“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.

Dr. Crayton "speaks" to the issues of Arthritis

Recently, Dr. Hulon Crayton was asked to speak to the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach, FL.  (Erica Spivey, President is on the left). As the owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center, Dr. Crayton educated and entertained the group on the topic: “What you don’t know can hurt you. Arthritis is not just a joint disease.” 

The topic encompassed the latest technology being used to diagnose and treat the conditions covered by a Rheumatologist, as well as the various medications that are now on the market that can halt, or in some cases, reverse the symptoms of arthritis.

What you don’t know can hurt you! If you have a club or organization you believe may benefit from Dr. Crayton, he is a knowledgeable and articulate speaker; plus, he is the most experienced Rheumatologist in our region. If you would like to book Dr. Crayton as a presenter, contact his practice manager at 873-6748.

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.

Planning a Healthcare Budget

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are all too aware of the struggles many people have in paying their medical bills. And, with the most recent changes in medical reimbursements due to government regulations, it is even more important to plan ahead. But, the most significant question is: How does someone prepare for an illness, or health issues, that come as a complete surprise?

      When you are trying to budget, communicate with your  insurance agent, as well as all the physicians/clinics who service your family’s medical needs. Ask, point blank, if their rates will be increasing in the near future. You have every right to ask this critical question.  Therefore, the areas you need to include in your healthcare budget include, but are not limited to:

• Insurance premium costs: Insurance coverage can be negotiable depending on your lifestyle (i.e., non-smoker, active lifestyle, etc.) 
•  When you know what your insurance covers, but more importantly, what it doesn’t cover, make a conscientious attempt at estimating out-of-pocket costs.
•  Once you’ve come to the two estimates (above), factor into the equation your medications, visits to the dentist, and eye appointments. (Remember, your health insurance policy will outline what dental services, if any, are covered.) 
•  If you take vitamins, belong to a gym, or take advantage of specialized services like therapeutic massage, these costs need to be estimated and included in your budget as well.

“Many of our patients struggle paying their bills, and many pharmaceutical companies have programs in place to help the truly disadvantaged,” said Dr. Hulon Crayton, owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. “In addition, there may be other government programs that may be able to be accessed.”

People on Medicare must also understand that healthcare services, at some point, may become rationed. Their healthcare budget must allow for them, as senior citizens, to pay – out of pocket – if they want to ensure that some yearly tests (mammograms, pap smears, etc.) are covered. Otherwise, these tests will only be done every other year.

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we encourage our patients to ask us how to most effectively manage their healthcare, and we can certainly assist with the necessary data patients need in order to compile a comprehensive healthcare budget. Don’t wait another day to get started to take control of your healthcare finances.

3 Things to Remember when working with Seniors and Seasonal Depression

By:  Renece Holland, Arthritis & Infusion Center Practice Manager

Often, we partner with our community contacts regarding issues that affect our mutual clients. In a recent interview with Sherry Viehweger, who has been Activities Director for Community Health and Rehab for 18 years, she shared several insights about senior citizens and seasonal issues.

“Often, seniors revert back to memories of home and the holidays. They reminisce about times past, and often feel extreme loss at not being able to be a part of a family unit,” said Ms. Viehweger. “This can trigger depression for many seniors.”

Because families may be busy with their own daily lives, jobs, families, or with the holiday season’s activities, they may not be able to visit their senior family member as often as they would like. Activities play a big part in keeping seasonal depression at bay.

“At Community Health and Rehab, we may set up a store where the residents can shop for gifts at no charge. Often, we ask other residents to help wrap gifts to encourage them to get involved. In addition, we will assist the residents in mailing Christmas cards to family and friends,” said Ms. Viehweger. “The focus should be on helping seniors to be as helpful as possible in order to keep them from dwelling on the past.”

In addition, a senior may loathe the holidays because they have outlived their entire family.  The holidays may remind them of all they have lost.

Every senior, or those who care for them, should remember:  Stay busy.  Reach out to others as a volunteer rather than focusing on yourself.  Attitude plays a big part in coping with holiday struggles. Be positive and upbeat, because a good attitude is contagious!

Don’t forget that seniors love children as well as animals, so the family should not hesitate to bring these “day brighteners” along when visiting, but check with the facility regarding their individual guidelines before doing so.

Finally, it’s as simple as one, two, three – to help prevent seasonal depression in seniors, or with the chronically ill, don’t forget:

Dr. Hulon Crayton and the staff of the Arthritis & Infusion Center wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

DR. CRAYTON Continues to SPREAD Seasonal WARMTH!

For the THIRD year in a row, Dr. Hulon Crayton, Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center, has seen the need for people to stay warm. “Cold rooms have a significant impact on people’s health,” said Dr. Crayton. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu, or more serious health conditions such as pneumonia and depression. 

           

“When we became aware of the situation at the Children’s Home Society of Florida, we knew we had to take immediate action by purchasing extra blankets for the children to utilize,” said Dr. Crayton.

           

Felicia Robinson Cook, Director of Development at the Children’s Home Society of Florida was very grateful to Dr. Crayton and his team. “We never seem to have enough blankets to go around since our kids need to stay warm, may be transient, and must take their belongings with them. We are so very grateful to Dr. Crayton for this donation,” said Ms. Cook.

            

This winter, The Arthritis & Infusion Center would like to encourage Bay County residents to clean out their linen closets or purchase NEW blankets for Dr. Crayton and his staff to distribute to the Children’s Home Society of Florida. “We’d like to continue to ‘spread the warmth’ as much as possible. People who are interested in helping us with this important project can drop blankets at our medical practice any Monday through Thursday, 2917 Highway 77 in the Baldwin Plaza,” said Dr. Crayton. "Help us continue to spread the warmth during this entire winter season!" 

The Arthritis & Infusion Center will collect blankets to distribute from December 1 until March 31 at their medical practice. (Their office is closed between 12 noon and 1:30 each day.)

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.”