Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that causes the air sacs in the lungs to get inflamed. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of pneumonia, who is at risk, and how pneumonia is diagnosed and treated. Tips to help you recover quickly and prevent pneumonia are included. Symptoms that need further medical attention are listed. The French translation of this pamphlet 2061, "Pneumonie" is also available.
This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. A small amount of fluid is taken out from the space around your spinal cord that is fluid-filled. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems.This pamphlet explains how the test is done, how long it takes and follow-up care.
A pacemaker is used to prevent the heart from beating too slowly. It can also be used to increase your heart rate to suit your activity. A pacemaker battery will usually last 7-10 years. When the battery runs low, you will need a new device. Precautions that need to be followed at home are outlined. The best actions to take for certain complications are given. The French version of this pamphlet 1944, "Vivre avec un stimulateur cardiaque (pacemaker)", is also available.
A gastroscopy is an exam of the esophagus (throat), stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). We have described getting ready for the test, how it is done, care after the test, and possible complications. If sedation is given, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1504, "Gastroscopie", is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet, 1477, is also available.
An ERCP is an examination of the common bile duct, gallbladder, and the duct of the pancreas. The doctor will do this test with a flexible tube with a light at the tip. We have described getting ready for the test, how it is done, care after the test, and possible complications. As you will be given sedation, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1503, "CPRE (CholangiopancrĂ©atographie rĂ©trograde endoscopique)", is also available. The…
Sterotactic surgery is used to diagnose or treat several types of brain-related conditions, such as movement disorders, pain syndromes, and brain tumours/tumors. A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken. A pathologist (a doctor who diagnoses changes in body tissues or fluids) will look at the tissue sample and make a diagnosis. What to expect before, during, and after surgery are stated.
Some specific instructions for how to take care of fibreglass and plaster casts are described. Instructions for caring for all other types of casts are also provided. How to keep your cast dry and what to do if you have any problems are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1108, "Comment prendre soin de votre plĂ¢tre," is also available.
Instructions to help you prepare for eye surgery are given. Topics include: where to go, postponing surgery, and getting ready the day before surgery (what you can eat/drink, medications, if you have diabetes, etc.) and the morning of (hygiene, valuables, what to bring to the hospital). What to expect if you are having a local anesthetic versus a general anesthetic is listed. You must have a responsible adult who can look after you for the first 24 hours after surgery. Your surgery may be cance…
This booklet describes the symptoms, causes, management, and treatments of heart failure. The main focus of the booklet is on managing symptoms. Information is provided on eating less salt, drinking less fluid, and a variety of medicines and exercise. Lists of community resources and symptoms that need immediate medical attention are listed.
Pulses are beans, dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas. They are a good source of minerals, vitamins, fibre and protein. Pulses are easy on the budget and easy to prepare. This pamphlet includes several recipes using pulses, as well as tips on reducing gas caused by eating pulses. A list of websites is provided for more information and recipes. The French version of this pamphlet 2081, "LĂ©gumineuses faciles d’emploi : prĂ©parer des lentilles, des haricots et des pois secs", is also available.
This pamphlet will help you check your eating style and develop a healthy eating action plan. Resources for further information are listed.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test of part of the lower bowel (also known as the lower large intestine or the sigmoid). The doctor uses a special tube (endoscope) with a small light and camera on the end that bends to look at the inside of your lower bowel and rectum. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is doen, and care after the test. Possible complications and symptoms requiring immediate medical attention after the test are noted. If sedation is given, you must …
This guide helps you learn what happens before, during, and after your kidney transplant. The guide covers words to know, medications, benefits, risks, the waitlist, possible problems after surgery, and how to stay healthy at home after your transplant. Transplant Clinic contact information is provided.
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.
A colonoscopy is an exam of the large bowel (also known as the large intestine or colon). The doctor uses a special tube (endoscope) with a small light and camera on the end that bends to look for any changes on the inside of your large bowel. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, what polyps are, care after the test, and possible complications. If you are given sedation, you must not do certain activities for 24 hours after the test. The French version of th…
An ultrasound is a safe, painless test used to view the organs inside your body. It is also called a sonogram. An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that cannot be heard. The preparation for this test depends on which organ or area of your body is to be studied. Topics include: how an ultrasound works, how to get ready for the test, where it is done, who will do the test, what will happen, and how long it will take. The French translation of this pamphlet 1105, "Ultrasonoscopie" is als…
This booklet will help you get to know members of your Acute Stroke Team. You will also learn what to expect during your stay at the Halifax Infirmary. This booklet 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 booklet is given to help you write down your questions and to list the tests you have had. The French version of t…
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are lumps of crystals which usually form in the kidneys from material in urine (pee). This pamphlet describes your care if you are a patient who visits an Emergency Department (ED) with a kidney stone. Care instructions are given and a list of the symptoms that need medical attention are outlined.
This device finds and corrects dangerously fast heart rates that start in the bottom part of the heart. Topics include: how your heart beats, common symptoms, what an ICD is and how it works, and different treatment types. You will learn how to get ready to have the device inserted. Your care during the first 24 hours after surgery is described as well as activities to avoid in the next 6-8 weeks. You will need to have a MedicAlert® bracelet. The appropriate action to take if you ever receive…
Your entire trach tube should be changed about once a month, or sooner if you notice an odour (smell) or get a bad taste in your mouth. You or someone who lives with you may learn how to change your tube, a VON nurse may come to your home, or your doctor may change it in their office or in a clinic. Photographs are used to help you learn how to change your trach tube. Instructions on how to clean the removed tube are also given.