Up Close and Personal with Women & Their Work Life

Recently, members of our team represented The Arthritis & Infusion Center at the 4^th Annual Work-Life Symposium hosted by The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.  Renece Holland, Practice Manager; Jennifer Trapp, Infusion Center Manager; and Danell Bailey, Physician Liaison manned a booth where information was provided to interested people regarding the services of Dr. Hulon Crayton and his staff.  In addition to giving directions on the various ways to communicate with the office, questions were answered about personal concerns, or concerns about loved ones, who suffer from the various connective tissue disorders treated by a Rheumatologist.

In addition, Jennifer Trapp conducted Body Composition Analysis screens, which measure the percent of body fat versus water and lean body mass in a person’s body.  This was an extremely popular feature of our booth, and participants lined up waiting their turn.

We were very proud to be a part of this symposium that featured interesting speakers who presented subjects designed to help women balance busy lives, see the importance of laughter and having fun, and value the role that friendships play in our lives.  We believe this mindset would also help many of the patients we see on a day-to-day basis.

One of the highlights of the day was a presentation by Beth Holloway, mother of Natalie Holloway, the teen who went missing in Aruba several years ago.  She focused on women and overcoming adversity and explained how she has personally triumphed by making the personal decision to change her role from victim to victor!

And that’s also a message we like to give our patients at The Arthritis & Infusion Center.  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”  You do not have to be a victim of your condition when help is available to alleviate your suffering. Contact us to schedule a consult.

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.

You don’t need a referral to see Dr. Crayton!

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we prefer that our patients discuss their symptoms with their primary care physician and then ask for a referral to Dr. Hulon Crayton. However, if you have not received satisfactory answers to your questions, you may self-refer to our medical center.

Dr. Crayton is the most experienced, Board Certified Rheumatologist in the region, who also has his Master’s in Hospital Administration. Because of these dual certifications, he is uniquely qualified to run his medical practice as well as the adjoining Infusion Center.

Our medical practice prides itself in staying current on all the latest treatment options available for dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Gout as well as all connective-tissue diseases.  Never before have there been as many options for the treatment of these conditions, which include not only prescription alternatives, but the most current medical technology as well.

“I always tell my patients that pain is not normal! Early, and aggressive, treatment is necessary within the first year of diagnosis. If left untreated, Rheumatoid Arthritis can decrease a person’s life by 10 to 15 years,” said Dr. Crayton. Don’t wait … you can refer yourself to our medical practice; however, be sure you have checked with your insurance provider, before your visit, to make certain our practice is within your network of care. We can help!

Experience and Board Certification: A Powerful Combination

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.

 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.

  
In addition to his four (4) years of medical school and three (3) years of residency, and (2) year 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. He continues to evaluate his physician-patient communications by surveying patients, which guides the practice in quality improvement. 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.

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.

“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!

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!