This pamphlet outlines what to expect when your family member is admitted to the Intensive/Coronary Care Unit at the Dartmouth General Hospital.
A thoracentesis is a procedure where a needle is carefully inserted (put in) to take out fluid or air from the pleural space. This procedure is also called a pleural tap. The pamphlet describes why it is done, how to get ready, where it is done, what happens before and during the thoracentesis, after care, and when to seek medical help.
You and your doctor have decided that you need injections to manage your chronic (ongoing) pain. An injection is medication given using a needle. This pamphlet explains how well injections for chronic pain work, if the injections are painful, and common types of injections for chronic pain, including epidural steroids, facet joint injection, sacroiliac (SI joint) injection, and radiofrequency lesioning (RFG). The pamphlet also explains how to get ready for your injections, how an injection for …
This pamphlet explains what a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is, including common symptoms, how we test for and treat STIs, how to make an appointment, what to do if you just want to be screened for STIs, and what to expect at the Clinic.
The brain is protected by a tough outer covering called the dura. Around the dura, there are many blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. If a blood vessel (usually a vein) is torn below the dura, blood collects between the dura and the brain. This is called a subdural hematoma. This pamphlet explains the different types of subdural hematomas, causes, symptoms, possible tests, treatment, surgery, what will happen after surgery, special situations, possible complications, discharge plannin…
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. It explains why you may need eyelid surgery, medications to tell your surgeon's office you are taking before surgery, and what will happen during and after your surgery. Information on your dressing, how to use a cold compress, pain, and your follow-up appointment is included. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is also given. The French version of this pamphlet 2101, "Opération de la paupière…
This pamphlet lists signs that you may have a swallowing problem. It includes Safe Swallow Guidelines everyone should follow, tips for support persons, and oral care tips, as well as symptoms that need medical attention. The French version of this pamphlet 2175, "Lignes directrices pour s’alimenter sans danger", is also available.
Some people have problems swallowing. This means that some food or liquid may go into the airway. This is called aspiration. This pamphlet lists signs that you may have a swallowing problem, foods that can raise your risk of aspiration, and recommendations from your Swallow Team.
For many people with swallowing problems, it can be safer to drink thick liquids. This pamphlet lists the thickness level that is right for you. It also includes examples of commercial thickening products and drinks, and explains how to use a commercial thickener. Other thickening ideas and tips, and information on how much liquid you need each day is included.
This pamphlet explains how to puree foods. Topics include food safety, helpful hints, ways to add calories and protein, what to do if constipation (not being able to poop) is a problem, as well as recipes.
Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter your blood and remove waste and extra water from your blood. Topics include: what your kidneys do, what acute kidney failure is, what peritoneal dialysis is, what hemodialysis is, and how to live with kidney disease. A resource list is also given.
This pamphlet gives guidelines for drinking water safely between meals for people with swallowing problems. The French version of this pamphlet 2196, "Boire de l’eau entre les repas," is also available.
You have a tumour in your orbit (eye socket). You need surgery to remove a sample (piece) of the tumour, or to remove the whole tumour. This pamphlet explains why you need orbital surgery, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It also gives information about when you will see your eye surgeon after surgery, and lists symtoms that need medical attention right away.
During orbital decompression surgery, the eye surgeon will remove a large part of the bony wall in the orbit (eye socket). This pamphlet explains why you may need this surgery, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It also gives information about your follow-up appointment and lists medical symptoms that need attention right away.
After having surgery, you will need to change the way you eat. You may find that you feel full quickly and are only able to eat small amounts at a time. Some people experience dumping syndrome. This happens when food enters the intestine too quickly. This can cause cramping, diarrhea (loose, watery poop), and other symptoms. This pamphlet offers guidelines to help prevent or lessen dumping syndrome and stay healthy after surgery. Topics include what you should do if you are losing weight and wh…
You may need a low fat eating plan if you have trouble digesting fat. This guide can help you make low fat food choices. Lists of "Best choices" and "Foods to avoid" are given. Tips for reading food labels, cooking methods, and serving sizes are included.
These guidelines will help you stay healthy and feel more comfortable after surgery. Tips to control gas, bloating, and diarrhea are given. Good food choices after surgery are listed as well as a list of foods to stay away from for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is a test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to your heart. The test is done using a computed tomography (CT) scan machine. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for the test, and what will happen during and after the test. A map of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is included.
This pamphlet outlines what to expect during the 6-week DaRT Program. This group meets online using Zoom for Healthcare. Topics include: what number to call for help 24/7, technical requirements, intake process, treatment, medication, research, and what is expected of participants entering the program. An outline of the various groups offered within the program is listed.
This pamphlet describes how to take your blood pressure at home. Topics include: advantages of monitoring your blood pressure at home, things to consider when buying a blood pressure monitor, how to measure, ideal blood pressure numbers at home, as well as a diagram showing the right way to take your blood pressure. The French version of this pamphlet 2197, "Surveiller la tension artérielle à la maison," is also available.