The goal of the 3 Wishes Project is to improve the end-of-life experience for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and their loved ones. This pamphlet lists what the team helps with and provides examples of some of the wishes made by patients and their loved ones. It also describes where the program started and which organizations support the program. Contact information is provided.
This guide explains the info that you were given during your hospital stay. It will help to answer any questions you may have after discharge. Topics include anticoagulation (blood thinners), pain control, dressings and wound care, possible complications, followup, and activity.
You are going to have a 24-hour pH monitoring test. This test checks if your symptoms are related to refluxing (coming up from your stomach) or regurgitating (bringing up) acid from your stomach (belly) into your esophagus (the tube in your throat connecting your mouth and stomach to swallow food). This pamphlet explains why and how the test is done, and how the test will feel. Information about medications, eating, drinking, and activity during the 24-hour pH monitoring test is given. A diary …
An aneurysm happens when a blood vessel gets bigger than normal. When an aneurysm happens in the main artery of the abdomen, it is called an abdominal aneurysm. This pamphlet explains why an aneurysm happens, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed, why it is life-threatening, and how it is treated. The French version of this pamphlet 2079, "Anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale", is also available.
Vous et votre médecin avez parlé des raisons pour lesquelles il est nécessaire d’enlever votre œil ou le contenu du globe oculaire. Ce dépliant explique comment prendre soin de vous en toute sécurité. L’énucléation est le terme médical qui désigne le retrait ou l’ablation de l’œil. Le terme médical utilisé pour parler du retrait du contenu du globe oculaire en conservant la couche externe (coque sclérale ou sclère) est éviscération. Les deux interventions entraînent la perte permanente de l’œil…
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions (like heart attacks, heart failure), and kidney disease. This pamphlet explains how to take and store these medications. Possible side effects are listed.
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.
Adrenal insufficiency happens when your adrenal glands do not make enough hormones. Your body needs the right amount of cortisol and aldosterone hormones in order to live. Adrenal insufficiency may be permanent or temporary. Topics include: causes, symptoms, treatment, medication, why you should wear a MedicAlert, and special dosage instructions for stressful times.
This pamphlet explains what to expect after a nerve block for chronic pain. Topics include pain, activities, and medications and blood sugar levels. Symptoms that require emergency medical help are listed. The phone number for the Chronic Pain Service is included.
This medicine is used to treat discomfort, pain, and/or swelling. Local anesthetic will be injected with the corticosteroid. Tips for handling discomfort at the injection site are given. Some safety points about the use of ice and heat are also provided.
This pamphlet provides information about what to expect after having surgery to remove teeth. Pain and discomfort, controlling bleeding and swelling, what to expect with swallowing and opening your mouth wide, bruising, having a fever and feeling sick, hygiene, eating and drinking guidelines, signs of infection, stitches, sedation and anesthesia, activity, smoking, and what to do if you have a dry socket are discussed. Contact numbers for both urgent and non-urgent questions are also provided. …
What to expect after ear surgery, how to care for yourself at home, and an explanation of the different types of ear surgery are given. This pamphlet also shows a detailed image of the ear and middle ear. A list of symptoms that need Emergency Department attention are noted.
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…
After your hand surgery, you will need to learn how to care for your incision. A list of things to watch is given in case you have any problems.
This guide explains levels of limb amputation, who is on your health care team, what will happen before surgery, and what to expect after surgery.
This pamphlet provides information for patients transferring out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Different aspects of recovery from a critical illness are covered, including memory problems, sleep, depression and/or anxiety, breathing, weakness and pain, body image, and family. Ways to help with common problems while recovering from a critical illness are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2185, "Après l’unité de soins intensifs (USI) - Service des soins intensifs, QEII (USI 3A et …
This pamphlet explains what to expect if your urinary catheter (tube in your bladder) is taken out. It explains common symptoms and what to do if they do not go away or get better. It describes what you can do to help (suc has drinking fluids, measuring your urine). If you have any questions or concerns and you do not have a follow-up appointment booked at the Urology Clinic, visit your primary health care provider.
This pamphlet is a guide for at home after brain tumour (tumor) surgery. Topics include: staples or stitches, activity, driving, taking care of your incision, washing your hair, eating and drinking, alcohol, and medication. Things to watch for (emergency symptoms) are listed. The pamphlet also includes information about recovery.
This pamphlet gives information about the members of your Acute Stroke Team. It will also help you learn what to expect during your stay at the Halifax Infirmary. This pamphlet defines what a stroke is, what a stroke might look like, and what a stroke can cause. Other topics include admission to hospital, rehabilitation, getting back to normal, and your discharge plan. Space at the back of the pamphlet is given to help you write down your questions and to list the tests you have had. The French…
This pamphlet will help you learn what to expect after you have wired jaw surgery. Topics include wires and wire cutters, comfort and pain management, nausea and vomiting, eating and drinking, mouth care, smoking, what to do when you go home, and what to do in emergency situations.