Message from Chris
Posted on Oct 28th, 2007

First, I'd like to say thank you to everyone for your interest in our music. We've received a lot of mail asking about the new EP and when it will be out. Unfortunately, the EP has been put on hold, and all of our show dates have been canceled, including our MPMF showcase.

About three weeks ago, I went to the doctor because I hadn't been feeling well. I was severely depressed, couldn't sleep and I was having erratic mood swings. They took some blood that morning and called me back later that night and told me to go straight to the emergency room. My blood sugar was 619, which apparently is really really really really really really bad. (80 - 140 is considered normal.) They gave me some insulin and an iv to bring my levels back down. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and given medication (a pill) to take twice a day. A few days later, my blood sugar levels were still all over the place and the medication had dehydrated me to the point that my legs and back were cramping constantly. It wasn't a lot of fun. They switched my medication to a once-a-day pill, but again, a few days later and my blood sugar was still sporadic and my vision was blurring to the point that I couldn't see well enough to do my job.

I went straight to the doctor and they told me that their initial diagnosis was wrong and that I had Type I diabetes. That means, I have to inject insulin before each meal and before bed. I have to be very careful of what I eat and drink. It's a complete change of lifestyle. I'm not really supposed to have any alcohol either, so there goes my rock n roll image.

I'm still having some issues coping with it, mentally and physically. Due to the severity, caused by living with it untreated for an extended period, it will take some time for me to get back to a normal, healthy state. During this time, doctors have recommended that I avoid exercise, which includes practices and performances.

It's a hard time, but I'm trying to stay positive. I couldn't do it without the support of my amazing wife and my band mates. (Oh, and Wilford Brimley) We're taking advantage of the downtime, in a limited capacity, to work on some new material - including eight new songs about Diabeetus!

Just kidding.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces from the stage in the future. Thank you so much for your support, patience and understanding.

Chris