Communicating with your physician – THE most important component in your health care involves just two steps!

#1 – KNOW your physician:

Dr. Hulon Crayton has been practicing Rheumatology since 1990, which makes him the most experienced, longest tenured, Rheumatologist in this region. In addition, he is Board Certified in Rheumatology, has maintained his licenses in good standing with all state licensing boards, and also completed his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, which makes him specially qualified to run The Arthritis & Infusion Center.  (* See additional information below.)

#2 – Communicate honestly with the physician you trust!

Most important, Dr. Crayton maintains there is no such thing as “cookie-cutter medicine”:  “I have learned over the years that what works for one patient may not work for others. If some medicine, or treatment plan, doesn’t work; or, if there are side effects, patients need to TELL me!”

There are no lab tests or x-rays that can show pain. “And, I’m not Bill Clinton in that I can’t ‘feel your pain’,” said Dr. Crayton with his usual humor. “Some patients tend to try to be stoic and push through the pain. I’d rather they open up about what’s really going on in their body. Communication with a doctor is THE most important component of good health care.”

“I really care about how my patients are doing under my treatment plans, but all too often they don’t want to complain. I wish they’d drop their politeness! When I ask how a patient is doing, ‘feeling fine’ is a reflex answer. The face a patient displays to the world is one thing, but I need to know what’s really going on, physically and emotionally, to provide the utmost in medical care.”

Teamwork is very important for doctor-to-patient and doctor-to-doctor relationships, and Dr. Crayton has a proven reputation of really listening to his patients in order to help them, and their families, cope with the changes rheumatic diseases may cause in their lives.

Some rheumatic diseases are very serious and can be hard to diagnose and treat, which is why it is very important to choose a rheumatologist who has the most experience in the region for treating rheumatic disease … and that person is Dr. Hulon Crayton! No referral is necessary. Learn more about Dr. Crayton at drcrayton.net.

·        Additional footnote information about Dr. Crayton:

What is a Rheumatologist?

A Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis/detection and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. Also called “rheumatic” diseases, these conditions affect the joints, muscles, and bones. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 rheumatic conditions, to include (but not limited to): Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis.

Why Choose Dr. Crayton?

In addition to his four (4) years of medical school, three (3) years of residency, and (2) years of fellowship training, Dr. Crayton has been practicing his specialty for almost a quarter of a century!  During that time, Dr. Crayton has compiled extensive training, and experience, in the successful treatment of his patients. Dr. Crayton has a commitment to life-long learning and frequently completes appropriate continuing-education courses.

 

Dr. Crayton is a much sought-after consultant who advises other doctors about a particular diagnosis and treatment plan. In other cases, Dr. Crayton acts as a manager of infusions needed by the patients of other physicians.

Meet our Infusion Team!

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we understand that Infusions are perhaps one of the most misunderstood of technological advances in medical science. Dr. Hulon Crayton did not create this technology, but was one of the physicians in the area who was forward thinking enough to use the technology in order to benefit his patients. And, we’ve mastered the process!

The Arthritis & Infusion Center's Infusion Team:
(L-R: Trinh Nguyen, LPN; Rebekah Williams, LPN; Jennifer Trapp, LPN)

What is Infusion Therapy?  This special service is provided to people who need to receive nutritional or other medicines, which cannot be treated with drugs by mouth. The infusion of drugs, or nutrients, directly into the body, through veins, muscles, or under the skin, makes for a more exacting and effective treatment. Fluid flows from a sterile bag through plastic tubing directly into the patient’s bloodstream.

Other physicians trust us for their therapy needs:  The Arthritis & Infusion Center infuses for other physicians. Many neurologists, primary-care physicians, gastroenterologists, and dermatologists ask us to infuse medications to their patients. (However, we do not infuse chemotherapy drugs.)

Our infusion services are done under Dr. Crayton’s direction and provided by a supervising nurse in a comfortable, welcoming suite. All you need to bring to an infusion is a smile and positive attitude. However, you can do a variety of activities while you are receiving an infusion, so call us to receive more complete information.

The most important fact to remember about Infusion Therapy is:
We teach patients how to care for themselves during therapy so they can be

active participants in their own health care.

What Is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion /in·fu·sion/ (in-fu´zhun): The therapeutic introduction of fluid other than blood into a vein.  The team at The Arthritis & Infusion Center are the region's leading experts in Infusion Therapy.  Dr. Crayton is often asked why infusion therapy is chosen over more traditional methods. In this video blog, Dr. Crayton will explain why certain medications are developed specifically to be administered by infusion, as well as the benefits of Infusion Therapy.

 

Remember, pain is not normal! We can help. Call the team at The Arthritis & Infusion Center today to make an appointment with the area's leading expert in Rheumatology.

21st Century Medicine: IV Therapy vs. Pills

Infusion Therapy is an exciting and rapidly evolving development in the specialty of Rheumatology. The scientific advancements in the 21^st Century are producing therapies that directly target the cells that affect inflammation, and therefore, pain. Although Infusion Therapy is the most advanced therapy available, there are patients that may be fearful when presented with this option. The Arthritis & Infusion Center wants you to know that we are here for you and understand your questions. We have put together a few key points to consider when given the option between Oral Therapy and Infusion Therapy. 

Advantages of Infusion Therapy over traditional Oral Therapy:

1.   Absorption 

Infusion therapy delivers medication directly into the blood stream. Bypassing the gastrointestinal tract eliminates issues like difficulty swallowing, gastric or tracheal ulcers, difficulty sitting in the upright position, and gastric upset.

2.   Compliance 

Remembering to take medications that are taken as infrequently as once per week or once per month can be an inconvenience and sometimes forgotten. Certain Infusion Therapies for Osteoporosis are given once per year.

3.   Direct Physician Involvement 

The Infusion Center at The Arthritis & Infusion Center is located within the office of Dr. Hulon E. Crayton, therefore, giving the patient direct access to their doctor with questions or concerns. By having direct physician access, patients are more likely to comply with their therapy, as well as, identify benchmarks in their treatment process.

4.   Advanced Technology 

Infusion Therapy is literally the latest developments for the treatments associated with Rheumatology. Leaps and bounds are being made in the specialty of Rheumatology. Treatments which, in the past, were limited to a few oral prescription treatments that were often harsh on the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Today, there are more than a dozen Infusion Therapy options that target the very cells that control inflammation.

5.   Cost 

Infusion Therapy can be expensive. However, because these therapies are the newest to the market, there are often patient-assistance programs to help offset the cost. Older, oral therapies often are offered generically, and while generics may be less expensive than the name brand, there are no patient-assistance programs available.

It is important to consider all of the available options when it comes to choosing your medication therapy along with your physician. Ask questions, write down the answers, and do research.  Remember, Pain is not normal, we can help!

“Don’t wait until you can no longer walk.”

During the 2012 Olympics, we saw the story of American Manteo Mitchell who broke his leg during a race, and still finished first. However, he was a trained athlete and was 25 years old! As we age, we really need to begin to “listen” to our body and not wait until we can no longer walk. Here are some common issues treated by Dr. Hulon Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center:

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. According to PubMed Health, Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult. You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you have:

·         Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)

·         Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces

·         Sudden weight gain or obesity

·         Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)

·         Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Plantar fasciitis is seen in both men and women. However, it most often affects active men ages 40 - 70. Treatment may include medication or injections into the problem area.

Bone density should also be carefully monitored as we age. Dr. Crayton recommends a Bone Density Scan in order to determine how fragile your bones are, and then he can recommend treatment according to your test results. 

 Do not ignore your symptoms until you can no longer walk!  Dr. Crayton constantly reminds people:  “Pain is not normal!”  Let The Arthritis and Infusion Center help!

DR. CRAYTON EXPLAINS WHY HE USES INFUSION THERAPY

Infusion Therapy is provided to people who need to receive nutritional or other medicines, which cannot be treated with drugs by mouth. The infusion of drugs or nutrients directly into the body, through veins, muscles, or under the skin, makes for a more exacting and effective treatment.

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, only about 50% of Dr. Hulon Crayton’s patients actually need Infusion Therapy. However, those who receive this option experience a much better quality of life as a result.  

“Prior to this advanced technology, I’d actually have to watch patients’ health dwindle before my very eyes. Now, medical science has brought this more direct treatment forward, much to my relief. Although I did not create the technology, I’ve learned how to use it and have mastered the process, which brings relief to my patients,” said Dr. Crayton. 

Other physicians have also seen the benefit of infusions, and The Arthritis and Infusion Center infuses medication for Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians, Gastroenterologists, as well as Dermatologists. (Special note: Dr. Crayton does not infuse chemotherapy drugs.) 

Infusion Therapy isn’t for every patient of The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  Some medications are available by mouth and others can be injected. However, many of the newer medications are only available by Infusion Therapy, which just makes sense as an option for those who may have been suffering for years.

Dr. Crayton reminds his patients:  “Pain is not normal. Let us help.” If you would like to see if Infusion Therapy may be helpful to your condition, contact The Arthritis and Infusion Center at 873-6748.