A pregnant Rimbey woman who suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and is in the University of Alberta Hospital appears to be beating the odds and her family is encouraged by her progress.
Twenty-two-year-old Ashley Rhine was airlifted to the U of A Hospital after collapsing while visiting her brother, Austin, in Rimbey on the evening of May 20.
A CAT scan revealed the collapse had been caused by an arterial vein malformation that can result in brain hemorrhage, and doctors spent several hours performing surgery to stop the bleeding.
However, a cousin, Dawn Derksen, said Rhine is no longer in the induced coma, and although heavily sedated, has periods of consciousness.
“She wakes up and tries to talk to people. She knows her name, but is confused as to the date and year.”
Derksen said Ashley’s mom, Tammy, confirmed her daughter, who is six months pregnant, still has a blood clot and will need further surgery. She is paralyzed on her right side and will probably need speech therapy, but at the very least, the young woman has a starting point to build on.
Rhine’s baby will be taken by caesarean section when the doctors determine it is safe to do so.
“Overall, she is doing way better than she was. She is a very strong girl, even the nurses say she is a fighter,” said Derksen.
Fundraising efforts have begun to help the family with expenses while they are staying in Edmonton. Donation jars have been placed at various businesses around town including Value Drug Mart, Pharmasave, the Bargain Shop and the Rimbey Review.
By Treena Mielke