This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems. This pamphlet explains what a lumbar puncture is, how long it takes, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that require medical attention 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.
Many people look for health information online. Using Google may give you lots of information, but it may not be the best information. The quality of information online varies. This pamphlet includes questions to ask about health-related websites, things to think about, and good starting points for online health information. The internet can be helpful, but it should never replace talking to your health care providers. They are the experts.
An endoscopic ultrasound is a test to look at your upper digestive tract, pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts, mediastinum (structures in the middle of your chest), and possibly your rectum. This pamphlet covers how to get ready for the test, where to go for the test, how the test is done, and what happens after. A list of precautions for the first 24 hours are provided as well as a list of risks associated with the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1793, "Endoéchographie", is also avail…
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.
The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is a 5-session group education program that teaches self-management strategies for living with chronic pain. Topics include: benefits, who the program is for, goals, what you will learn, how the program will help, where and when it is held, and how to sign up.
It is important to ask any questions you have when you meet with your health care team or any hospital staff. This guide includes some common questions about having surgery. Question topics include: understanding your surgery, getting ready for your surgery, what to expect during and right after your surgery, and what to expect as you recover. Write down your questions, and bring a pen or pencil to make notes when you meet with your surgeon. The French version of this pamphlet 1677, "Questions …
This pamphlet explains how Nova Scotia Health protects your privacy and confidentiality. Information on how Nova Scotia Health uses your personal health information, what personal health information the Personal Health Information Act does and does not protect, and your rights under the Act is included. The French version of this pamphlet 1758, "La confidentialité de vos renseignements médicaux à la Régie de la santé de la Nouvelle-Écosse", is also available.
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.
You have been given this pamphlet because you or your loved one may need a blood transfusion. The health care team will explain the benefits and risks of a transfusion and what is involved. This pamphlet explains what a blood transfusion is, why you or your loved one may need a transfusion, what blood components and products are, where the blood comes from, informed consent, benefits, risks, and other options, and what will happen during and after the transfusion. Symptoms that need medical att…
You (or your loved one) had a blood transfusion. It is possible you may have a reaction. This is rare. Reactions are usually mild. They can happen after any blood transfusion, even if you have never had a reaction before. This pamphlet lists symptoms to watch for and tell your health care team about, as well as symptoms that need medical attention right away. This pamphlet is also available as IWK Health Centre Patient Learning number: PL-1031. The French version of this pamphlet 1812, "Instruc…
A sealant is a clear or coloured plastic that a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant puts on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars). This is where most decay happens. This pamphlet explains what causes cavities, what a sealant is, how sealants help, the best time to get them, how long they last, and whether MSI (provincial health care) pays for them. Contact information for the MSI Children's Oral Health Program is included. The French version of this pamphlet 1880, "Protége…
An exercise ECG/EKG (electrocardiogram) stress test measures your heart’s reaction to activity. It is sometimes called an exercise test or a treadmill test. This pamphlet explains why and how an exercise ECG/EKG stress test is done, how to get ready for the test, how long the test takes, and when you will get the results. A list of symptoms to tell your technologist and/or doctor about is included. The French version of this pamphlet 2095, "ECG à l’effort", is also available.
Memory has many parts. It includes taking in, storing, and recalling information. After an acquired brain injury (ABI), you may have changes in your memory. This is common. This pamphlet explains how memory changes might affect you, and tips for managing your memory. A resources section is included.
This pamphlet gives information about staying active. Topics include guidelines, intensity, and benefits. Suggestions for local exercise activities in the Barrington and Shelburne areas 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 pamphlet tells you what to expect if you are going to have a baby by elective (by choice) cesarean birth (sometimes called “cesarean delivery”, “caesarean delivery”, “cesarean section”, “caesarean section”, “c-section”, “abdominal delivery” or “CS”). Why you may choose a c-section, important information before your surgery, as well as types of anesthesia and what to expect after your baby is born, is listed. A list of symptoms to watch for after you go home is provided.
IVIG is a collection of antibodies. Antibodies help your body fight infection. IVIG comes from the plasma (part of the blood) of thousands of different donors. IVIG is available under many brand names (like Gamunex®, IGIVnex®, Gammagard Liquid®, and others). This pamphlet explains how IVIG is given, benefits, and possible side effects.
An EMG is a test that uses electricity to check how your nerves and muscles are working. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for an EMG, how an EMG is done, how long it will take, and when you will get the results.
This pamphlet gives information about your gynecologic oncology surgery. Topics include your pre-admission appointment, getting ready for surgery, the day of your surgery, exercises, family supports, and care after your surgery. Information about your discharge from the hospital and care at home is also provided. Please bring this passport with you to your pre-admission appointment and on the day of your surgery.