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.
On A Personal and Lighter Note: I would additionally like to add that Laine has been particularly uplifted to hear that Karen O’Connor and her coach and ‘big brother’ Buck have called expressing their concern daily and are wishing her a speedy recovery. Karen asked me if there was ANYTHING she could do to help out….I paused…and then asked her if she was going to Jersey Fresh ***. She responded saying “this is about the Eight St. James Trophy isn’t it”? I said yes. She said it is as good as done! So now dear friends this is what we have. Buck and Karen entered in the 3 star. One trophy. A well dusted area in our farm’s trophy cabinet. And the words “bring it on” from Karen to Buck. The rest will be history.
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart for all your countless prayers and expressions of love for my baby daughter. Sincerely.
Valerie
The ins and outs of competition riding.
