My Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

By:  Michelle Harrison 

I relocated from Atlanta to Bay County in late 2010, because I had seen every Rheumatologist in Atlanta, as well as the surrounding areas, without getting any results. One of my children, which we adopted, has a multitude of special needs, and requires my constant attention and care. However, RA limited my ability to not only take care of myself, but I couldn’t care for my children either. 

After researching physicians outside of Georgia to, hopefully, find someone who would listen to me and help me become an active participant in my life, I found Dr. Hulon Crayton. In addition to his medical skill, I was impressed by the fact that he was involved in numerous community events; he was a family man; and, many people commented on his compassionate care. I placed a call to “interview” Dr. Crayton, and then I flew in to Panama City to meet him. He was amazed at the multiple files I brought with me of tests, blood work, scans, and reports from the various doctors who had not been able to help me – and thus, my journey began. From that point on, every month, I’d get on a plane bound for Panama City and Dr.Crayton. I had faith and determination, and combined with his efforts, I knew we’d be a good team to help me improve and begin living again. In a very short period of time, I was able to give up my wheelchair and the other devices I had once depended on for daily use.

 

I became such a believer in Dr. Crayton’s expertise, I packed up my family and moved here! Coming to a new city without friends or family was daunting for us, but I knew it was the right decision for our entire family.

My family and I are profoundly grateful for Dr. Crayton and his staff. I do not know where I would be today, or what condition I would be in (physically and emotionally) if it had not been for Dr. Crayton’s professional care. I used to lie in bed and envision a miracle cure. Today, that miracle has a face and name: Dr. Hulon Crayton – and I’m blessed to be his patient.  

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