Azathioprine is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a condition that can be caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). It happens when your kidneys cannot filter out waste products the right way. This leads to too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. Cinacalcet (sin-a-KAL-cet) is a medication that lowers the amount of parathyroid hormone in your blood. This will help to balance the amount of calcium and phosphorous in your blood. Sensipar® is the brand name for cinacalcet. This pamphlet explains how to take cinac…
This handout provides a 7 day meal plan for persons managing their own Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD). This diet is also appropriate for someone with diabetes.
Cyclophosphamide is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Cyclosporine is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
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.
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.
Kidney stones are hard pieces of salt. They build up over time and can be as small as a grain of sand, up to 3 cm or more across. When the stones get too big to leave the body on their own, they can block the flow of urine (pee). This may cause sudden, severe (very bad) pain. This pamphlet describes your care if you are going to receive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to target your kidney stones. Care instructions are given and a list of the symptoms that need medical attention ar…
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.
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 …
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.
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.
This pamphlet is for patients who are beginning dialysis. It explains what to expect when starting hemodialysis, common questions you may have, your hemodialysis schedule, and your hemodialysis health care team. Information about Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Patient Relations, and Ethics is included. The pamphlet also includes a list of resources and words you may hear during your treatment. A blank Hemodialysis Care Plan, Hemodialysis Tracking Sheet, and Hemodialysis checklist are also…
This pamphlet explains what causes kidney stones, symptoms, what to expect while you are in the Emergency Department, and follow-up.
Lanthanum (LAN-tha-num) is a medication used to lower the amount of phosphorus (a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth) in your blood. Lanthanum binds (attaches) to the phosphorus in the foods you eat and stops your body from taking it in. A person with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less able to remove phosphorus from their body. When there is too much phosphorus in your blood, it pushes calcium out of your bones. This makes your bones weaker. Hemodialysis can remove some of the extra …
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.
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…
This pamphlet gives information on how to heal and stay healthy after your kidney donation surgery. Topics include incision (cut) care, activity, feelings after surgery, medications, Post Donation Program, and symptoms that require a trip to the Emergency Department.
Our bodies need fluid to work properly. The kidneys, liver, and heart work to keep fluids in balance. Sometimes, fluid builds up in our bodies. With some medical conditions, you may need to limit your fluid intake. This pamphlet lists signs that fluid may be building up in your body and tips for managing your fluid intake.
This pamphlet explains how to maintain an ideal balance of fluid in your body when managing chronic kidney disease.