On September 19, 1997 I was headed home on my MBA graduation present to myself, a Harley Davidson motorcycle. I needed to exchange it for my van so I could pick up the kids from the day care center. I only ran into a 110 day delay. A pick-up truck pulled in front of me and I hit him. I crushed my left hand, broke my pelvic bone in four places, broke my upper jaw and nose and had damage to the optic nerve on my left side. I spent 38 days in the Shock Trauma center in Baltimore, MD. I obtained a copy of my medical records from there, it was only 57 pages long and not once was it mentioned as to when I became conscious and how much blood I had received. It turns out that I received 40 units (pints) of blood. We only have eight pints in our body normally so it was replaced five times and the neurologist asked me why I had a HIV test done. Thank God it came back negative. I was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Baltimore where I remained until 1-7-98. I was taking two classes so that I could take the CPA exam in November 1997. Needless to say I had to retake those classes last semester and this semester. I plan on taking the exam in November 1999, just two years later than I had planned. I did get to spend Christmas at home this year and was able to celebrate my children's birthdays with them in 1998. The driver of the truck lives on the street next to us. He was underinsured, which means his insurance only paid the loan balance on the Harley, none of my medical expenses. He was charged with failure to yield the right of way on a left turn which as of October 13, 1998 he had not paid or appeared in court. I do have pictures of me that are a week after the accident and I would like for him to see what my family had to see when they were finally able to visit. It was also a struggle to be allow to drive a car again. It only took me five months to get approval. The guy did not have to take tests again and he was at fault. One of my biggest troubles is that 30% of the peripheral vision in the left eye is missing. this affects my depth perception and makes it very difficult to read. That is what will stop me from going after my PHD. This has been a very difficult journey for me, my husband and the children. I am very thankful to those that participated in my rescue. Without them I don't think I would be here today. I hope the world will someday be more aware of TBI and the changes it brings. Best wished to everyone.
