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Scurvy Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Scurvy happens when there is a severe lack of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C helps to form a kind of protein called collagen. This protein is in your bones and cartilage. It is also in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There is collagen in your skin and blood vessels as well. If you do not have enough vitamin C, the collagen in these tissues may start to break down. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take extra vitamin C as ordered by your doctor.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to other experts if needed. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help bring up your vitamin C levels
  • Help with pain and swelling

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity for a short time because of muscle or joint pain. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. These are: ‚  
  • Fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, black currants, kiwis, or strawberries
  • Vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, sprouts, or sweet potatoes
  • Other foods like fresh milk, liver, kidney, fish, and cereals with added vitamin C

What problems could happen?


  • Slow growth in babies and children
  • Joints are sore and swollen
  • Problems with bruising, bleeding, and low blood counts
  • Wounds do not heal well
  • Loss of teeth
  • Bulging eyes or problems seeing
  • Problems fighting infections
  • Heart attack
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid excess use of alcohol.
  • Avoid illegal drug use.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
  • Sudden eyesight changes
  • Bleeding gums or losing teeth
  • Trouble walking or getting around
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Helpful tips


Raw fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. When you cook or steam them, they may have less vitamin C. ‚  

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have eyesight changes, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or trouble walking or getting around.

Where can I learn more?


National Health Service ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scurvy/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  
Better Health Channel ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scurvy ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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