LUPUS: Women at Risk – 10 TIMES as much as men!

The scientific name is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, usually referred to as “lupus”; however, it is often called “The Great Imitator” because of the multiple symptoms that present in the patient.  Men do contract lupus, but more women are susceptible.  Patients may have skin rashes and arthritis as well as fatigue and fever, and most aggravating, the attacks can alternate between periods of activity and when the disease remains dormant.  Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects the joints, kidneys, and skin; plus, – unfortunately, if not treated – lupus can be fatal.

According to the American College of Rheumatology:

• Lupus usually develops in people in their 20s and 30s, and often tends towards blacks and Asians (although Caucasians are also affected).
• Treatment depends on the symptoms and their severity.
• Because it is a complex disease, lupus requires treatment by a rheumatologist and the patient’s active participation in working towards good health.

Patients with lupus typically experience:

• Fever, fatigue, and weight loss 
• Arthritis lasting for several weeks in multiple joints 
• Butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks or other rashes 
• Skin rash appearing in areas exposed to the sun 
• Sores in the mouth or nose lasting for more than a month 
• Loss of hair, sometimes in spots or around the hairline 
• Seizures, strokes, and mental disorders (depression) 
• Blood clots 
• Miscarriages
• Blood or protein in the urine or tests that suggest poor kidney function 
• Low blood counts (anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets)

So what causes Lupus?  No one really knows for sure.  Scientists have theorized that people are actually born with the genes to develop lupus, and that something “triggers” the disease.  However, other causes should not be ignored like a combination of genetics/heredity, environment, and hormones.

Once there is a diagnosis … is there help?  YES!  After 50 years, the FDA has recently approved a new drug for lupus that is administered through an infusion.  At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we provide the medication as well as a comfortable environment in which to rest during the application of the medication.

Remember this:  Patients with lupus can expect to live normal lives.  However, Dr. Hulon Crayton must carefully monitor and treat the disease … and … YOU are equally as important to the treatment process.  We listen, but you decide on what medical road you choose to travel.  Just know: we are here for you.  And remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

Are Rheumatologists pain management doctors?

First of all, it’s important to understand what both doctors do – specifically.

According to The American College of Rheumatology, a Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases, which affect the joints, muscles, and bones. In addition to arthritis, they treat certain autoimmune diseases (when the body comes under attack by its own immune system), musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis. There are other conditions they treat to include:  rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis to name just a few.

On the other hand, a Pain Management doctor is someone who is an authority on managing pain in their field, which may include neurology, anesthesiology, or even psychiatry.

When you feel you need pain management, your first call should be to your primary care physician, who will assess which specialist would be right for your condition. In addition, you should only seek pain management for chronic pain that focuses on your ability, or inability, to function in daily living activities. Remember:  some pain medicines may be addictive.

Dr. Hulon Crayton is a board certified Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. Within his practice, it sometimes becomes necessary to prescribe pain medications for certain specific conditions; however, Dr. Crayton does refer patients to pain management specialists if needed. Dr. Crayton always tells his patients:  “Pain is not normal! We can help.” You can ask your primary-care physician to refer you to Dr. Crayton; or, if your insurance allows, you can self-refer to our practice.