Monica Neri, a devoted mother and resident of Memphis, had always put her family’s needs before her own. Her own health was often an afterthought until she experienced a wake-up call that would change her life.
What Monica thought would be a one-time visit to Church Health sparked an unexpected journey. “One time, I went to Church Health’s Walk-In clinic,” she recalls. This initial visit was out of necessity, not as a registered patient but seeking help for a UTI. Later, when she began feeling unwell, she returned to Church Health. It was during this new patient visit that the real transformation started.
Monica was diagnosed with diabetes by Dr. Melissa Barnhart. This diagnosis came as a shock, especially since she had initially gone in for what she thought was a simple urinary tract infection. “It seemed strange to me because I had never had symptoms of diabetes,” Monica explains. Despite having had various treatments done, she didn’t understand why this had happened. However, after Dr. Barnhart’s thorough examination revealed high glucose levels, she was diagnosed with diabetes.
Dr. Barnhart and the Church Health team wasted no time in establishing a comprehensive treatment plan for Monica. “We talked through kind of what that diagnosis meant and what the necessary steps in treatment were going to be,” Dr. Barnhart explained Dr. Barnhart connected Mon”I worked with a nutritionist because I had to lose weight, I needed to learn ways to take care of my health,” Monica shares. She was referred to an eye doctor, a dentist, and had tests done at the hospital to assess her health. “It was some of the very, very, very best attention,” she says gratefully.
Monica’s life began to change significantly after she started receiving care from Church Health. Dr. Barnhart noted that “by January of 2023, she had lost a significant amount of weight and told me in that visit, ‘I can play on the floor with my daughter again,’”. She lost around 50 pounds, reduced her medication intake from three types to just one, and gained a new perspective on health and wellness. “I’ve been much better because of the medicine, because of the attention, because of the follow-up,” she notes. The comprehensive support even included mental health care, with access to a counselor who helped her navigate psychological challenges.
This holistic approach transformed Monica’s life. “I think that not many people can say that they love their illness,” she reflects. “Thanks to my diagnosis, and with the help of Church Health, I was able to change my life.”
Monica now actively manages her diabetes through diet, exercise, and stress management. Dr. Barnhart stated, “I provided the medication and she did all of the rest of that hard work. And I think together we’ve gotten her to a safe and beautiful place”. She walks 10,000 steps a day, has improved her diet, and uses weightlifting to maintain her health. “I try not to go to bed without my watch showing that I did 10,000 steps,” she proudly shares. This new routine has rejuvenated her, taking her from a size 18 to a size 10 and making her feel 20 years younger. “My life made a huge change. I love myself more. I value myself more”, she shares.
Church Health’s approach to quality healthcare left a lasting impression on Monica. “I received such good quality of service, a very complete service,” she emphasizes. Unlike other places that might simply prescribe medication, Church Health provided an integrated treatment plan. This included a nutritionist, psychologist, and access to various specialists, ensuring Monica’s diabetes was managed comprehensively.
Reflecting on her journey, Monica feels immense gratitude towards Church Health. “They embrace you and provide all the care through all the means they can,” she says. This level of care and attention made a profound difference in her life. Dr Barnhart adds, “when you feel empowered, you can make change in your life”.
Monica’s story is a testament to the transformative power of comprehensive, compassionate healthcare. Her message to others is clear: “Trust in the right hands, with professionals. Health is the first thing we need. We need to face the problem so with the help of the doctors, they can help us be better.”
Through the dedicated care of Church Health, Monica Neri not only managed her diabetes but also gained a new lease on life, embodying resilience, gratitude, and the importance of holistic healthcare.
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