma. You may have a trabeculectomy or a shunt procedure. This pamphlet explains what a trabeculectomy and a shunt procedure are, and what will happen after the surgery. Instructions for your care at home are provided, including discomfort, wearing an eye shield, using eye drops, and activity. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provided. T…
During an endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), your surgeon will put an endovascular stent graft in your aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. This pamphlet explains what an aneurysm is and how it is treated. EVAR is an alternative to open abdominal surgery. The pamphlet outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and possible complications of EVAR compared to open surgery. What will happen before, during, and after surgery is explained. A list of symptoms that requir…
This pamphlet explains what a gallbladder and gallstones are, why you need gallbladder surgery, and what will happen during and after surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 2192, "Chirurgie de la vésicule biliaire par laparoscopie", is also available.
Good nutrition is very important. It will help you feel better and stay strong. Choosing high energy, high protein foods will help you get the nutrition you need to increase your energy levels, gain or maintain weight, heal, fight or prevent infections, and recover quicker from surgery or illness. This pamphlet gives tips to help you eat better and information about protein, energy, and nutritional supplements. Recipes and a high energy, high protein sample menu are included.