United States Equestrian Federation

Printer Friendly Version

Email This Post Share this post:

Statement on Laine Ashker's Condition April 29, 11 a.m.

Release: April 29 2008

Author: jmorris

This morning we are pleased to see more incremental progress with Laine’s lung injury. While she remains on the ventilator, she is beginning to take some breaths on her own. Her vital signs are also improving. Her fever, while still high, is down to a less critical level. Her blood pressure, which has been running low, is beginning to rise up to a more acceptable level and her blood oxygenation saturation is very good (meaning that her lungs are performing their primary function of distribution oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide). She still has three chest tubes inserted that allow for the release of pressures and draining of excess blood in her chest cavity. Her right lung, which was the one most badly damaged, has effectively resealed itself and is now leaking only minimally.

Once the respiratory function is stabilized, then we can start to deal with the myriad other injuries. Top on that list is resetting Lainey’s broken jaw. That surgery is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, although that is subject to change. Her jaw bone was completely severed near the chin line with a secondary break higher up near her facial plate, just below the right ear. All surgery is risky; and more so in Laine’s case given her fragile state.

At this point we’re not looking too far beyond the jaw surgery. We’ll keep the reports coming as we learn more. In the meantime, we’d like to thank everyone once again for all your heart felt prayers, emails and cards. When Laine does regain full consciousness she’ll enjoy reading them.

News Releases

Press Release Archive

Around the World News