• Welcome to Tacoma3G.com, a free resource for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma owners!

    This website is the passion-project of a USMC veteran/mechanic, @Tyler. I created Tacoma3G.com to share my knowledge of this subject with others and to provide like-minded folks with a comfortable space to ask questions and create 'build threads' within our Tacoma Forums. Now, if the format of this website is confusing to navigate for you, or if you're interested in my full mission and T3G's history, check out the Help and About pages.

How’s everyone holdin' up? T3G's therapeutic mental health and general chat thread.

So. Don't be too discouraged. A pancreas transplant is not a cure-all. Your own pancreas having problems can be a complete disaster, much worse than what you're going through now, and a transplanted pancreas problem is catastrophic. A transplanted pancreas is much more prone to arterial inflow problems, venous outflow problems, and leaking of the duodenal-bowel connection necessary for a pancreas transplant, all of which lead to pancreatitis (of the transplanted pancreas), and terrible, unremitting, life long pain.

Your wait for a kidney may be longer, but once it's in, they really do great, with very few complications. Will be praying for a successful and quick kidney to become available.

And fyi, for credibility's sake, while I'm not a transplant surgeon by trade, during my general surgery training I performed >30 kidney transplants, 12 livers, 3 kidney-pancs, and 3 hearts, so I've been around the block a few times in the transplant world.
Thank you for explaining a little bit. Still bummed, as being a diabetic is no easy task. Constant checking of blood sugars (my dexcom has been a game changer). Plus with the advancements on insulin delivery with T-Slim/Omnipod5 makes it more easily manageable. I just know the wait will be worth it, just dialysis is killing my quality of life. Would love to get on the lake or in the pool. Although people do it, I just frankly don't feel comfortable with it. It's not worth the peritonitis.

I think we will end up submitting to another transplant hospital to increase chances.
 
Does everyone listen to song lyrics? I have a hard time understanding the singer in a lot of cases (bad hearing), so I usually don't pay attention to lyrics. However, I'm learning that the right song with the right lyrics can be very therapeutic if you pay attention.
 
Constant checking of blood sugars (my dexcom has been a game changer).
I just recently got a Decom G6... Holy craps!!! Game changer is right.

From my first trial week with it, it changed a good bit. From the look of things, I was having minor hypoglycemic episodes on a near nightly basis. Now that I have that better sorted, it's really helping me get everything else under control.
 
I just recently got a Decom G6... Holy craps!!! Game changer is right.

From my first trial week with it, it changed a good bit. From the look of things, I was having minor hypoglycemic episodes on a near nightly basis. Now that I have that better sorted, it's really helping me get everything else under control.
It really helped me quite a bit! Watch for the last week or so of the transmitter life. You'll start getting some really strange readings. I usually keep my meter on me daily to double check weird numbers.

Congrats!
 
caught COVID. feel like absolute shit. I'm sure it was somewhere on the trip.
D9C4AE2A-EBC5-4C9B-90C2-3FE9F91DD964.jpeg
I hope that you are doing better...
It really helped me quite a bit! Watch for the last week or so of the transmitter life. You'll start getting some really strange readings. I usually keep my meter on me daily to double check weird numbers.

Congrats!
Thanks for the tip! I will keep an eye on it...
 
Last edited:
Does everyone listen to song lyrics? I have a hard time understanding the singer in a lot of cases (bad hearing), so I usually don't pay attention to lyrics. However, I'm learning that the right song with the right lyrics can be very therapeutic if you pay attention.
Yes, I pay attention to the song lyrics. A lot of times I wonder "what the hell does that lyric mean". Bruce Springsteen is one of the best lyric writers in my opinion.
 
Checkin in on everyone! Hope y'all are doing ok.

Got some good news yesterday. I made the list for transplant.

My dr's at KU fought to get me listed for both a kidney and pancreas.
 
Checkin in on everyone! Hope y'all are doing ok.

Got some good news yesterday. I made the list for transplant.

My dr's at KU fought to get me listed for both a kidney and pancreas.
Nice! I'm sure that's a huge relief.

I also have good news. I landed a promotion to a permanent position, which is a lot less stressful than being funded by soft money. With that I should be able to change my health insurance to one that will cover a treatment for depression that isn't simply pills. As it stands I have the worst provider for this new treatment, and I actually would already qualify if I had any other plan. Having a more challenging job will help keep me motivated and my mind off things, too.
 
Nice! I'm sure that's a huge relief.

I also have good news. I landed a promotion to a permanent position, which is a lot less stressful than being funded by soft money. With that I should be able to change my health insurance to one that will cover a treatment for depression that isn't simply pills. As it stands I have the worst provider for this new treatment, and I actually would already qualify if I had any other plan. Having a more challenging job will help keep me motivated and my mind off things, too.
Congrats!! Sure does help keep things in focus when you are busy. I've been burying myself in work to keep my mind off this transplant deal.

Crazy thing about the whole process is, KU has never completed a SPK (simultaneous pancreas kidney) transplant on a Type 2. It's been done plenty of times with Type 1 diabetics. Dr's were calling it a trailblazer surgery to further diabetes care for the future. It's been done at other hospitals just not KU.
 
Checkin in on everyone! Hope y'all are doing ok.

Got some good news yesterday. I made the list for transplant.

My dr's at KU fought to get me listed for both a kidney and pancreas.
Awesome!!! Don't forget to ask about their BOGO special... 😏
 
Checkin in on everyone! Hope y'all are doing ok.

Got some good news yesterday. I made the list for transplant.

My dr's at KU fought to get me listed for both a kidney and pancreas.
Awesome news!
 
We've talked about marijuana use for mental health in the past, and back then I wasn't really a user because it would give me extreme anxiety. Well, starting around June of this year, I have been using almost daily and it has seriously changed my life in a lot of ways. I was able to ease into it because we spent 100 days this summer in and around Oregon. As a New York resident, the ease of finding dispensaries in Oregon was wild to us.

Anyway, I can't believe I am finally able to enjoy the benefits. If anyone is interested, I'd love to talk more about weed in this thread.

Here's my second attempt at rolling. Apparently, it is extremely difficult to do, lol.

IMG_0844.jpeg
 
I’ve been having some down days lately. Feel like I’m not really living in the present or something. And no motivation as usual.
Funny how our bodies experience things in waves or pulses. Yesterday, I talked with a guy I operated in a few weeks ago about his metastatic lung cancer, and in the space of 45 minutes we laughed, cried, bent over double in grief and agony, hugged, smiled and frowned.

I'll leave you with something the apostle James said:
"Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any among you joyful? Let him sing praise."
 
I’ve been having some down days lately. Feel like I’m not really living in the present or something. And no motivation as usual.
I'm there with you buddy. We were given a weeks diagnosis with our pup. Last month I came home to her acting strange, we took her to the vet. We ended up at the University of Missouri Vet School, where she had a kidney removed. She had kidney stones blocking the flow to her bladder. Here we are a month in and her other kidney is having a hard time keeping up. We are giving her 200mL subcutaneous daily to help. She had stopped eating all together. Our vet said if she doesn't eat in the next couple days we'd be lucky to see friday. I think she saw our pain and she FINALLY ate. She a little more peppy over the last couple of days.

Everyday is a gift with our little pup. She's an old lady at 13, not to mention she was the runt of the litter. When I start thinking about life without her, it absolutely guts me every time. Given what my wife and I are going through with me, I feel like she is feeling some sympathy and mimicking my symptoms.
 
I wonder the age of those with "issues". My generation just sucks it up and pushes through. The experts say that's wrong, but I notice a lot more younger folks are offing themselves than they used to. Maybe the touchy feely stuff is wrong.
 
I wonder the age of those with "issues". My generation just sucks it up and pushes through. The experts say that's wrong, but I notice a lot more younger folks are offing themselves than they used to. Maybe the touchy feely stuff is wrong.
I do understand what you are trying to say. Although I'm not as old as you, but raised to brush things off and learned to let things go and just move on with life. The generation today hasn't been taught those life skills, I think because their parents think they are doing the right thing. They just don't understand how to deal with difficulties and life in general.

I do notice a increase in people committing suicide, which is tragic. I've dealt with this personally on a few accounts. My brother in law was a Army (OEF Veteran) and came back from deployment, killed himself by hanging. Now his son had to deal with it at a very young age. I constantly check on him, and let him know if he needs to talk I'll listen. I think people just need an outlet, someone to listen. Please do not take what they are saying for granted, they might not come out and say it, but they just need someone during their time of difficulty.

I'm always here to chat, doesn't matter with who. If someone is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust this is not the end.
 
I'm there with you buddy. We were given a weeks diagnosis with our pup. Last month I came home to her acting strange, we took her to the vet. We ended up at the University of Missouri Vet School, where she had a kidney removed. She had kidney stones blocking the flow to her bladder. Here we are a month in and her other kidney is having a hard time keeping up. We are giving her 200mL subcutaneous daily to help. She had stopped eating all together. Our vet said if she doesn't eat in the next couple days we'd be lucky to see friday. I think she saw our pain and she FINALLY ate. She a little more peppy over the last couple of days.

Everyday is a gift with our little pup. She's an old lady at 13, not to mention she was the runt of the litter. When I start thinking about life without her, it absolutely guts me every time. Given what my wife and I are going through with me, I feel like she is feeling some sympathy and mimicking my symptoms.
@TCOTUE,

That is extremely rough. I remember loosing my best friend, "Buddy", very quickly 5 years ago. It just happened overnight. Labored breathing/panting and we rushed him to the vet and he died before they could even give him morphine. His body was riddled with cancer. I was crushed for weeks. I felt guilt that I didn't so something sooner, and then depression.

When enough time had passed (about 8 weeks), and I was ready for another 'buddy', we found this guy from the Res as a puppy and named him Korbin (his original name was "Scrappy". When the time is right, your heart will find another companion. There are so many dogs that need homes. You will find one, or one will find you. Korbin turned out even better than Buddy. Enjoy the remaining time you have with her and make her as comfortable as possible.
 

Attachments

  • Buddy nap.jpg
    Buddy nap.jpg
    238.1 KB · Views: 42
  • Buddy.jpg
    Buddy.jpg
    83.7 KB · Views: 42
  • Korbin Coffee Shop.jpg
    Korbin Coffee Shop.jpg
    186.4 KB · Views: 46
  • Korbin Puppy.jpg
    Korbin Puppy.jpg
    117 KB · Views: 48
@TCOTUE,

That is extremely rough. I remember loosing my best friend, "Buddy", very quickly 5 years ago. It just happened overnight. Labored breathing/panting and we rushed him to the vet and he died before they could even give him morphine. His body was riddled with cancer. I was crushed for weeks. I felt guilt that I didn't so something sooner, and then depression.

When enough time had passed (about 8 weeks), and I was ready for another 'buddy', we found this guy from the Res as a puppy and named him Korbin (his original name was "Scrappy". When the time is right, your heart will find another companion. There are so many dogs that need homes. You will find one, or one will find you. Korbin turned out even better than Buddy. Enjoy the remaining time you have with her and make her as comfortable as possible.
I appreciate the kind words.

Luckily, she has bounced back some. VET recommended taking her off her regular dog food, and only boiled chicken and apples. And man what a difference. We've been taking her every where with us, to maximize the time with her as we don't know when she will pass.

Her lab work has leveled out to somewhat normal numbers, she has more energy now. Shes much brighter and happier we feel. Here's to more time with our pets.
 
I lost someone I thought I knew pretty well over the holidays. A highly functioning high ranking military officer took his own life in the prime of his career. He had just taken command of his unit. I spoke to him about 2 weeks prior and had no inclination that he was in pain. Please reach out if you are suffering. We can't help help you if you don't let us know. This is especially true for veterans. They often feel isolated and don't know who to turn to. It doesn't matter who you turn to for help, just ask someone.

Dial 988

Mark
406Camper
 
I lost someone I thought I knew pretty well over the holidays. A highly functioning high ranking military officer took his own life in the prime of his career. He had just taken command of his unit. I spoke to him about 2 weeks prior and had no inclination that he was in pain. Please reach out if you are suffering. We can't help help you if you don't let us know. This is especially true for veterans. They often feel isolated and don't know who to turn to. It doesn't matter who you turn to for help, just ask someone.

Dial 988

Mark
406Camper
If ANYONE needs to talk, I'm always here. Regardless of time of day.

I've also suffered this loss of life in my family, from a veteran. He took his own life after his deployment from Afghanistan.

If you don't feel comfortable calling 988 my number is: (417) 693-4154
 
I need some kind of help. I don't know what or how. My mind often finds itself where it shouldn't be. But afraid to talk to people because of what it could lead to. That I've thought it all through and am self aware. That I find my process of thinking completely logical. That amongst some friends and occupation that these thoughts aren't taken lightly but are somewhat normal but inappropriate for general people. I find myself obsessing over things so I don't have to think about my mental state or well being. There are times I don't sleep or eat for days. I've lost myself and don't even know if what I'm waiting for will even fix things. That it could just open up a whole new set of problems.
 
I need some kind of help. I don't know what or how. My mind often finds itself where it shouldn't be. But afraid to talk to people because of what it could lead to. That I've thought it all through and am self aware. That I find my process of thinking completely logical. That amongst some friends and occupation that these thoughts aren't taken lightly but are somewhat normal but inappropriate for general people. I find myself obsessing over things so I don't have to think about my mental state or well being. There are times I don't sleep or eat for days. I've lost myself and don't even know if what I'm waiting for will even fix things. That it could just open up a whole new set of problems.
This is rough. All I can think to say is that I’ve been feeling the same. Especially not eating or sleeping. Or, sometimes sleeping for two days straight. I have cool dreams that I’m able to remember, so sometimes I’d rather be asleep and in those dreams.

We are definitely not alone though. But idk what to do to change.
 
This is rough. All I can think to say is that I’ve been feeling the same. Especially not eating or sleeping. Or, sometimes sleeping for two days straight. I have cool dreams that I’m able to remember, so sometimes I’d rather be asleep and in those dreams.

We are definitely not alone though. But idk what to do to change.

On my days off I find it difficult to leave bed and binge TV. I'm running out of shows and movies to watch. Entire seasons of out of my range things. If I am able to get out of bed I'm drawn into a PC game. The game is an addiction and it has a negative impact on my life. One of those never ending, always something, something new, goals, chase, progression. Even at work I'll try and plan or will read up on it.

Impulse purchases. Another addiction. I used to be fit. Broke the typical stereotype. But lost it all. I feel I lost all the mass. But could be the whole dysmorphia thing.

I have so many unfinished projects that don't get done which need to get finished. I keep putting it off. My house is a wreck. Everytime I try to start organizing I get distracted and stray, move one thing to another area where it belongs and end up picking up from there not finish the previous area. Even with the other ongoing projects, I keep taking on more. Looking for solutions to non-issues.

COVID times only made things worse. I was isolated to myself and work.

I'll admit a part of this is over a girl which added to this and it's my own fault to let it happen. I just told her we need to work on things and move forward or I need her to let me go. But all of this was there even before her.

Some ADHD, impulsiveness and obsession. Deep dive into the stupidest details of every little thing that is insignificant. Price shop and cheap ass for the best deal, so I don't stumble upon something with remorse and beat myself up over a couple dollars.

Just feel a constant weight and burden. Have a temper from built up fear and hurt. That it bottles up and I lose it. Hard to even talk to people because I can't put the words together and end up repeating myself in circles justifying my own feelings. I am self aware, but don't catch myself when I snap.

They always say to reach out and get help. I've gone through the steps for years. I can only keep repeating myself so many times. I've been through so many psychs, doctors, social workers and nothing. It's always what and how I dealt with it. They agree with my logical thought process and how most things are handled. When I say something is an issue, they don't agree. I know my spending habits are bad. I explained how excessive they were and how unreasonable my purchases were. That it was the only thing that I find interest in and how elaborately I make those decisions. That while it's being shipped, it's the only thing I can look forward to in my shit life. Once it arrives, I lost interest fast. Then just sits around and I'll maybe start messing with it, installing it. Like the head unit. I'm sure you guys have saw me say how the Chinese Android unit was so great, but it just bricked. Got the Sony unit. Sat on it for a couple weeks when it's just 4 bolts and 5 connectors. Did that and just never put the entire center console back in. No reason to even pull it out, but I did for whatever reason thinking I'd install something else while it was apart. But don't know if I want to spend more and go through the hassle of adding more stuff. Add in a couple more weeks and you can just see the bare metal and insulation in the center of the truck. The tools I used to swap the head units still on the passenger seat. But back to therapy and help, one hobby I like a little is my firearms. You guys know the whole mental health and firearms stigma. But with where I find myself in my head, if I say that to another person it would not be good. I work in a career with the highest suicide rate and having other odds against me. If I exposed my thoughts on what I find logical in a sound state of mind I could lose my job or even get committed for saying the wrong things. That I can't be truthful or fully open up to those people. I believe my thoughts are logical and can be justified. Not hurting another. It just feels like it's a trap and it's job security for the psych field.
 
You know, you've probably heard this before, but I think looking for a major "fix" isn't going to work.

I think you need to do the following:

1) expect 5 years of not much progress, and then 5 years of small progress.
2) start with one small, little thing that you can practice every day. One little disciplined habit that you can do for literally two months every day.

Examples include making your bed, doing 5/10/15/20 pushups upon waking, reading 2 pages of a book every day, putting a dollar or 10 in an envelope every day, writing down something you're thankful for.

Add 6 habits a year, which in 10 years is 60 habits, and probably by year 5 you'll be out of the constant funk, and by year 10 into a healthy life.
 
I need some kind of help. I don't know what or how. My mind often finds itself where it shouldn't be. But afraid to talk to people because of what it could lead to. That I've thought it all through and am self aware. That I find my process of thinking completely logical. That amongst some friends and occupation that these thoughts aren't taken lightly but are somewhat normal but inappropriate for general people. I find myself obsessing over things so I don't have to think about my mental state or well being. There are times I don't sleep or eat for days. I've lost myself and don't even know if what I'm waiting for will even fix things. That it could just open up a whole new set of problems.
What specifically are you concerned talking could lead to? What kind of people would you be talking to? Friends, acquaintances, professionals?

All I know is what I’ve experienced. Sometimes the best therapy is a weekly breakfast, wing night, etc. with a good friend.

I don’t know what it is you’re waiting for. If you’re waiting for an event/happening/person to be the solution you could (key word could) be holding yourself back from the solution (with that mindset).

Just some thoughts, what do I know?! Haha. I’m always free to chat if you message me. 👍🏻
 
Three years ago, I tried hypnotherapy, and it worked! I still contact my hypnotherapist and thank her for helping me so much. Good luck, everyone.
 
What specifically are you concerned talking could lead to? What kind of people would you be talking to? Friends, acquaintances, professionals?

All I know is what I’ve experienced. Sometimes the best therapy is a weekly breakfast, wing night, etc. with a good friend.

I don’t know what it is you’re waiting for. If you’re waiting for an event/happening/person to be the solution you could (key word could) be holding yourself back from the solution (with that mindset).

Just some thoughts, what do I know?! Haha. I’m always free to chat if you message me. 👍🏻

Lose my job, loss of rights. Get committed because someone else "thinks" they know what's best without actually understanding. Professionals. I dated a Psychiatrist who ran things at one of those hospitals. I've worked in Mental Health Units. I don't know everything, but I do know enough on how some of the things work for me to have my own concerns.
The simple thing is definitely a great solution. It's just seeing which friend is able to meet with.
Don't even know if I'm waiting for anything. If something happened if it would even change things. I do understand that.
Comprehensively thought things through. Hate to inconvenience or cause stress on others. Guess I gotta try and think some more.

But I made progress. Finally straightened up my house a bit. First time in over 6 years. Got rid of a lot of stuff. It feels great. Pocketed almost $1k from junk that sat around.
Gonna try to ride this out. Thanks for listening.
 
Back
Top