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 Team – Nurse Hillary Chaffer

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we take great pride in building a team of dedicated professionals. Hillary Chaffer is one such staff member, who has her LPN license and is continuing her nursing education at Gulf Coast State College.

When interviewed, Hillary shared her thoughts on the importance of the services provided by Dr. Hulon Crayton: “The majority of people we see every day are in pain. I enjoy watching the process of prevention, holding off the deterioration of their body and joints. It is so rewarding to watch patients become absolutely transformed from walking stooped over to not even requiring surgery for their disability,” said Ms. Chaffer. “I also love helping people learn about their ailments, from providing the availability of networking groups, which help in coping with their conditions, to providing tangible things they can do, with diet and exercise, to help offset the ravages of their disease.”

 Hillary Chaffer, LPN

 
Ms. Chaffer’s career track took her from nursing home care, where she could only dispense medications, to working for Dr. Crayton, where she gets a lot more satisfaction by taking an active role in the oversight and care of people suffering from arthritis and other Rheumatologic or connective-tissue diseases.

When asked to answer the question – Who is Hillary? She thought a moment before responding – “I can remember as a young child, we had to write adjectives that spelled out our names, and showed who we were as a person.  For ‘H’, I wrote ‘hilarious’; ‘I’ was for ‘inventive’; and for the first ‘L’, I wrote ‘laughing’, but I don’t remember the rest. I’d say I’m kind of like an onion on ‘Shrek’, where you peel back numerous layers.” Then, she broke out in even more laughter at comparing herself to “Shrek”.

But life isn’t always light hearted for Ms. Chaffer. She often provides a type of personal hospice service to animals who have been turned over to shelters due to their serious illnesses, and owners not able to pay for the medicines and treatment. Hillary does get a lot of joy from her marriage and her avocation as a Certified Feline Groomer.

Staff often refers to Hillary’s “upbeat and caring” personality, so important in a team environment, and Dr. Crayton has said he cannot imagine a person better suited to help care for his patients.  Hillary, and Dr. Crayton, would like to remind you:  “Pain is not normal. We can help.”  Contact the practice to see what makes their entire team so very special. 

Are Rheumatologists pain management doctors?

First of all, it’s important to understand what both doctors do – specifically.

According to The American College of Rheumatology, a Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases, which affect the joints, muscles, and bones. In addition to arthritis, they treat certain autoimmune diseases (when the body comes under attack by its own immune system), musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis. There are other conditions they treat to include:  rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis to name just a few.

On the other hand, a Pain Management doctor is someone who is an authority on managing pain in their field, which may include neurology, anesthesiology, or even psychiatry.

When you feel you need pain management, your first call should be to your primary care physician, who will assess which specialist would be right for your condition. In addition, you should only seek pain management for chronic pain that focuses on your ability, or inability, to function in daily living activities. Remember:  some pain medicines may be addictive.

Dr. Hulon Crayton is a board certified Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. Within his practice, it sometimes becomes necessary to prescribe pain medications for certain specific conditions; however, Dr. Crayton does refer patients to pain management specialists if needed. Dr. Crayton always tells his patients:  “Pain is not normal! We can help.” You can ask your primary-care physician to refer you to Dr. Crayton; or, if your insurance allows, you can self-refer to our practice.

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.

Clear Channel & Medical Minutes

This week, Dr. Hulon Crayton, of The Arthritis & Infusion Center, enjoyed production with Logan Kelly, on-air talent with Clear Channel Radio, during the taping of “Medical Minutes.” Beginning in April, be sure to tune in to Sunny 98.5 to hear interesting segments on Dr. Crayton, his Rheumatology practice, and specifics on the newest technologies and treatments for arthritis and other connective-tissue disorders. Dr. Crayton reminds everyone that pain is not normal, and he – along with his exceptional staff can help. Contact them to answer any of your questions about pain you may be experiencing. At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, they test everything but your patience!©

“Meet our team: MARY KATHARINE GERLECZ”

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we make it a point to hire the most experienced staff possible.  Because ultrasound services are such an important part of our practice, we are very pleased to introduce you to Mary Katharine Gerlecz. Mary completed her education in December, 2011 with her AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography; and, it’s her additional credentials that make her such a special team member. She is a:

•    Registered Vascular Technician through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS-RVT)
•    Registered Technician through the American Registry of Radiological Technologist (ARRT) (Sonography)

“We hire for attitude first,” said Dr. Hulon Crayton, Medical Director and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. “Getting the most qualified employee is high on our list of priorities, but our patients have found Mary to be not only good at what she does, but she is a pleasure to deal with and makes everyone feel comfortable during their tests.” 

Remember:  At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, “We test everything but your patience.”© And, providing accurate ultrasounds is just one test that sets us apart.”

March is National Nutrition Month

From New York City (where you can’t get an oversized soda any longer) to school lunch rooms, nutrition is being discussed more than any other time in recent history. And because nutrition plays an important part in better health for those with arthritis and other connective-tissue disorders, The Arthritis & Infusion Center would like for you to consider adding fiber (vegetables and fruits), as well as healthy fats to your diet. (For a complete list of acceptable foods, go to the federal government’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”.) Of course, it should go without saying that you should also drink plenty of fluids, but watch your intake of caffeine and alcohol.


But why is good nutrition so important? If you stick to real food, as opposed to processed meals, it literally fuels your body. Reducing the quantity of food in favor of quality meals is critical. Eating properly will help reduce cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of colon cancer, and help you remain “regular”, especially if you add yogurt with live cultures.  If you eat a lot of fiber, you’ll find it easier to lose weight, because your appetite will be satiated; and, the less weight you put on your joints, the better!

For people who suffer from arthritis, Omega-3 fats have an anti-inflammatory effect, and Calcium is also recommended to strengthen your bones in order to prevent breakage.

Don’t forget that Dr. Crayton always advises his patients: “Pain is not normal!” So, if you are maintaining good dietary habits, but pain persists, contact us to get to the root of your discomfort. Don’t let a poor diet complicate your health issues! The better you eat … the better you’ll feel!