This guide is to inform the reader about the services offered by the CF Program and how to access them. The first part of the guide identifies the members of the health care team and their roles. Common tests are explained. Other topics covered in the pamphlet are: medications, maintaining equipment, respiratory equipment and supplies, home intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization. Your role, keeping yourself updated, and the importance of research in battling CF is explained. Symptoms that …
Antibodies are proteins in your blood that protect you from disease.This pamphlet explains why our immune system make antibodies, how they are tested for, and what to expect if you have them before surgery.
During breast reduction surgery, a plastic surgeon will remove breast tissue. This will reshape the breasts and make them smaller. This pamphlet explains why breast reduction surgery is done, whether this surgery will help with your pain, things to consider before having this surgery, and whether breast reduction surgery is covered by the provincial health care program (MSI). Information is also given on what will happen during your first visit with the plastic surgeon, how breast reduction sur…
This pamphlet is a teaching tool for patients. It outlines the steps involved for moisturizing healed and grafted skin after a burn injury. These include what types of lotions to use, how often, and how to apply them.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is caused by an impact or forceful motion of your head or body that causes your brain to move inside your skull. This movement can injure your brain. Topics include: how long symptoms last, symptoms to watch for, what to expect the first few weeks, what can help with symptoms, an in-depth list of common symptoms and how to deal with them, an FAQ section, and things to remember. Information on concussion education sessions is provided.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea (the clear, front part of your eye). Corneal ulcers are usually caused by an infection. They can also be caused by dry eye or other eye diseases. Corneal ulcers are diagnosed with an eye exam. Your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) may take swabs from your eye. This will help them decide which medication will work best if you have an infection. This pamphlet explains how a corneal ulcer is treated, and gives information on pain and follow-up. A list of …
Diabetic retinopathy happens when changes take place in the blood vessels near the retina, causing leaks or bleeding. Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula (very small centre area of your retina, which gives you the central vision needed to do things like reading, watching TV, and seeing faces) that may be caused by diabetes, happen after eye surgery, or happen for no known reason (idiopathic). The pamphlet describes these disorders, their treatment, and how to control them. The Fr…
La rétinopathie diabétique est causée par des changements au niveau des vaisseaux sanguins de la rétine qui entraînent une fuite ou un saignement. L’œdème maculaire diabétique est un gonflement de la zone maculaire qui peut être causé par le diabète, se produire après une chirurgie de l’œil ou pour une raison inconnue. Le présent dépliant décrit ces troubles, leur traitement et la façon de les gérer. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Diabetes and the Eye" pamphlet 0459. Diabetic retin…
This pamphlet provides instructions on what dialysis patients should do if an emergency prevents them from starting or finishing their dialysis treatment at home or attending an appointment for dialysis. It explains what precautions to take, who to contact in an emergency, and what medications to take, and provides answers to common questions. The French version of this pamphlet 1901, "Patients recevant de la dialyse : se préparer en cas d’urgence", is also available.
Your early warning score (EWS) is a guide used by your health care team. It helps them to quickly find out how sick you are and if there are changes to your condition. To find your EWS, your health care team will take your vital signs. This pamphlet explains how your health care team uses your EWS.
Family-based treatment (FBT) is an outpatient treatment for eating disorders (like anorexia nervosa [AN] and bulimia nervosa) in children and adolescents (teenagers). FBT focuses on supporting parents and/or guardians in stopping their child or adolescent’s disordered eating and helping them eat in a more healthy way. This pamphlet explains what causes eating disorders, how parents and other family members can help, who will be on your child or adolescent’s treatment team, and how FBT works. A …
Fatigue (feeling very tired) is common after an ABI. You may feel fatigued by physical activity, cognitive (thinking) tasks, or just everyday activities. If you have problems with mood, speech, concentration, memory, vision, balance, or coordination, fatigue can make them worse. This pamphlet explains what causes fatigue after an ABI, different ways you may experience fatigue, things that can make fatigue worse, and tips for coping wiht fatigue. A list of resources is also provided.
Il n’y a pas de « bonne » façon de se sentir après une fausse couche. Certaines femmes s’en remettent rapidement, tandis que d’autres prennent du temps à récupérer. Certaines réagissent bien sur le coup, mais ont de la peine plus tard. Vous n’êtes pas la seule à vivre cette terrible expérience. Environ une grossesse sur quatre se termine en fausse couche, et nous ne savons pas toujours pourquoi. Ce n’est pas ce que vous avez fait ou n’avez pas fait qui a causé votre fausse couche. Ce dépliant r…
Gradient compression stockings help return blood to your heart by compressing (squeezing) your leg muscles. This gently squeezes your veins and helps to push your blood in the right direction. This pamphlet explains why you need a prescription to get gradient compression stockings, when to put on your compression stocking(s) each day, how to take care of your stocking(s), and when to replace them. Other things you can do to help your condition are listed.
A highly sensitized patient has a high amount of antibodies. This makes them more likely to reject an organ after transplant. This pamphlet explains how to know if you are highly sensitized, and how the Highly Sensitized Patient Program works.
Hip protectors are plastic shields or foam pads used to protect the hip area. Why hip protectors are needed as well as how to use them are reviewed. A size measurement chart is included. Ask your occupational therapist or physiotherapist if hip protectors are right for you.
This pamphlet gives information on common issues, like sleep troubles and intrusive thoughts (strange thoughts or mental images that seem to pop into your head and cause stress), anxiety and mood disorders, and postpartum psychosis (rare). Topics include what to do if you had a mental disorder before you became pregnant, what Baby Blues are and how to get ready for them, and what to do if you still feel overwhelmed, irritable, stressed, or sad after 2 to 4 weeks. Information on how to get help …
When a person has an eating disorder, they have trouble choosing foods that will help them live a good life. An eating disorder needs to be treated as soon as possible. Not having enough nutrition can cause serious medical problems. Parents play an important role in their child or adolescent’s (teen’s) recovery. This pamphlet explains how parents can help their child or adolescent during meals.
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…
Sometimes a patient is not able to make decisions about their own health care. This may be because they are very sick or have been seriously injured. When this happens, another person is asked to make health care decisions for them. This person is called a substitute decision-maker. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you are asked to act as a substitute-decision-maker. A list of definitions is also provided. ; The French version of this pamphlet 2359, "Prendre des décisions concernant l…