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News

Dennis Myers, MSN, FNP, AAHIVS is Retiring!

Dear Patients,

I have enjoyed caring for you over the years. With a lot of joy and sadness, I am writing to let you know of my intention to retire. My last day with Evansville Multi Specialty Clinic PC will be on December 31st, 2020. As you all know, this practice is staffed with some of the most knowledgeable and caring providers.

You have allowed me into your lives for over 15 years. Thank you for the privilege. I will miss ALL of you. I leave knowing you will be well cared for by a provider whom I trust and respect.

We understand that some of you may want to select a new provider outside of our practice. Please be assured that my staff and I will do everything we can to make the transition smooth and stress free. I recommend that you begin looking for a new provider as soon as possible if you do not choose to stay with the Practice.

Your medical records are confidential and will remain on file with the clinic. If you choose another provider within our organization, you do not need to take any action concerning your records. If you choose a provider outside of our clinic, you will need to sign an authorization form before we can release your medical records. Please note, by law we cannot share your medical information without your written consent. You may sign this form at our office or you may complete the necessary paperwork at your first visit with your new provider.

It has been a great pleasure meeting and caring for you all. I sincerely appreciate your friendship and loyalty. I wish you continued good health and all the best in the coming years.

 

Sincerely,

Dennis Myers FNP

Crohn’s Disease

What is Crohn’s Disease?

“Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.” (crohnscolitisfoundation.org) There are different types of Crohn’s Disease. It is important to know which type you are diagnosed with.

Ileocolitis is the most common form. It affects ileum and the colon.

Ileitis only affects the ileum.

Gastroduodenal affects the stomach and part of the small intestine called the duodenum.

Jejunoileitis affects the upper half of the small intestine called he jejunum.

Granulomatous only affects the colon.

Who is Affected by Crohn’s?

There is an estimated 3 million Americans affected. There is no specific age at which the disease can occur. Men and women are both equally affected. There is a genetic component related to the disease but it is impossible to determine who will be affected by this disease based on genetics.

What are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

Based on the type of Crohn’s Disease diagnosed the symptoms could be the following.

  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Pain
  • Weight Loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Fistulas in severe cases
  • Rectal Bleeding
  • Skin Lesions

How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?

Since there is not a test that can be preformed to determine if you have Crohn’s Disease, your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms. This process can be lengthy. Blood tests, stool samples, and x-rays are a few tests to make the proper diagnoses.

What are treatments for Crohn’s Disease?

Medications used to treat Crohn’s are designed to suppress your immune system. This can offer relief from your symptoms allowing your intestinal issues to have time to heal. Medications that are offered by infusion therapy are Simponi, Remicade, Inlfectra, Tysabri, Stelara, and Entyvio. Ask your healthcare provider about these medications. Diet and nutrition are also a very important part of treatment. Avoiding spicy foods and dairy could be part of a recommended diet by your healthcare provider. Around 75% of people affected will require surgery sometime during their lifetime. Surgery will not cure the disease but it can maintain parts of your GI tract allowing you to live with this disease.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The cause of MS is unknown. (nationalmsscoiety.org)

Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is not specific to one gender or race. Anyone can be diagnosed with MS. However, there is a higher chance that a women would develop MS over a man. Other factors such as low Vitamin D and smoking can increase the chances of developing MS. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

The most common symptoms of MS are Fatigue, Numbness or Tingling, Weakness, Dizziness and Vertigo, Sexual Problems, Pain and Itching, Emotional Changes, Spasticity, Vision Problems, Bladder Problems, Bowel Problems, Cognitive Changes, and Depression. No two people with MS will have the same symptoms. These symptoms occur because of the damage within the central nervous system. There is a protective coating around our nerve fibers called myelin. Inflammation from the MS immune process will cause damage to this protective coating.

How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

MS is difficult to diagnose since the symptoms could be a result of other issues. There is no single test that can show a positive or denial for MS. A MRI along with spinal fluid analysis are major factors in diagnosing MS. Blood test are used to rule out any other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

How is Multiple Sclerosis Treated?

Although there is no cure for MS, there are medications that can help people manage their symptoms. There are oral medications, injectable medications, and infused medications specifically designed for MS. These medications can reduce the number of relapses, delay disability progression, and prevent lesions on the brain.

What Resources are Available for People with Multiple Sclerosis?

Other than your doctor and family’s support there are support groups available to you. These groups are for people with MS to share stories and support one another because they are fighting a similar battle. Get involved with a local chapter. Evansville has a non-profit organization called Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association. This organization will assist in finding treatment centers, hosting support groups, answering disease related questions, among much more support.

Stand-Alone Infusion Therapy Center vs. Hospital Infusion Treatments

At one time, patients who required injections or infusion therapy had only one option for treatment – traveling to a major hospital. Today, patients can choose to receive treatment as a hospital, or they can choose to receive treatment at a stand-alone infusion therapy center. But what is a stand-alone center, and is it better than a hospital?  

What Is A Standalone Infusion Center?

Independent, standalone infusion centers are not affiliated with a hospital. They are local, private clinics that deliver infusion therapies for referring physicians. Because they focus on just one thing, standalone infusion centers are often much more comfortable and personal than hospitals, and they can be much more cost-effective.  

The Benefits of An Independent Infusion Center

Traveling to a hospital for infusion therapy can be stressful. The commute may be long, you have to fight for parking spots, make your way to the treatment area, sit in a cold lobby and wait to be checked in – all the while no one knows your name – you’re one of thousands in and out of the hospital in any given week. 

At an independent infusion center, parking is simple, checkin is swift, and the setting is comfortable. The staff gets to know you as a person and you get to know them, as well. Infusion rooms can be private, treatment is provided in a comfortable recliner, and if you have questions, concerns or issues during your treatment, nurses are right there to assist you. At a stand-alone infusion center, treatment is personal.  

It can also be much more cost-effective to choose an independent infusion center for treatment. First and foremost, local, standalone infusion centers are typically closer than major hospitals, saving time and gas. Second, the markup on treatment is typically much less than at a hospital. For example, an infusion of Remicade can cost $10,000 in a hospital, but at an independent, standalone infusion therapy center, the average charge is $4500.  

Do You Need Infusion Therapy in Evansville, Indiana?

If you are a patient in need of infusion therapy or a physician who treats patients who require infusion therapies, Evansville Clinic is ready to serve you. Since 2006, Evansville Clinic has been helping local patients receive infusion therapies in a comfortable, friendly environment. As an independent outpatient infusion center, we provide an alternative to treatment in a hospital environment, offering private infusion rooms, individual tablets and snacks to pass the time, and a comfortable, home-like setting. We also handle the scheduling and insurance paperwork so physicians and patients can just focus on treatment.   

For more information or to make a referral, please contact Evansville Clinic today.