Me before the accident
Okay, I’m gonna get personal here. I haven’t posted in over eight months, and there’s a big reason. In November 2010, I was on the way home with my hubby. We watched Cirque du Soleil and had dinner with my cousin, Bi. A car hit us.
I don’t remember anything after that, but my husband tells me that I dialed 9-1-1. I was in the hospital from November until May of this year. A long time. I shuttled between three hospitals. I had a traumatic brain injury. I had a PEG tube inserted for nutrition, so imagine tube feeding being pumped in your stomach for 6 months. I developed hydrocephalus. In January I had a shunt placed in my head. I can finally eat now and had my PEG tube removed. My head was lopsided for a bit because of the shunt. I gave birth to a premature baby and don’t even remember it. All I have is a scar, no pain, just fogginess of when I gave birth to her.
Because I could barely talk, I was frustrated a lot. I learned how to write with my left hand. I would pine for my husband to get home from work, and when 5:45 pm hit, I was so happy he would come back. My friends from California would come visit and fill in the empty spaces. My sister-in-law quit her job and, I think because of me, moved over to Texas to become a nurse because she had met so many bad ones. I was in rehab in the hospital, and spent hours doing occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. I could barely control my drool and was embarrassed a lot. I recently mastered it and now can walk slowly with a cane, talk clearly, and not drool.
Eight months later, I’m still in rehab but at home, thankfully. I have rehab three times a week and can walk with a cane now, a big improvement from using a wheelchair. I can talk now, and my double vision is gone. My right arm isn’t where I’d like it to be, and typing this is taking forever and a day. I can go out now, and I’m loving it.
So for those of you who have wondered, this is where I’ve been. I made a super long story really short. I’ll continue to post so check back once in awhile, but do understand it’s hard because I don’t have complete function in my right arm. Talk to y’all later!
Wow. Not sure what to say other than you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Get well soon seems lame, but I’ll offer it with sincerity.
Best to you!
Tram, keep up the great progress! I am hoping your nurses treated you well or I will fly out to hicktown and body slam them… And then, tell them I’m a nurse, too. In all seriousness, I am happy you are doing well. We look forward to seeing you in the future.
I love you cous! We are SO proud of you….your strength, your courage, and your determination inspires me EVERY day. xoxo….
Oh Tram, as usual beautifully written. I’m so proud of your progress and I’m elated that your writing again. Soon you’ll be posting pics of the wonderful food you make ( and I’m sure you have plenty of new recipes in you)! Can’t wait to read more posts! Btw, I’m made the cantaloupe w/ balsamic, but the balsamic reduction was a little too
reduced! By the time I tried to drizzle it on the cantaloupe, it hardened like crystal sugar!!! Will try again and send you the pics:).
Tram! I’m so glad to hear that you are better and are getting better from day to day. I am continually amazed at your strength and heart. You and your family are in my prayers and I look forward to hearing more regularly from you.
Tram! So happy to see you writing in your blog again! You’re an amazing woman, and I know you’re getting better and stronger everyday.
Tram, what a story. Life is so unpredictable! The world we know can change in an instant, and we have to change with it. I admire your attitude and I wish you well!
Tram, you are amazing. You have such strength and I look up to you so much. Thinking of you all the time.
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’
–Mary Anne Radmacher
You are one courageous woman. With a courageous family.
((Hugs))
Trammy, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Your strength amazes me
Tram, this is Tricia’s cousin, Joyce. We met a while back, but Tricia’s been keeping me posted on your progress. You, your family, your friends- you truly amaze and inspire me. Truly. I can’t wait to try the recipes on your website and the new ones you’ll be adding. You are always in my thoughts.
Tram, I had no idea about what happened to you until Trish had informed me earlier this year. I am sooo happy to hear of all the progress you have made and I continue to pray for you as you rehab. You are a true inspiration to all of your friends. I know that it has really been like forever, but I cannot wait until the next time I see you… a big bear hug awaits! I will continue to check up on you and read this blog… I could definitely use some cooking and nutritional tips!
Tram – Tricia has been keeping us updated with your progress and I’m so happy to see that you’re up to writing again. Our thought and prayers are with you on your continued recovery. YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN!
hi baby cous! i am thrilled that you are back in the blogosphere. your experience has added resilience, strength, and courage to your voice in such a profound way. i am proud of you.
Tram-you’re amazing and I admire your strength. I am so proud of you! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Wow I am so sorry to hear that happened but can tell that you’re an incredibly strong and amazing woman. I’m so glad to hear you are doing better and I assume since you did otherwise that your baby is doing okay as well? You will be in my thoughts and I hope you only continue to heal and rediscover the full joys of living. Take care!
I am so blessed that you were brought into my life. I always have a great time working with you. It looks like we better get to work with that right hand to speed up these blogs! You want to keep your fan club updated!
I’m a friend of Trish’s. Your life experience has been a wonder of love & amazement. I prayed for you & your loving husband, baby & your family & friends who’ve been there for you. Take care & I hope your story gives promise & hope to others.
Cathy
Your strength and resiliance is amazing. I hope and pray that you get back on your feet and are 100% very soon. I hope your baby is doing okay too.
Hi Trammy.. So glad to hear that things are getting better! Wish I could be there for you in person. I think and pray for you and your family often. May you continute to be strong both on the inside and out. Keep up great progress! I’m sure you’ll be 100% very soon!
Lots of love and Aloha,
Kimmae
Hi Tram. Sapuche here, now coming to you from northern Japan. I’d been checking your blog (usually from Vietnam) and in the absence of new posts I hoped that everything was okay with you. I’m so sorry to hear about your terrible accident but am really happy to hear about the progress of your recovery. As everyone says here, you’re a courageous, amazingly strong woman, and I wish you the very best. A big hug from across the Pacific and over to Texas. Keep taking good care, Tram.
I just found your site. What an incredible story! I’m so glad you are doing better, you are amazing. You never said what happened to the baby. I hope you keep us posted. I am wishing the very best from now on for you and your family.
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Tram, when I hear words like “courageous,” “inspirational,” and “amazing,” I think of you.
Geez, thank you everyone! I forgot to say that my baby is doing extremely well, laughing a lot, is beginning to crawl, and I’m really lucky that she’s doing so well
I am so happy to hear the baby is doing well too. Give her a big hug.
So glad to hear your baby is doing well. Your husband is amazing too. Hope things get better and better
Oh my goodness. I just discovered this site and will be making your pork tenderloin with the mango chutney this week for dinner. Good luck with your continued recovery.
Hi Tram, Man just recently shared what you’ve been going through. Your old friends at the ARC are so happy you and your family are doing well! Keep up the hard work and I love your site.
Glad to hear you are doing better – so sorry to hear that this happened to you!!!
hi to you..my first time here and what a surprise to read about you.. i really hope you can fully recover soon. you are one of my followers at networkblogs.. its no wonder i did not visit you last time. God has reasons for doing/ allowing things to happen.
i still consider you as very lucky that you manage to recover quite fast..
o ya the squash soup looks very delicious with interesting complimentary ingredients..
glad i blog walk to your site.. hi, i am Wan, from malaysia, if you are bored, you are welcome to visit my blog , would love to read a comment from you too. have a nice day and take care
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oh my goodness! I’m the editor for FoodPress and have your blog on my list…I’ve kept clicking through over the months, hoping you would post something new and wondering where you went. I am SO SORRY about all that happened to you!!! big hugs and I’m so happy to hear that you are getting better…much love!
This is my first time here. I also wish you the best for a full recovery. I am a wellness consultant and was browsing for bloggers that may be interested in NIKKEN magnetic and nutritional products. Best of health to you.
Hi Tram,
I am glad to hear you are doing well. I looked at your blog several months ago and again today. I just found out about your accident and looked at your youtube video. You made miraculous recovery and you/your baby are so lucky to be alive! Did you get to meet Senator Giffords yet? When will your youtube part2 video be posted? Email me offline if you want.
Prayers for you to make a full-recovery back to your normal self soon.
Please take care of yourself! God Bless and god speed.
Oh my gosh, such an intense story. Please keep us posted on your progress. I hope you are finding joy in each day and that each day provides you the chance to grow stronger. Best of luck on the road to recovery. Keep your spirit alive!
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HI CO TRAM! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU AND WISH YOU BEST WISHES!!
Amazing story of strong will and endurance. I’m positive that your story will encourage and enlighten friends and family for generations.
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