The Kidney Health Clinic is for patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). CKD means having kidney damage or a lower level of kidney function for 3 months or more. The goal of the Kidney Clinic is to stop or slow down the progression of kidney disease. This pamphlet lists the team members you will meet at the clinic and what to expect when you come to the clinic. Contact information is also provided.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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…
Good nutrition is important for people with kidney disease. The 4 things you need to watch for are: protein, phosphorus, sodium (salt), and potassium. This guide gives sample meal plans, lists of foods to avoid, and recipes. A food label is given to show you what to watch for when choosing foods.
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.
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.
An ultrasound guided percutaneous kidney biopsy is done to remove at least 3 tiny pieces of tissue from your kidney using a thin needle. The tissue will be sent to the lab, where it will be looked at under a microscope. Who will do the biopsy, possible complications, and how long you can expect to be at the hospital is listed. How to get ready, and what happens during and after the biopsy is covered. Follow-up care, and symptoms requiring a visit to your doctor are outlined. A list of medicatio…
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 …
This pamphlet provides tips on preventing and managing constipation in chronic kidney disease. This pamphlet is not for dialysis patients. Information includes best choices for high-fibre foods, recommended fibre supplements, and stool softeners and laxatives. The Bristol Stool Chart is also included.
Phosphorus is a mineral found in your body. When your kidneys are working well, they keep your phosphorus at a healthy level. Sometimes after a kidney transplant your phosphorus level can be low. A good way to increase your phosphorus level is by eating foods high in phosphorus. This pamphlet lists foods that are high in phosphorus.
Nutrition is an important way to manage your health, especially when it comes to chronic kidney disease. By eating or avoiding certain foods, you may help to keep your kidneys working for as long as possible. The most important nutrients that can affect your kidneys are protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. This pamphlet gives information about these nutrients, as well as recipes to help people with chronic kidney disease manage their health.
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 …
The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus found in people of all ages. People who have had a kidney transplant and are taking immunosuppressive medications are at risk. The pamphlet outlines the symptoms, how the virus is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
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 …
If your body is not getting enough oxygen due to lack of iron, you may feel tired or short of breath. This is called iron deficiency anemia. Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), or who are on dialysis, have anemia because their red blood cells are low. The body needs iron to help make new red blood cells. Getting iron injections can help make sure that you have enough iron in your body to make the oxygen-carrying part (hemoglobin) of your red blood cells. This pamphlet explains how …
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…