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Tethered
Frolics from a stroke.
Tracy was at the start of her law career and at the cusp of life when she got a debilitating brainstem stroke that affected her breathing, swallowing, speech, eyesight, and severely weakened her left and paralysed her right. She found herself effectively a thinking statue at the age of 35.
This is an account of her journey to recovery. As her brain is reset, she finds, so is her life. Like a growing child, she learns the most basic things anew, and more insightfully, the second time around. She sees the world in a different dimension this time – as wheelchair-bound. She discovers what faith means when it is all that is left.
In amusing and heart-wrenching anecdotes, she finds that there is a life to be had, even in the cracks.
Tracy was at the start of her law career and at the cusp of life when she got a debilitating brainstem stroke that affected her breathing, swallowing, speech, eyesight, and severely weakened her left and paralysed her right. She found herself effectively a thinking statue at the age of 35.
This is an account of her journey to recovery. As her brain is reset, she finds, so is her life. Like a growing child, she learns the most basic things anew, and more insightfully, the second time around. She sees the world in a different dimension this time – as wheelchair-bound. She discovers what faith means when it is all that is left.
In amusing and heart-wrenching anecdotes, she finds that there is a life to be had, even in the cracks.
- GenresNonfiction
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
10 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 30, 2024
I love books that teach me how to see the world. Heartily recommended. I hope the reviews bring more readers.
January 25, 2025
Honestly and exquisitely written. This memoir brings to light the experiences of illness, the beauty and grit of humanity, the pains of systemic gaps, and the likes.
Read
December 8, 2024Holiday season is coming and one thing I’m quite sure is that I can reach 100 books since I just finished this memoir from Tracy Anne Ong of @blithebooksindependent as my 97th read of 2024.
This is a recent release from @penguinbookssea and written by a Filipino author narrating her journey and recovery from stroke.
I mentioned earlier this year that I will commit to read more non-fiction titles and based on my experience in the last eleven months, I tend to enjoy reading memoirs hence I decided to pick Tethered as one of my last priority reads.
So, what can you expect from this book?
One, there is a lot of medical jargons and majority of the anecdotes happened in hospital settings hence prepare to read about extractions, tests, diagnoses, and results following the author’s experience in 2020.
This book is packed with honesty in a way that the author bared it all in details. From the medical terms that I first encountered through this book to truthful slices of a patient’s life, Tracy Anne Ong spilled her guts and more and it made the book direct and open to readers.
There’s a lot to be said about reading someone’s (painful) experiences and imagining how brave they were in reliving those moments in order to have it written/shared but I think it’s more of a testament of courage and with Tethered, Tracy Anne Ong used that strength in order to share her story and hopefully, to impart additional facts about stroke.
It is also undeniable that the author is privilege enough to get treatment outside of the Philippines and there was even a discourse about how crappy our healthcare system in PH is but I liked how the author acknowledged that privelege and how the author ended the discussion about the Philippines health system.
Lastly, if I were to end this thought train with a one-liner, I’d use the very same words of the author: “this is not a depressing book, but it is an account that begins with immense suffering.”
This is a recent release from @penguinbookssea and written by a Filipino author narrating her journey and recovery from stroke.
I mentioned earlier this year that I will commit to read more non-fiction titles and based on my experience in the last eleven months, I tend to enjoy reading memoirs hence I decided to pick Tethered as one of my last priority reads.
So, what can you expect from this book?
One, there is a lot of medical jargons and majority of the anecdotes happened in hospital settings hence prepare to read about extractions, tests, diagnoses, and results following the author’s experience in 2020.
This book is packed with honesty in a way that the author bared it all in details. From the medical terms that I first encountered through this book to truthful slices of a patient’s life, Tracy Anne Ong spilled her guts and more and it made the book direct and open to readers.
There’s a lot to be said about reading someone’s (painful) experiences and imagining how brave they were in reliving those moments in order to have it written/shared but I think it’s more of a testament of courage and with Tethered, Tracy Anne Ong used that strength in order to share her story and hopefully, to impart additional facts about stroke.
It is also undeniable that the author is privilege enough to get treatment outside of the Philippines and there was even a discourse about how crappy our healthcare system in PH is but I liked how the author acknowledged that privelege and how the author ended the discussion about the Philippines health system.
Lastly, if I were to end this thought train with a one-liner, I’d use the very same words of the author: “this is not a depressing book, but it is an account that begins with immense suffering.”
Read
August 25, 2024Find hope after stroke
At 35, she had the unthinkable happen. Almost dying from 4 succesive strokes, she fought her way back to life with the help of a community of people helmed by her parents and sisters and her neurologist who became her greatest advocate. Her story is a story of the miracle borne by faith, a story of hope, a story of people who choose to grow that hope in small and large measures to help her in her recovery, a story of life undeterred by the curveball that came out of nowhere.
At 35, she had the unthinkable happen. Almost dying from 4 succesive strokes, she fought her way back to life with the help of a community of people helmed by her parents and sisters and her neurologist who became her greatest advocate. Her story is a story of the miracle borne by faith, a story of hope, a story of people who choose to grow that hope in small and large measures to help her in her recovery, a story of life undeterred by the curveball that came out of nowhere.
May 28, 2025
Given to me by my sister Kira Ang Wong based in Cebu who’s also a lawyer. Not gonna lie, the first few chapters had me saying — Good grief this is depressing. But then after a while, I sank into the beauty of the words, the hope runnng through the pages, and the unshakeable faith that better things were just around the corner. An amazing read that deserves quiet hours and the space to fill gratitude with. My kudos to the author!
September 2, 2024
A first hand account of a vibrant 35 year old lawyer who endured unimaginable suffering and beat the odds. I couldnt put it down! It’s an easy read that makes you reflect on the fragility of human life and our own mortality. That “normal is being spoiled like crazy”. I love how relatable it is that “you only have to be tough for a little while”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
Her story is not just a testament to physical survival but a lesson in resilience and the power of the human spirit. It's a kind of story that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, I may have revisited some pages just to re-read them.
September 28, 2024
Read this in a day. This book altered my perspective on how to live my life and what I value. As a healthcare professional, it also served as a reminder of how deeply i can affect my patients… A must-read for everyone, especially if you know someone who’s suffered through a stroke.
December 22, 2024
After vicariously experiencing Tracy’s harrowing journey to recovery and her family’s caregiving, I am grateful for even the seemingly smallest and mundane daily activities I am able to perform independently. I wish them all happiness from now onwards.
December 6, 2024
I wanted this review to focus on Tracy’s book, entirely on her, because this is what this fantastic book deserves. But Tracy’s experience reminded me of someone’s health crises — mine.
In 2017, I embarked on a life-changing journey to lose weight. Growing up, I had always been heavy—not just overweight, but obese. The pounds melted away like butter in the first few months of my new diet. I went from a 3XL at my heaviest, around 220 lbs, down to an XL, then quickly to a Medium. The progress was fast, and I was thrilled. I would be lying if I said I didn’t.
I left for an 11-day trip to the States, firmly committed that I would not have that “vacation weight.” Indeed, I didn’t. When I got home and stepped on the scale — I had lost 9 kg. Yup, 9 kilos.
A few weeks later, I started to get faint spells. I was so focused on my “results” that I didn’t want to see what was wrong. I borrowed a digital BP monitor and checked my blood pressure below 90/60. I drove myself home. I knew something was up, but I dismissed and ignored it because I needed to drive for my relatives coming over for an occasion.
Later that night, I booked myself a ticket to Cebu. I didn’t want local doctors to see me like this. I had pride.
Cebu, around 7 pm, I went straight to the ER, mustering the energy left in my frail body. I was severely weak, dehydrated, on my period, and alone. By policy, Triage didn’t prioritize me. I looked fine. I had make-up on, and my lipstick masked my pallor.
A few dreadful hours later, I submitted myself for voluntary admission. They doubted I could pay. They didn’t want to admit me.
The day following, in my hospital bed, a cardiologist and three other doctors said they needed to transfer me for better monitoring. I was getting worse. I knew they weren’t telling me everything. I was still alone. I still haven’t told my family and friends at this point, but more people needed to know — I was about to get transferred to the ICU once a slot opened.
I tested red in all my lab works and positive for the tilt table test. Like Tracy, I wanted to return to the ER to slap and sue everyone. But I was weak and getting weaker every day, so I had to reschedule my wrath some other day.
I was discharged from the Cebu hospital without a clear diagnosis. A few months passed, and I wasn’t improving at my desired pace. I got a referral to see a Neurologist because they needed to rule out epilepsy. There are no manifestations to support this, by the way. I was diagnosed with severe B-12 deficiency. Doc L said he has 70-year-old stroke patients stronger than me. I didn’t know what to feel when I heard this.
I was given medication sourced from the States, was on 6-month routine check-ups, and was advised to eat more salty food, Chickenjoy to be exact.
Like Tracy, I thought it was already the end for me. Like Tracy, I had plans and dreams and wanted to do many things.
Then, here comes life — it slaps you hard, reminding you that it owns you, not the other way around.
Fast forward to 2023, and I finally got the final diagnosis — a couple of months before I was scheduled to deliver my daughter. I couldn’t remember the diagnosis, but it involved my nerves and blood vessels. It was short yet mouthful. Maybe I wanted to forget it. Like a lot of sad things, this life makes us face.
I never had a chance to tell my story. Tracy, thank you for helping me leave that past season of my life behind and the suffering that came with it.
I’m writing this while my daughter sleeps beside me tonight. I’m grateful to have the life I have now. Stronger and hopefully wiser in dealing with life.
Thank you, Tracy, for your story. It allowed me to tell mine.
In 2017, I embarked on a life-changing journey to lose weight. Growing up, I had always been heavy—not just overweight, but obese. The pounds melted away like butter in the first few months of my new diet. I went from a 3XL at my heaviest, around 220 lbs, down to an XL, then quickly to a Medium. The progress was fast, and I was thrilled. I would be lying if I said I didn’t.
I left for an 11-day trip to the States, firmly committed that I would not have that “vacation weight.” Indeed, I didn’t. When I got home and stepped on the scale — I had lost 9 kg. Yup, 9 kilos.
A few weeks later, I started to get faint spells. I was so focused on my “results” that I didn’t want to see what was wrong. I borrowed a digital BP monitor and checked my blood pressure below 90/60. I drove myself home. I knew something was up, but I dismissed and ignored it because I needed to drive for my relatives coming over for an occasion.
Later that night, I booked myself a ticket to Cebu. I didn’t want local doctors to see me like this. I had pride.
Cebu, around 7 pm, I went straight to the ER, mustering the energy left in my frail body. I was severely weak, dehydrated, on my period, and alone. By policy, Triage didn’t prioritize me. I looked fine. I had make-up on, and my lipstick masked my pallor.
A few dreadful hours later, I submitted myself for voluntary admission. They doubted I could pay. They didn’t want to admit me.
The day following, in my hospital bed, a cardiologist and three other doctors said they needed to transfer me for better monitoring. I was getting worse. I knew they weren’t telling me everything. I was still alone. I still haven’t told my family and friends at this point, but more people needed to know — I was about to get transferred to the ICU once a slot opened.
I tested red in all my lab works and positive for the tilt table test. Like Tracy, I wanted to return to the ER to slap and sue everyone. But I was weak and getting weaker every day, so I had to reschedule my wrath some other day.
I was discharged from the Cebu hospital without a clear diagnosis. A few months passed, and I wasn’t improving at my desired pace. I got a referral to see a Neurologist because they needed to rule out epilepsy. There are no manifestations to support this, by the way. I was diagnosed with severe B-12 deficiency. Doc L said he has 70-year-old stroke patients stronger than me. I didn’t know what to feel when I heard this.
I was given medication sourced from the States, was on 6-month routine check-ups, and was advised to eat more salty food, Chickenjoy to be exact.
Like Tracy, I thought it was already the end for me. Like Tracy, I had plans and dreams and wanted to do many things.
Then, here comes life — it slaps you hard, reminding you that it owns you, not the other way around.
Fast forward to 2023, and I finally got the final diagnosis — a couple of months before I was scheduled to deliver my daughter. I couldn’t remember the diagnosis, but it involved my nerves and blood vessels. It was short yet mouthful. Maybe I wanted to forget it. Like a lot of sad things, this life makes us face.
I never had a chance to tell my story. Tracy, thank you for helping me leave that past season of my life behind and the suffering that came with it.
I’m writing this while my daughter sleeps beside me tonight. I’m grateful to have the life I have now. Stronger and hopefully wiser in dealing with life.
Thank you, Tracy, for your story. It allowed me to tell mine.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews