Pulses are dried beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. This pamphlet explains where to buy pulses and how to lower gas from pulses. It also includes recipes. The French version of this pamphlet 2081, "Légumineuses faciles d’emploi : préparer des lentilles, des haricots et des pois secs", is also available.
This pamphlet gives information on managing pain after toenail removal, what to do if bleeding shows through the bandage, how to change the bandage, and when to contact your primary health care provider.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test to look at part of your lower bowel and rectum (bum). This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1505, "Sigmoïdoscopie à sonde souple", is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet, 1478, is also available. The Chinese version of this pamphlet, 2438, is also available.
Having a kidney transplant is a treatment for kidney failure. Kidney failure is also known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A healthy kidney from one person (the donor) is placed (transplanted) into another person (the recipient). Treatment is usually very successful. This pamphlet explains what to expect when you have a kidney transplant. Topics include getting on the kidney transplant wait list, what to do while you wait for a kidney transplant, what to expect when you get called for a kidney…
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 a test to look at your large bowel. This pamphlet describes risks, getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test. The French version of this pamphlet 1506, "Colonoscopie", is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet, 1479, is also available. The Chinese version of this pamphlet 2431, is also available.
This pamphlet lists the supplies you will need, and the steps to prepare and give yourself an injection of hydrocortisone.
It can be confusing and scary to find out that you have advanced liver disease. You have been referred to a Liver Specialist at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII). A liver transplant is one of many treatments that may be used to treat advanced liver disease. You and the Liver Specialist will decide on the best treatment for you. This pamphlet explains where to go for your appointment, how the liver works, and how to manage your symptoms. A map of the QEII Health Sciences Centr…
A fistulogram is a special X-ray that shows any narrowing(s) in your dialysis access (fistula or graft). This pamphlet explains how the test is done, how to get ready for it, and what to expect after the test.
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 pamphlet gives information about the members of your Acute Stroke Team. It will also help you learn what to expect during your stay at the Halifax Infirmary. This pamphlet 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 pamphlet is given to help you write down your questions and to list the tests you have had. The French…
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) finds and corrects dangerous fast heart rates that start in the bottom of your heart. The device is also a pacemaker, which can treat slow heart rates. You will need surgery to have the device placed in your body. This pamphlet explains how your heart beats, what happens if you have problems with your heartbeat, what an ICD is, and what will happen after your procedure. Instructions on follow-up, care at home, and when to call your primary health…
Your doctor has recommended Botox® injections for your blepharospasm (rapid eye blinking) or facial muscle spasms. Botox® blocks the chemicals that cause the spasms in your muscles. Botox® is not a cure. It helps relieve your symptoms for about 3 months. This pamphlet explains what Botox® is and how it works, how to get ready for your appointment, what will happen during and after the treatment, and side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 1783, "Injection de Botox®", is also availabl…
Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…
A cataract is when the lens in your eye gets cloudy over time. The lens sits in a capsule (clear sac). During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed, leaving the capsule in place. A lens implant is put in front of the capsule. In up to half of patients who have had cataract surgery, the capsule also gets cloudy. When this happens, vision becomes blurred. This cloudiness can be treated with a YAG laser. The YAG laser is used to make an opening in the capsule (capsulotomy), like making a hole in a p…
This pamphlet answers questions you may have after having a heart attack. Lowering your risk factors for heart disease, heart healthy eating, coping with stress, activity, exercises, checking your heart rate, warning signs you are doing too much, medications and how to use nitro spray are covered. Directions for managing chest pain or discomfort at home are given.
This guide will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery for a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Topics include getting ready for surgery, what will happen on the day of surgery, what will happen right after surgery, and care at home. Things to avoid for 2 weeks after your surgery, activity, and bleeding are also covered. The French version of this pamphlet 2099, "Amygdalectomie et adénoïdectomie", is also available.
This pamphlet explains the types of nose surgery, and what will happen right after surgery and at home. It also includes tips and information on when to get medical attention.
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. This surgery is called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). It is needed when the tear duct is blocked and tears cannot drain. During the surgery, your surgeon will make a new tear path so that your tears can drain into your nose. The pamphlet explains what will happen before, during, and after your surgery. Topics include pain, how to use a cold compress, your dressing, after care, and follow-up. Symptoms that need medi…
This pamphlet will help you with your drain care at home by you or with the help of family or friends.