Women’s Symposium Reminder

It was Oprah Winfrey who said: “Women aren't on their own list of priorities.
After taking care of everyone else, they are always putting themselves last on the list, and often have very little left to give.”

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are all too aware of this concern, which is why we chose to participate in The 4th Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium. Be sure to stop by our booth to learn how our team of experts can help you meet the healthcare issues of women as they age.

 

Our team will join you in attending sessions that connect body, mind, and spirit in our day-to-day lives. Joan Martin will present an interesting concept: “When you’re in the position of having no choice but to make it, you’ll be surprised how strong and able you really are.” A similar theme will be presented by Beth Holloway, addressing the disappearance of her daughter Natalee. “How does one muster the courage to persevere in the face of sheer adversity? Do we all have the capacity to overcome tragedy? How does one keep going?”

Dr. Hulon Crayton and his team deal with such questions every day when they consult with patients who are dealing with debilitating diseases. How DO you deal with rheumatic diseases that can leave you totally incapacitated? Dr. Crayton always tells his patients that “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.” Stop by our booth and we will give you numerous ways you can connect with our practice in order to get the help you need and desire.

We’ll see you then!  Friday, June 14^th, Florida State University – 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  

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.

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!

“What you don’t know can hurt you. Arthritis is not just a joint disease.”

When Dr. Hulon Crayton speaks to the public, as well as to his patients, he provides them with vital information about Rheumatology.  Most people do not realize that Rheumatology is the diagnosis and treatment of more than 150 arthritic and connective-tissue disorders.

Fortunately, The Arthritis & Infusion Center provides a wide range of specialized services for arthritis. Did you know that, by definition, “arthritis” refers to any of more than 100 joint disorders characterized by pain, swelling, and limited motion or movement? Arthritis can be caused by inflammation or infection in a joint, by degeneration of a joint due to age, or by a disorder of which arthritis is a major symptom.

It might surprise you to learn that in the United States alone more than 31 million people of all ages suffer from various degrees of the disease.

Our practice deals with these three major categories of arthritis:

v  Osteoarthritis  
v  Rheumatoid Arthritis
v  Gout

Our medical practice prides itself in staying current on all the latest treatment options in dealing with arthritis, but we also deal with Osteoporosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, as well as all connective-tissue diseases. Dr. Crayton is the most experienced Rheumatologist in this area, and is the Medical Director of our Infusion Center.

Never before have there been as many options for the treatment of these conditions. Dr. Crayton always tells people:  “Pain is not normal. Let us help!” Not only are there prescription alternatives, but our practice provides the most current in medical technology as well. To view a complete list of conditions commonly treated in our office, go to www.DrCrayton.net.

REMEMBER:  What you don’t know can hurt you!  Early, and aggressive, treatment is necessary within the first year of the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If left untreated, it can decrease a person’s life by 10 to 15 years, and can also cause paralysis. Don’t wait any longer!  Call The Arthritis & Infusion Center …today – 873-6748.

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.  

Arthritis Tips for Daily Living # 4

Continuing our series regarding “Arthritis Tips for Daily Living,” Dr. Hulon Crayton is always looking for ways to ease the pain for his patients associated with the simplest of daily tasks. The Arthritis and Infusion Center found an article in Significant Living magazine by Dr. Rick Caracciolo, and have adapted a list of his suggestions regarding things to keep in mind AROUND THE HOUSE and IN THE CAR:

·      Many furniture manufacturers have made lift chairs that no longer look sterile and can ease the pressure on your joints when you have to get up.

·      For cleaning, use reaching tongs to pick up items and expandable dusters.

·      In the car, seatbelt pullers, gas-cap turners, and car-key adapters would be  helpful.

·      When doing household chores, consider electric scissors, pre-threaded needles, or gardening tools with large handles.

·      Use a voice-activated or large button phone, complete with a headset.

You may find other information that’s helpful from the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, you may want to consider a subscription to ArthritisToday magazine, which covers other helpful hints to ease the pain of day-to-day living.

However, it’s vital that you find a doctor who really listens to you. Dr. Hulon Crayton has garnered a reputation for not only listening to his patients, but working in tandem with them to develop the most effective treatment plan available. Call us today to see how The Arthritis and Infusion Center can help make your life easier and more pain free!