Nova Scotia Health Authority. Emergency Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

0240

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Kidney Health Clinic. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

1991

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Diagnostic Imaging. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2018.

Pamphlet Number

0429

Available Online

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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.

IWK. Urology. Halifax, NS: IWK Health Centre , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

PL-0307

Available Online

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What to do before and after kidney surgery.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. MOTP Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

2333

Available Online

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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…

Nova Scotia Health. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0196

Available Online

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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…

IWK. Nephrology, IWK. Child Life Services, IWK. Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Unit (MSNU), IWK. Hematology / Oncology. Halifax, NS: IWK Health Centre , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

PL-0648

Available Online

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Terms used in kidney deseases.

IWK. Nephrology. Halifax, NS: IWK Health Centre , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

PL-0906

Available Online

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When the kidneys are affected by some diseases, they do not work properly and can cause illness. The blood work, urine tests, and other tests such as ultrasound and renal scan can give the doctor a lot of information, but sometimes this is not enough to make the diagnosis, and a kidney biopsy is needed. From the biopsy the doctors can learn what is causing the symptoms and if treatment is required. If treatment is required, the biopsy also allows the doctor to give some idea about how seriou…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nephrology/Dialysis Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

0739

Available Online

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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…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2271

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nutrition and Food Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1162

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2272

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Living Kidney Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

2273

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nutrition and Food Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1748

Available Online

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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.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

1514

Available Online

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Tums (calcium carbonate) is a medicine used to treat high levels of phosphorus in the body. This pamphlet explains why people with kidney disease need this medicine, how to take and store it, and a list of possible side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 2236, "Tums (carbonate de calcium) et maladies rénales," is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

1425

Available Online

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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 …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Interventional Radiology Provincial Committee. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1924

Available Online

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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…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

1495

Available Online

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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 …

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Renal Program. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2023.

Pamphlet Number

2357

Available Online

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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…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Kidney Health Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

2011

Available Online

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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.