Extra support
Gluten-Free Foods
Coeliac disease (pronounced see-liac and spelled celiac in other countries) is an illness where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues when you eat gluten.
It’s estimated that 1 in 100 people are affected by coeliac disease, but – sadly – it’s also estimated that only 30% of people who have the condition have actually been diagnosed.
That means that there may be many more people, who don’t actually know that they have it and are struggling with unexplained and uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of coeliac disease
Coeliac disease has a wide range of symptoms:
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Wind
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Mouth ulcers
- Sudden or unexpected weight loss
- Anaemia
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect people differently.
Unfortunately, if coeliac disease is left untreated, it can cause damage to the lining of your gut and that means that your body can’t properly absorb nutrients from food.
At the moment, however, the only treatment for coeliac disease is a gluten-free diet.
Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye and patients tend to find that, once gluten is removed from their diet, they start to feel much better.
Coeliac patients are able to obtain gluten-free foods such as bread, pasta, crackers, oats and flour on prescription and Toome Pharmacy can provide you with a great range of gluten-free options on request.
If you have any queries about coeliac disease in general, or would like to know more about the gluten-free foods that we can offer, ask any of our pharmacy team for more information.
Independent Living Aids
As you get older, day-to-day life can become more difficult.
Toome Pharmacy can provide you with a range of aids that will enable people of all ages and abilities to live more independently.
Whether you’re older and finding simple daily tasks increasingly difficult, or need disability aids to help you live safely at home with a health condition, our range of independent living aids is sure to have something that will make your life that little bit easier.
Our independent living aids cover everything from carrying aids to telephones and health alarms.
They’re a great idea for anyone, who wants to remain independent in their own home, particularly if they’re living with a health issue such as:
- Hearing loss
- Vision impairment
- Mobility issues
- Muscle stiffness
- Tremors
- Breathlessness
Sometimes a little helping hand goes a long way, especially when your mobility leaves you frustrated by day-to-day life.
Call into the pharmacy and speak to one of our pharmacy team about our extensive range of living aids, which are designed to make you as comfortable as possible, whether you need a hand in the kitchen, the bathroom, or even the garden.
With Toome Pharmacy’s range of independent living aids, we can help you to live a better life.
Stoma and Incontinence Supplies
At Toome Pharmacy we are only too aware of how difficult life can be sometimes when you are dealing with stoma or incontinence issues.
For that reason, we stock – or can order very quickly - a comprehensive range of stoma and incontinence supplies. All of our staff are trained to discuss your individual needs with you and provide you with the best possible options and solutions for your individual needs.
Any degree of incontinence is frustrating, uncomfortable and unwelcome, and we know that it can have a big impact on your day-to-day life. From mild leaks to more serious cases, our incontinence products will provide you with the protection you need to live life not only in comfort but with peace of mind.
That same degree of care is shown in the way that our team deals with stoma supplies. Every member of our team appreciates what it’s like to face living with a stoma, being unable to control passing of urine, or caring for someone who experiences these daily challenges.
Our team provides sensitive, best practice care advice, which is completely tailored to your individual needs and they're happy to spend time dealing with any worries that you may have.
If you require any stoma or incontinence supplies and want to speak to someone in private, call into the pharmacy today and talk to one of our pharmacy team in complete confidentiality. Alternatively, call the pharmacy and make an appointment for a consultation.
Nebulisers
If you’re living with asthma, COPD or another respiratory condition, it may have been suggested to you that you have a nebuliser at home.
A nebuliser is an electronic device, which works by transforming liquid medicine into a fine mist or spray, which you can then breathe in easily via a mask or mouthpiece. You need to use one when a larger dose of medicine needs to be inhaled into your lungs, or when an inhaler alone is proving to be an inadequate form of treatment.
If you suffer badly from a respiratory condition, having a nebuliser at home can bring you peace of mind. It can help you with your wheezing, breathlessness and feelings of tightness in your chest.
One of the other main advantages of nebulisers is that they can be portable and compact, depending the type of device available to you. They’re designed to be used for both intensive and occasional use depending on your circumstances and needs. Ensure that you speak to your healthcare professional if you are unsure which one is right for you.
At Toome Pharmacy our team can advise you on the type of nebuliser that’s right for you.
Small, portable nebulisers, for example, are great for when you’re on the go, while a more robust and sturdy station design is more suitable for home use.
It may be possible for you to receive a nebuliser from the NHS, but, if you need to buy one, we can advise you and give you information about the best nebuliser for you.
It is important that nebulisers are serviced regularly and that the tubing , masks and filters are replaced annually. This service can be provided in Toome pharmacy.
If you would like to talk to any of our pharmacists about the range of nebulisers we can offer, call into the pharmacy, or call today and make an appointment for a consultation.
