Am I crazy? Or, is FIBROMYALGIA real?

By: Dr. Hulon Crayton 
 

“Within the medical field, not all physicians believe in the condition referred to as Fibromyalgia. However, when I first meet with a patient, if they tell me they hurt … I believe them!  Doctors may look at an x-ray and just because it looks normal, they may assume that the patient is not experiencing any pain. Unfortunately, Fibromyalgia has no definitive way to diagnosis the condition, because there are no lab tests or x-rays that can determine this insipid disease. Conversely, an abnormal x-ray might not show the real source of the person’s pain,” said Dr. Crayton.

Diagnosis as a process:

“The way I approach the diagnosis of any disease is by compiling a thorough history of the patient in combination with a good physical. After reviewing that data, I listen to what the patient has to say about their symptoms and then ask them the right questions to finalize the most accurate assessment. It’s truly a team effort between me and the patient to reach a definitive conclusion regarding their health needs.

“Another misconception that people need to realize is that Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not the same thing!  People experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may not have any pain whatsoever. In addition, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be caused by thyroid problems, medications (like blood pressure prescriptions), or sleep apnea to name just a few possible culprits.

“As I indicated above, Fibromyalgia has no primary way of being diagnosed, but we often use lab work to rule out other causes of the patient’s condition so that we can be absolutely certain there is not another secondary cause of the pain. Prior to coming to our office, the person may have been seeing a series of doctors for the various symptoms, (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Pain Management, Depression, and Sleep Apnea, etc.), but when these signs are combined they may point to Fibromyalgia.

There IS help!

“My work with patients who have Fibromyalgia has been very gratifying because I see their lives turn around for the better. People who have been reclusive, withdrawn from their family and friends, who haven’t been able to do the most common of daily routines like driving, grocery shopping, or interacting with the outside world – after therapy – become a part of society again, and have a new lease on life with a more positive attitude.One woman said, through her tears, ‘For someone to finally believe me when I say I have a problem, and that I’m not crazy, gives me hope for the future.’

“While the symptoms of Fibromyalgia may never totally go away, we try to work on the triggers within the patient’s environment to relieve some of their anxiety and pain. If you feel you may be a candidate for a consult regarding this “stealth disease”, we’d like to encourage you to contact our office so that Fibromyalgia won’t be able to steal any more of your life.”

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!

A Rheumatologist That Understands Pain Shares a Fibromyalgia Success Story

My name is Jean Clark.  Dr. Crayton has been great as a physician for my health issues.  He has done more for me in just the last month than all the doctors I’ve seen over the last 15 years.  In 1997, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I felt I was never provided with any real treatment other than pain management prescriptions that left me feeling overly medicated, and never really fixed the problem.  Some of the medications I was given even gave me seizures.  When I began seeing Dr. Crayton, he listened to my history, showed genuine concern, and was able to provide a treatment plan for me, which included gradually weaning me off all the medications I was taking.  Less is better! If you have fibromyalgia, go see Dr. Crayton.  He’s the best!