Archived News

Stories of Hope

Chronic Pain Sufferers Find New Hope in Innovative Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy 

Daphne, AL (September 5, 2012) - In 1991, Pat Foster’s vehicle was hit by a logging truck, resulting in the rupturing of a disc in his back. Four back surgeries and 21 years later, the pain he experienced had become debilitating.  “It was constant, to the point I didn't want to live anymore. Imagine a burning sensation, 24-7, in your low back, buttocks, shooting down both legs and into the feet. It felt like I was walking on golf balls,” explains Foster, AGE, of Bay Minette, AL.

 An insurance adjustor and part-time pastor, Mr. Foster had always been an outdoorsman--- hunting whitetail deer, fishing and clearing land by tractor. He also volunteered in construction, lending a helping hand to friends in need. All of that came to a halt.

 “After 38 years of marriage, my active, amiable husband was gone, replaced by someone I didn't recognize. He was withdrawn and irritable because of the chronic pain. His personality completely changed,” notes Kay Foster, Pat's wife.  The couple's trips to visit out-of-town children ended.  And although Foster continued to work, he would retreat to bed at 5pm each day, weary from the pain. 

Michelle Buchanan Earns Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

MichelleBuchananPascagoula, MS (September, 2012) - The physicians of Comprehensive Pain & Rehabilitation (CPR) are pleased to announce the promotion of Gulf Coast-native, Michelle Buchanan, DNP, AG-ACNP, RN, within its practice. A nurse for the group for five years, Ms. Buchanan recently earned her doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) at the University of South Alabama

Intended primarily to prepare registered nurses to become independent primary care providers, the DNP focuses on the clinical aspects of nursing rather than academic research. The curriculum for the DNP degree includes advanced practice, diagnoses and treatment of disease.

Comprehensive Pain & Rehabilitation Welcomes New Physician Assistant

AllisonDaphne, AL  (October 24, 2012) - As Comprehensive Pain & Rehabilitation (CPR) continues to grow, the practice’s physicians are pleased to welcome Allison Garstecki, PA-C, MHS, as a new Physician Assistant. Ms. Garstecki earned a B.S. In Biology from the University of Alabama and Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. She is licensed in both Alabama and Mississippi. Ms. Garstecki began her position October 1, seeing patients in CPR's Pascagoula and Daphne clinics.  

“I'm honored to be a part of a medical practice with high-ethical principles and such an outstanding reputation in the community,” Garstecki says. “CPR is unique. True to its name, CPR offers patients more comprehensive options for pain relief, including new interventional and injection therapies. I'm a Mobile native, so I feel especially blessed to be serving people in my own hometown.” (Photo: Allison Garstecki, PA-C, MHS) 

“Ms. Garstecki expands our practice's ability to diagnose patients and evaluate their progress as they begin therapy,” notes Dr. Hunt Hapworth, CPR physician partner. “She is compassionate, attentive and detailed, already demonstrating exemplary care with our patients.” 

Ms. Garstecki's hobbies include running, boating and inshore fishing with her father and brothers.

Local Medical Practice 'Has a Heart'

Team of Employees to Walk American Heart Association Event in Honor of Co-Worker’s Step-Daughter

Pascagoula, MS (February 1, 2013) - One local medical practice will soon prove it has a heart of gold. Employees at Comprehensive Pain & Rehabilitation (CPR) have pledged to walk the Jackson County, MS’s American Heart Association's Heart Walk in honor of their co-worker's daughter, a recent heart-transplant recipient. The AHA's annual 5K fundraiser is scheduled for March 23, 2013 at Pascagoula Beach Park.