Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can happen when bacteria (germs) get into the urinary tract. The urinary tract is made up of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are not sexually transmitted (partners do not spread the bacteria (germs) to each other). This pamphlet explains the signs of a UTI, how UTIs are treated, what you can do to help, what you can do for pain, and how to lower your chance of infection in the future. Symptoms that require medical assistance are listed.
This pamphlet outlines what to expect when you take part in a sleep study. The pamphlet will help you get ready for your visit by briefly describing the study and what to expect before, during, and after your stay.
This pamphlet will help you learn about having a cardiac catheterization (dye test) and what to expect after going home. This test shows the arteries that supply your heart muscle with oxygen, and how well your heart muscle and valves are working. This pamphlet describes how the test is done, getting ready for the test, and what will happen on the day of the test. What to expect if the test is done through your groin or wrist is explained. Information on what to expect after the test includes: …
This surgery removes all or part of a damaged cornea (the clear, front part of your eye) and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. A corneal transplant can be done to improve vision, relieve pain, or treat a severe (very bad) infection. This pamphlet explains the 3 main types of corneal transplants, what to expect after surgery, things to remember, and how to use eye drops. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is included. The French version of this pamphlet 1718, "Greffe …
The sinuses are cavities (spaces) in the bones of the face and head. They have a lining that makes mucus. They can get inflamed (red and swollen) for many reasons. This can lead to nasal blockage (blocked nose), loss of smell, and sometimes pain. Surgery may be needed if medical treatment does not help the problem. This pamphlet explains what endoscopic sinus surgery is, how to get ready for surgery, what will happen after surgery, and care at home. A list of symptoms requiring immediate medic…
An aneurysm happens when a blood vessel gets bigger than normal. When an aneurysm happens in the main artery of the abdomen, it is called an abdominal aneurysm. This pamphlet explains why an aneurysm happens, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed, why it is life-threatening, and how it is treated. The French version of this pamphlet 2079, "Anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale", is also available.
This pamphlet explains what the Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Program is and what to expect at the CF Clinic. It includes information about medications, common tests, respiratory equipment and supplies, intravenous (I.V.) antibiotics, and hospital stays. A list of symptoms that need medical attention is included.
This pamphlet explains how to do your own peritoneal dialysis at home. It also explains how to deal with drain, fill, and mechanical problems. The Simplified Chinese version of this pamphlet 2214, is also available. The Russian version of this pamphlet 2379, is also available. The Vietnamese version of this pamphlet 2390, is also available.
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. The Frenc…
This instruction sheet outlines equipment needed and gives step-by-step procedures to help you change a two-piece colostomy/ileostomy appliance. A contact number is provided if you have questions.
This instruction sheet outlines equipment needed and gives step-by-step procedures to help you change a one-piece colostomy/ileostomy appliance. A contact number is provided if you have questions.
This instruction sheet outlines needed equipment and gives step-by-step procedures to help you change a urostomy appliance.
A vulvectomy is surgery to remove part of the vulva. The vulva is the fatty folds around the openings to your vagina and bladder. The two types of surgery for the vulva are outlined. What to expect before and after surgery are discussed. Topics in this pamphlet also include breathing, pain, activity, food, blood clots, swelling, care of your incision(s), care at home, sex, and resources. Symptoms that need medical attention right away are listed.
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…
Your health care provider has recommended laser iridotomy to prevent or treat your angle closure glaucoma (a specific type of glaucoma). This pamphlet explains glaucoma and laser iridotomy. It describes getting ready for the treatment, how the treatment is done, and care after. Possible risks are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1945, "Iridotomie au laser", is also available.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colourless fluid. It cushions the brain and spinal cord to protect them from injury. As new fluid is made, the old fluid is absorbed (taken in). A ventricular drain may be inserted (put in) to measure the pressure of CSF inside your head or to help blocked CSF flow. This pamphlet explains how the drain is inserted, what will happen when the drain is in place, the possible risks of a ventricular drain, and how the drain is taken out.
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.
Strabismus is a disorder when both eyes do not line up in the same direction. This means that they don’t look at the same object at the same time. This pamphlet explains what to expect after surgery (adjustable suture, dressing, medication, double vision). It also goes over how to apply eye ointment and followup care. The French version of this pamphlet 1715, "Correction du strabisme", is also available.
Methadone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is often used to manage chronic pain. This pamphlet explains how to take methadone, when to take it, and what to do if you miss a dose. Special precautions, side effects, storage instructions, and a list of symptoms that require a call to your primary health care provider's office or the Pain Management Unit are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2193, "La méthadone pour traiter la douleur chronique," is also available.
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1537, "Avant et après une chirurgie d'un jour", is also available.