After being found unconscious at the Love Ranch a week ago, Lamar Odom’s prognosis was pretty grim. He had fallen into a coma; he had several strokes while in the hospital; and his organs were failing. Sources were saying that, even if he pulls through, there’s no way he’s going to live a normal life. Now, a week later, things have changed. He’s not out of the woods yet, but here are 7 new developments that have sparked hope.
7. He’s Off the Ventilator
Lamar is off the ventilator and he’s breathing on his own, but he’s still in ICU, is wearing a rebreather mask that is pumping oxygen and he sleeps a lot. The doctors’ next step is to wean him off the oxygen.
2
6. Normal EKG Test
Lamar was given an EKG test, which shows that his heart is functioning properly, and his heart rate and blood pressure are also looking good.
Michael Germana/Everett Collection
3
5. Khloe’s Still By His Side
Khloe’s been at Lamar’s side this entire time. She sleeps in his room on a pullout next to him, so that when he wakes up, he sees her.
4
4. He’s Communicating
Lamar has been able to talk, but it’s unclear how much. He’s been giving the thumbs up and thumbs down to doctors when answering questions.
5
3. He Passed the Swallow Test
This weekend, Lamar passed a barium swallow – a test used to determine if there are abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach – which is a good sign. Doctors are still in the process of trying to see if he has suffered any brain damage.
Photo by Broadimage / Rex Features
6
2. His Organs Aren’t That Strong
There’s still some concern about Lamar’s organs. He’s still on dialysis due to kidney failure and doctors still don’t know how damaged his organs are.
7
1. He’s Going to Need Months of Rehabilitation
Lamar’s made a lot of progress in just a few days, but he’s still going to need a lot of rehab in coming months. He’s going to have physical, speech and other therapists working with him for the foreseeable future and it looks like Khloe plans to be by his side.