There is only one way to adequately describe former NBA star Lamar Odom’s month: roller coaster. Since his October 13 collapse at the Love Ranch, a Nevada brothel, Odom’s life has been a series of gains and setbacks. For fans who have followed Lamar Odom through his time with the Los Angeles Clippers to his stint as a reality television star, it can be difficult to keep of with the avalanche of rumors that emerged after Odom’s hospitalization. So exactly where does Lamar Odom’s health and future stand?
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Lamar Odom suffered 12 strokes, which medical and law enforcement officials believe were caused by heavy drug consumption during Odom’s Love Ranch vacation. Initial reports suggested that Odom’s organs, starved for oxygen and inundated with chemicals, were failing. As Odom’s first week in the hospital came to a close, news emerged that all of his organs responded well to treatment, except his kidneys. Because Lamar Odom’s kidneys weren’t functioning, the former NBA star required daily dialysis, and reportedly considered a kidney transplant.
Fortunately for Lamar Odom, all other things aside, he has good luck. According to celebrity gossip site, TMZ , Odom’s kidneys rebounded, and by October 30, he no longer needed dialysis to purify his blood. While many called Odom’s renewed kidney function a miracle, it’s possible for kidney function to rebound in patients with acute renal failure. With Lamar Odom’s kidneys back to normal, the focus can shift from keeping his vital signs stable, to getting him back to normal motor function. That may be where Lamar Odom’s luck finally runs out.
Having a strong support system is a vital part of any medical recovery, and according to some reports, Lamar Odom is in danger of losing his. While Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian opted to call off their impending divorce, the decision was rooted in the realities of medical care rather than a hint of romance. If Lamar’s condition deteriorated and he wasn’t able to make decisions about his medical care, Khloe Kardashian could make those decisions on his behalf, but only if she is legally his wife.
In a recent episode of the family flagship reality series, Keeping Up with the Kardashians , Khloe Kardashian said that she would “always be there for Lamar,” and it seems that her continued marriage to him is only to facilitate that. In fact, Gossip Cop dismantled a recent rumor that Lamar and Khloe planned to renew their vows , citing Khloe’s own admission that she is still dating Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden.
And not everyone who has gone to Lamar Odom’s side since his hospitalization has his best interest at heart. According to TMZ, a man who identified himself as Odom’s assistant attempted to visit him at Cedars-Sinai hospital on Monday, October 26. The man claimed that Lamar Odom had called him and insisted on seeing him, but security refused to allow the man into Odom’s room. Sources told TMZ that the man was fired by Odom’s management company on October 13, the day Odom was initially hospitalized, because they believed he facilitated Odom’s drug use. On October 26, Odom was still in an intensive care unit, but with his kidney function back to normal, he’s been moved to a private room. So, if the late night visit was an attempted drug delivery, the next one may not be as easily prevented. Though Khloe Kardashian is still legally Lamar Odom’s wife, she can only make decisions for him if he is unable to communicate with his medical team and make decisions for himself. That includes who visits him.
Even with his health seemingly on the rebound and his sobriety at stake, Lamar Odom has a larger problem on his hands. According to TMZ , the Nye County Sheriff, reportedly recommended to the district attorney that Lamar Odom be charged with felony cocaine possession in connection with his collapse and suspected overdose.
On the subject of Lamar Odom’s health, the answer is simple. He’s out of danger, and ready to start rehabilitation. But on the subject of Lamar Odom’s future and sobriety, almost nothing is certain.
[Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images]