So yesterday I was diagnosed with diabetes. I am going to be writing about this process because I feel like it is good to be open journal about my experience with this disease and I also want to open this door of my life to all of you that may read. I will be posting often what my journey looks like, but as for now here is the story.
Over the past couple of months my body has been doing some interesting things. I have lost about 20 lbs, I get leg and hand cramps, I have been craving sugar (I have been drinking a lot of soda), I have to go to the bathroom alot, my skin was super dry and I got a rash on my body. I knew something wasn’t right but I thought that it might just be because I had gone through 4 cortisone shots on my back and has stopped taking the pain medication. Amy kept pointing out to me that something might be wrong and I started to do some research based on the symptoms that I was experiencing. So after we got back from California, where we were at Brian and Promises Wedding (Amazing by the way!) I decided to go into the doctor to get some blood work done. I was thinking that I might of had a hyperactive thyroid or something. So I went in and they took my blood samples and said that they would call me in a few days.
Yesterday I got a call from the doctor who wanted me to come in immediately to go over the results. I went in and my doctor told me that I have extremely high glucose levels in my blood and that I was most likely a diabetic. We did a blood test on the tester that she gave me and it did not register because it was too high. (It was over 500 – Normal glucose is around 100) She then tested me on her machine and it tested off the chart again. She then got a worried look on her face and recommended that I go to the emergency room to get the levels down. I walked out to my car just feeling really scared – I called Amy and could barely hold back the emotions enough to let her know that I was most likely diabetic and that I needed to go to the emergency room. My sister and brother in law watched our kids as we went to the hospital. (They are the best and I am so appreciative of them!)
So Amy and I went to the emergency room were they hooked me up to an IV and got fluids into my body. They found that I am most likely a type 2 although we are still doing tests to determine for sure. I was in the emergency room for about 4 hours and they released me with my blood sugar level at 313. (Still not great) They prescribed me some medication and sent me home. Today I went back to the doctor and they took more blood to do more tests and they prescribed me a new medication that is better and I am still trying to get my glucose levels down to a normal level. Before I ate dinner tonight it was at 348. It is probably going to take a few days to get it under control.
On a personal level this has been kind of tough on me. I feel like my identity has changed. The past couple of years have been so tough with the two surgeries and 4 cortisone shots on my back. I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Today Amy and I had some great talks – I think I am dealing with my self esteem and confidence as a husband and father, feeling somewhat inadequate. I know that it is not true, it’s just where I’m at. I also know that when your blood sugar levels are off you can feel a little down, so I’m not going to listen to my emotions a whole lot. I know that God is in control of my life and I know that he is faithful. I also know that he is not going to give me more than I can handle, but he is defiantly testing that theory! (lol) I know that I am going to be ok – I’m just a little scared and anxious about the future.
The cool thing is that I need to eat healthy. I really do eat healthy already, I just have a few things that I need to change about my diet. Amy and I are really excited about this. We made a menu for the week and went to Sprouts today and got all of the right foods to eat. Our kids are going to be eating really good foods and I am excited for a healthy lifestyle. As I write this my kids are on my lap and have no idea that anything is different with me. They have no idea that their dad has a disease called diabetes. My family and friends are going to love me no matter what and ultimately I am going to be much more plugged into my heath on a daily basis. Maybe what seems like bad thing is really just a big blessing!
Chip Neal 
Wow Chip! What a difference a day makes. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Blessings,
Troy
Posted by Troy Grover Photography | May 14, 2009, 5:02 amThank you for your prayers – it means a lot to me!
Posted by chipneal | May 14, 2009, 11:33 pmThank You so much for sharing your story. You have touched with me with your ability to express your raw emotions. I can relate to many of those feelings on so many levels. I can’t wait to see how God shapes you and your family as he takes you on this journey.
You Inspire me, Thank You for that.
Kristin Flecken
Posted by Kristin Flecken | May 14, 2009, 5:02 amThank you so much for your words and encouragement! You are awesome!
Posted by chipneal | May 14, 2009, 11:32 pmThat’s gotta be a tough thing to take, finding out you have diabetes. You’re going to manage it well, brother. How excited is Amy to be planning out your meals? Is type 2 the better one?
Posted by Eli Gillespie | May 14, 2009, 5:40 amYeah type 2 is the better one. Type 2 means that the pancreas is producing some insulin. Thanks for your words and support – it means a lot to me!
Posted by chipneal | May 14, 2009, 11:32 pmBummer man, so sorry to hear that. It sounds like you’re making all the right changes. A few years ago, my Dr. told me I had to make some diet changes too… I haven’t had a soda since.
BTW, my blog is nickasolas.com now… can I be on the blogroll with all the other homies? I feel lonely and awkward next to the Drudge Report. hahahaha
Posted by Nick | May 14, 2009, 1:23 pmNick – Thanks for your words! Of course I will put you in the blog roll! I’m sorry I haven’t done it yet – It’s only going to make my blog cooler by having your link on there! I will make sure that you are right in between Drudge and Fox News! LOL! Take care bro!
Posted by chipneal | May 14, 2009, 4:00 pmbro thanks for sharing. i can see how that news would hit you pretty hard. its good to know you finally have figured out what’s been affecting your health . i bet when you get your glucose levels controlled, you’ll feel better than you have in a long time. we’ll definitely keep you and your fam in our prayers.
Posted by aaron walling | May 14, 2009, 2:54 pmThanks for your words bro! It really means a lot to me!
Posted by chipneal | May 14, 2009, 11:30 pmChip- thank you so much for sharing this with us. We will be praying for your improvement (and healing) as you go through this series of changes in your life. We love you guys and are here if you ever need us (even to babysit)!!
Posted by Kaelen Chacon | May 14, 2009, 4:12 pmThank you so much! You are so awesome Kaelen!
Posted by chipneal | May 14, 2009, 11:29 pmHey Chip:) I cannot tell you how blessed I have been by getting to know your lovely wife and then working with you… “winging it” at Bri & Prom’s wedding!! I knew from Amy that you were struggling with your back, shots, etc… But, would have NEVER known that you were dealing with physical issues of this magnitude. You are a TRUE warrior for Christ and an AMAZING friend to Bri & Prom:) I look so forward to what God has in store for all of us and am honored that He brought our families together:) Once you become a part of ours… you are STUCK for life!!! Take care and we’ll see you guys soon:) Much Love, Jill:):)
Posted by Jill Lindquist | May 15, 2009, 11:10 pmJill,
Thank you for your amazing words of encouragement! I really appreciate it! It has been so great getting to know you and Dave! I think we are getting together soon and I can’t wait! Take Care Jill!
Chip
Posted by chipneal | May 16, 2009, 4:42 pmchip…we just love you guys so much and your friendship means the world to us..we are here for you — whatever you need! so amazing to see your transparency in this.. Just blessed my heart to see you worship today.
I’m stoked to see what God has in store for you — with all that you’ve been through the last couple years, it must be BIG!
love, ashley & jon…
Posted by ashley bugg | May 18, 2009, 5:11 amAshley – Thank you so much for your amazing words of encouragement! Amy and I both love you guys as well! Thank you for your prayers and support.
Posted by chipneal | May 19, 2009, 5:01 pm