After early pregnancy loss, you may wait for the tissue to pass on its own (expectant management), take medication called misoprostol (medical management), or be scheduled for a surgery called a dilation and curettage (D and C). This pamphlet explains what will happen with each of the 3 options. Possible complications, discharge instructions, and what to do in an emergency are listed. A list of local resources is given.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It does not use radiation or X-rays. The MRI machine takes detailed images that show tissues in your body. These images will help your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or specialist diagnose your condition. An MRI does not hurt. This pamphlet explains how long an MRI takes, how to get ready for your MRI, what to bring to your appointment, and what will…
Your nurse will check your hand and/or foot often for circulation (blood flow). They will check the colour, sensation (feeling), and movement. A list of questions to expect and information about what to do if you notice any changes in the colour, sensation, or movement of your hand and/or foot is included.
Your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) has ordered a test to check your stool (poop) for fat. You should eat 100 to 150 grams of fat each day for this test. Follow this plan for 6 days: 3 days before you collect your stool and 3 days during collection. Choose foods listed in this pamphlet. The pamphlet lists the number of grams of fat in a variety of foods and includes a sample menu. Drop-off site locations for samples are included.
This pamphlet provides information about your care before and right after your craniotomy. The word craniotomy means “opening of the skull.” Topics about preparing for surgery include: blood tests, anesthetist visit, and consent. Topics about the morning of your surgery include: hair, how the surgery is done, and tissue for testing. After surgery topics include: returning to the unit, deep breathing exercises, routine checks, nutrition, bowel and bladder care, your incision, hygiene, activity a…
This double-sided brochure gives information on what to do if you do not have access to a primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner). Contact information, including a website and a phone number, are provided.
Tiredness or fatigue is the most common symptom reported by cancer patients and survivors. It can happen at any time during or after cancer treatment. This pamphlet explains the signs and causes of fatigue, what you and your cancer care team can do to help, how to manage your energy, and when to call your doctor or nurse, or see a specialist. Helpful hints for caregivers and contact information for the Canadian Cancer Society are included.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is when fatty materials called plaque build up in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, organs, and limbs (arms and legs). Over time, the plaque can narrow your arteries. This can lower or stop blood flow. Blocked blood flow can cause leg pain, gangrene (dead body tissue), or amputation (removal) of the foot or leg. If you have PAD, you have a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke. This pamphlet explains what PAD is, how to find out if you hav…
Your doctor or nurse practitioner has decided that you need the care of a cardiologist (heart doctor). You need a test called a cardiac catheterization (dye test). This pamphlet explains what to expect when you are taken to the Halifax Infirmary (HI) to have this test done. It explains what to expect while you are waiting to be transferred, before your transfer, and when you arrive at the HI. What to expect after you are discharged is also reviewed.
This guide will help you care for your pleural catheter. Your nurse will review this information with you before you leave the hospital. This pamphlet explains what a pleural effusion is, how it is treated, draining, problems with draining, signs of infection, and what to do if you have signs of infection. Information on who to call if you have questions is included.
Dalteparin is a medication that is part of a group of drugs called blood thinners. Fragmin® is the brand name of dalteparin. During hemodialysis your blood passes through the dialysis blood lines and a dialyzer (artificial kidney), which can cause clots to form. Dalteparin stops clots from forming. This pamphlet explains how to take dalteparin, possible side effects, and symptoms that you should mention to your nurse.
This pamphlet reviews how to protect your peritoneal dialysis catheter. Information includes how to care for your incision (cut) or exit site after surgery and keeping your bowels regular. Information about when to call your VON or home care nurse is also given. The French version of this pamphlet 2098, "Prendre soin de votre cathéter de dialyse péritonéale", is also available.
La brochure porte sur la façon de protéger votre cathéter de dialyse péritonéale. On y traite des soins de l’incision (coupure) ou du point d'émergence cutané (point de sortie) après l’opération et du maintien de la régularité intestinale. On vous indique aussi quand appeler l’infirmière de l’Ordre de Victoria du Canada (VON) ou des soins à domicile. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Care of Your Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter" pamphlet 0352. This pamphlet reviews how to protect your pe…
Un dispositif hormonal intra-utérin (DIU avec lévonorgestrel) est un petit dispositif composé d’une matière plastique souple et d’une hormone appelée lévonorgestrel, qui est inséré dans l’utérus par un fournisseur de soins de santé primaires (médecin de famille ou infirmière praticienne). Il sert à prévenir les grossesses. Le dépliant explique comment fonctionne le DIU avec lévonorgestrel, quels sont ses avantages et ses inconvénients et ce qui se passe quand il est inséré dans l’utérus, de mêm…
Un dispositif intra-utérin en cuivre (DIU) est un petit dispositif composé de cuivre et d’une matière plastique souple qui est inséré dans l’utérus par un fournisseur de soins de santé primaires (médecin de famille ou infirmière praticienne). Il sert à prévenir les grossesses. Le dépliant explique comment fonctionne le DIU en cuivre, quels sont ses avantages et ses inconvénients et ce qui se passe quand il est inséré dans l’utérus, de même que le déplacement, la perte et le retrait du DIU. Le …
A laparoscopic hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb) and cervix through your vagina. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are often taken out at the same time. After surgery you will have an intravenous (IV), a catheter (tube) to drain urine from your bladder, and a dressing on your abdomen (stomach area). Topics in this pamphlet include breathing, managing pain, vaginal bleeding, incision care, blood clots and your menstrual cycle. Information on care at home and sex after surge…
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb) and cervix. Other tissue, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes and parts of the vagina, may also be removed at the same time. After surgery you will have an incision in your abdomen, an intravenous (IV), a catheter (tube) in your bladder to drain urine, if needed. You may also have packing (absorbent material) to absorb blood and fluid in your vagina. Topics in this pamphlet include breathing, managing pain, activity, food…
Une hystérectomie laparoscopique est une chirurgie qui permet d’enlever l’utérus et le col de l’utérus en passant par le vagin. Les ovaires et les trompes de Fallope sont souvent enlevés en même temps. Après la chirurgie, vous aurez une intraveineuse (IV), un cathéter (tube) pour vider la vessie de son urine et un pansement sur l’abdomen (le ventre). La présente brochure traite de la respiration, du traitement de la douleur, des saignements vaginaux, des soins des incisions, des caillots de san…
L’hystérectomie est une opération qui permet d’enlever l’utérus et le col de l’utérus. D’autres tissus comme les ovaires, les trompes de Fallope, des ganglions lymphatiques et des parties du vagin peuvent aussi être enlevés en même temps. Après l’opération, vous aurez une ou quelques incisions sur l’abdomen, une intraveineuse (IV) et un cathéter (tube) dans la vessie pour drainer l’urine, au besoin. Vous pourriez aussi avoir un tamponnement (matière absorbante) pour absorber le sang et le liqui…
Tele-Oncology is a service available to residents living outside Sydney or Halifax that connects you and your local nurse or doctor with your cancer doctor. The pamphlet describes what you need to bring to the appointment, what will happen, and common concerns.