“DOES AN INFUSION HURT?”

The only way to find out the truth is to ask someone who knows!  Keressa Roberts, age 44, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 39. She was hunched over and walked like an 80-year-old woman until treatment by infusions were suggested. Keressa was terrified at the thought!  “I throw up at just the sight of a needle,” she said. “But at The Arthritis & Infusion Center, there is such a caring staff, my terrifying experience became nothing more than just a small stick and a slight burn … that’s all.  Infusions have saved my life.  I’m convinced that without the experts at The Arthritis & Infusion Center, I wouldn’t be alive today.” 

(This is our infusion suite)

By way of explanation, an infusion is a standard procedure that delivers a fluid (medication or solution) into a patient’s bloodstream. The fluid flows from a sterile bag through plastic tubing and a small needle into one of the person’s veins and into the bloodstream.

“Our patients tell us that infusions do not hurt. And, if the needle is placed in the back of the hand, there is less bruising than the arm,” said Dr. Hulon Crayton. “I encourage patients, who have a fear of needles, just to not watch the process.” 

The team of infusion specialists at The Arthritis & Infusion Center are proficient in getting infusions started using unique processes like soaking a hand in warm water, or wrapping a warm towel around it, to bring blood vessels closer to the surface, which makes insertion easier.

It is important for patients to wear comfortable, layered clothing that can be adjusted during the treatment in case of temperature fluctuations.  Plus, it is very important for patients to be hydrated prior to therapy.

Our practice specializes in intravenous (IV) treatments to include:

• Hydration therapy 
•  IV antibiotic therapy 
•  IV immune globulin 
•  Intramuscular injections 
•  Subcutaneous injections 
•  Gastrointestinal therapy

There are therapies to treat:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis associated with Psoriasis
• Osteoporosis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• CIDP
• Anemia
• Gout

Things to remember before an infusion treatment:

1. Drink plenty of water or Gatorade
2. Eat before you get to the Infusion Center
3. Take all your regular medications unless your doctor prescribes otherwise
4. Know how long your therapy will take (we can give you an estimated time)
5. Arrange for transportation if needed.

The most important thing about your infusion session is to bring a smile and a positive attitude! 

(Dr. Crayton and a patient in the Infusion Center)

To take your mind off of needles, we have a pleasant atmosphere that includes flat screen TVs, personal headphones for music, and WIFI for the convenience of our patients.  Infusions are nothing to fear!  In fact, call for an appointment to tour our comfortable surroundings. As Ms. Roberts indicated, your treatments could be lifesaving!