20 years of outstanding service to patients in St. Augustine has garnered Dr. J Hartley the gratitude of hundreds. As 2016 marks this auspicious 20th anniversary, we would like to share another such story.

“February 13, 2005 was the worst day of my life. I became very aware of the word pain. I woke up feeling pretty good, until I put my feet on the floor. All of a sudden I was in the worst pain of my life.

I was screaming, I could not sit or walk or do anything at all. I broke out in a cold sweat and was so nauseated I thought my life was over. the pain was so severe that I passed out cold. I fell to the floor and my husband had to leave me there because he has a bad back and could not lift me. He made sure I was ok and waited for me to come too. In two hours I woke up to more severe pain than I have ever known in my life.

My husband called Dr. Hartley and he said to bring me in right away. Steve tried to get me up and out to the car but it was a losing battle. He called Doc back and told him he could not get me there. Dr. Hartley offered to come to our home to help me. I thought house calls went out with high button shoes but this dear man was willing to come and see me.

Well I finally got to the office and after a couple of adjustments Dr. Hartley thought there might be something else wrong with me and advised me to go and get an x-ray. I went to the hospital and they kept me for a week, running all kinds of tests and giving me morphine. Most of that week I was asleep from all the drugs. When I left the hospital I was in as much pain as when I entered.

Depression became my middle name. With my cane in hand I knew I had to get back to Dr. J, he was my only chance at  getting better.  I went back to the man I trust to get me well.

Thank you Dr. J from the bottom of my heart for giving me my life back. I am now smiling and I no longer need the cane!!!!  You are #1 in my book forever.”

Joann’s case is another prime example that health starts with the spine.  Join patients like Joann on the road to a healthy and pain free 2016 by contacting Dr. J Hartley for a consultation.  Our office is located at 1740 Tree Blvd, St. Augustine and can be reached at 904-679-3233.