10 Questions for Your Physician (Part 2)

Recently, The Arthritis & Infusion Center posted Part I of the Top Ten (10) Questions you should know when you go to visit your doctor.  In this second edition, we’ll look at other information you need to consider. 

As the most tenured Rheumatologist in Bay County, Dr. Hulon Crayton has always made it a point to a) educate his patients as to their various conditions, and b) encouraged them to be active participants in their treatment plan.  More importantly, one of Dr. Crayton’s gifts is to really listen to what his patients are saying, which helps him with an accurate diagnosis.  According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, the next set of questions you should ask Dr. Crayton include:

• What are the possible complications to this procedure?
• Which hospital do you recommend should I need additional care?
• How do you spell the name of the drug you are prescribing?
• Are there any side effects to this medication?
• Will this medicine interact with medicines I’m already taking?

In addition to these suggestions, The Arthritis & Infusion Center has compiled an article about how important it is to bring all your medications to your firstappointment with Dr. Crayton. REMEMBER:  Pain is NOT normal!  We can help!  If you are suffering from painful joints, call us today to get these, and any other questions you may have, answered.  Good medical care is a partnership, so join us today! 

10 Questions for Your Physician (Part I)

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our patients who suffer from rheumatological diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and lupus, to name just a few).  When people first present to our office, there are various items they need to bring with them.  In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there are ten (10) questions you should ask during your appointment.  In this article, we are going to cover the Top Five (5) questions on which to focus your attention:

• What is this test for?
• Ask the Dr. Crayton:  How many times have you done this procedure?
• When can I expect to receive the results of this test?
• Why do I need this treatment? And,
• Are there any alternatives to this procedure/test?

 

When you open the lines of communication between you and your physician, by being totally prepared prior to your appointment, such information can actually help you feel better, take better care of yourself, and may even save your life.  The more information you can provide to your doctor, regarding your condition and previous history, the better the outcomes to your overall health.  REMEMBER:  Pain is NOT normal.  We can help!  Contact The Arthritis & Infusion Center for more information regarding the various treatment alternatives you can expect to improve you quality of life.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS vs OSTEOARTHRITIS: What’s the difference?

Most people know the term “arthritis” refers to the inflammation of the joints, which is usually accompanied by pain.  Generally speaking, when people refer to arthritis, they are often referring to osteoarthritis (OA), which is a very common ailment, and usually experienced by the elderly.

In a recent study done via rheumatoidarthritis.com, they made the following observations:

     

Rheumatoid Arthritis                                              

More severe than Osteoarthritis                                             

Caused by the immune system attacking the body               

Can affect people of any age (most common: 20-60)                            

Affects more women than men                                             

Osteoarthritis

Less severe than Rheumatoid Arthritis

Caused by wear & tear on the body

Generally affects people over age 40

Symptoms can be felt throughout the entire body

Commonly found in both men & women

What are the causes of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?  What symptoms point to Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?  These are questions you need to have with a qualified Rheumatologist.  Dr.Hulon Crayton is the longest-tenured Rheumatologist in this region. It is very important for you to be diagnosed – accurately – so that your treatment is most effective to your condition.  Our slogan, “Pain is not normal,” refers to not only Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis … there are many other conditions that cause pain.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center should be your first call to figure out the source of your pain, and to discuss any questions you may have to clear up any confusion.  Contact us today!

DR. CRAYTON Continues to “Spread the Warmth”

In early December, Dr. Hulon Crayton, Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis and Infusion Center, began his annual “Spread the Warmth” initiative by delivering lap robes to area nursing facilities.  The reason?  “As people age, their blood and skin thins and certain medications, especially those used to treat arthritis, can also cause the person to feel perpetually chilly.”  We chose to expand our reach beyond nursing facilities, and are headed to  HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital because of their exemplary care as embodied by their facility receiving the “Hospital of the Year Award”. 

            HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital is the only hospital among HealthSouth’s nationwide network of 97 hospitals to receive this designation, which recognizes outstanding  performance in the development of clinical programs, quality of patient-care services, and overall operational excellence.

            Tony Bennett, CEO of HealthSouth Emerald Coast said, “Our success depends on the quality of care provided to each and every patient.” 

 

As Dr. Crayton pointed out – “We like to align our philanthropic efforts with centers who share the same philosophy as The Arthritis and Infusion Center regarding excellence in patient care.”

Dr. Crayton and his staff will be delivering the lap robes to HealthSouth at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 10^th.  (HealthSouth is located at 1847 Florida Avenue, near the intersection of Airport Road and 19thSt.)  The Arthritis and Infusion Center will continue to collect lap robes to distribute until March 31 at their medical practice, 2917 Highway 77.  

Can you have an MRI when you have a Pacemaker? Find out the latest ..

According to the site www.eldercareteam.com, an MRI and Pacemaker are “a possibly dangerous combo”.  “It’s something else for seniors and caregivers to remember:  If someone has a pacemaker, newly released research indicates that an MRI might not be a safe procedure.  With potentially one of every four people receiving an MRI also having an implanted pacemaker, this raises some serious concerns.”

            Dr.Hulon Crayton is all too aware of these concerns, which is why his practice – The Arthritis and Infusion Center has made the option of Ultrasound available.  Ultrasound is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of:

• Joints
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Organs
• Tissues, or
• Blood flow inside the body.

Unlike MRI, ultrasound has no affect on cardiac pacemakers or metallic objects in the body.  In addition, the general use of this equipment is for the detection of:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Osteoarthritis
• Spleen and/or liver disease
• Biliary Tract Obstructions (i.e., gallstones)
• Thyroid Nodules
• Carotid artery blockage
• DVT (Deep venous thrombosis, which is the formation of a blood clot in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body, usually the legs.)

If you have any kind of injury, or pain, which involves tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints, BUT you have a pacemaker, your next call should be to The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  Remember:  Pain is NOT normal, and we can help!  873-6748.

A Life Saving Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis | Testimonial from Mrs. Ransen

I started having joint pain more than twelve years ago, in my late 20’s.  I have suffered from pain in shoulders, fingers, wrists, and my back, to the point I had many sleepless nights and the pain often restricted me from my favorite activities.  I have consulted with many doctors for relief, however, all the doctors concurred that it was arthritis and prescribed pain killers, which were not effective in relieving the pain.  After giving birth to two children in the last five years, my condition worsened and grew in frequency.  In addition, severe fatigue compounded my arthritis. 

In October 2010, I was referred to Dr. Crayton and he diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis and initiated biologic treatment for RA.  Subsequently, my pain significantly lessened in both intensity and frequency.  My quality of life has drastically improved, and I am able to actively engage my children and care for them properly.  I have been able to resume simple household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and vacuuming with less pain.

The diagnosis and treatment for RA was a Godsend, and I am thankful my path to a diagnosis and effective treatment plan led me to Dr. Crayton.  He literally saved my life as I was heading toward a wheel chair or being bedbound.  In August 2011, despite my challenges, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from FSU, largely in part, to the support of Dr. Crayton and my family.

I am now pursuing the next chapter of my life and working towards a career in law.  My goal is to become a licensed, practicing attorney, and I am currently submitting applications for law school to begin in the fall of 2012.

Mrs. Tomoko Ransen