Lamar Odom breathing on his own, but still needs physical therapy
Lamar Odom has reportedly woken up from his coma and left his bed at a Las Vegas hospital. Although the former NBA star is already conscious and somewhat talking, it’s reported he still needs to undergo physical therapy to regain his speech and mobility.
Odom had been transferred to a hospital in Los Angles after being treated at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas. The former Lakers player, who is now breathing on his own without the aid of a ventilator, has reportedly begun his physical therapy after showing continuous improvements in recent days, sources told Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.
Sources familiar with the 35-year old’s health condition claimed he has shown vision and speech improvements, with an ability to hold simple conversations and has even began “texting.” On Friday, he was able to utter “hey baby” when he woke up and saw Khloe Kardashian by his bedside. However, Odom still needs to undergo physical therapy to determine if he is able to walk on his own and regain his full bodily functions. For now he is only able to gesture with thumbs up and thumbs down motions.
According to TMZ, Odom's speech and physical therapy may take several months, but the damage done to his body may be irreparable, including the damage to his kidney. It’s reported he also suffered a stroke so doctors are still evaluating his brain condition. His ex-wife, Khloe Kardashian, has reportedly vowed to be by his side during his rehabilitation.
E! News exclusively learned that the former NBA player has also passed the swallow test. This reportedly shows a promising neurological improvement after he was placed in an induced coma for three days. It also shows improvement on his ability to breathe and swallow on his own. However, Odom still wears a protective mask to help with the flow of oxygen although he is already breathing on his own.
Odom was rushed to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center after he was found unconscious at a Las Vegas love ranch on Oct. 13. Multiple reports claimed he overdosed on herbal Viagra.
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