Lamar Odom Returns To L.A., May Need Kidney Transplant

Lamar Odom has already surpassed a lot of expectations following his recent “overdose” hospitalization. When the former Laker was initially hospitalized after being found unconscious and unresponsive in a Nevada brothel on October 13, most believed his prognosis to be grim. His estranged wife Khloe Kardashian rushed to his side, and her famous family largely joined her. There was a lot of speculation that Odom wouldn’t pull through, and for days he lingered on the brink in a medically induced coma. Many believed the family was there to say their good-byes. On Friday, October 16, reports began to emerge that Odom, reality TV star and athlete, had opened his eyes and was responsive, able to communicate verbally and even text. Over the following weekend, while Odom reportedly gained strength, one of the legal prostitutes from the Love Ranch was briefly reported missing.

While the drama ensued around him, Lamar Odom continued his improvement — improvement some are calling miraculous. CNN is reporting that Odom has now taken steps, this latest development coming after the star’s relocation to Cedars-Sanai hospital in Los Angeles via helicopter Monday night.

“He continues to make miraculous progress, taking a few steps in Los Angeles.”

Despite the continued improvement of Lamar Odom, it is rumored that his road to recovery may be long and difficult. While family members are keeping specific details of Odom’s condition very quiet, it’s been reported extensively that the ex-NBA star may have suffered extensive kidney damage during his ordeal. Kidney damage to the extent that Odom has reportedly been undergoing dialysis and may even need a kidney transplant.

USA Today has reported that Lamar Odom is currently undergoing dialysis and the potential of a kidney transplant in his future is a very real one. The source, who chose to remain anonymous but is reportedly close to the family and situation, said that Odom suffered multiple strokes and the “failing” of multiple organs following his collapse. However, while his other organs have largely returned to normal, Lamar Odom’s kidneys have yet to rebound.

While Lamar Odom may be facing a future where a kidney transplant is necessary, his current condition and prognosis are much better than even a week ago. This time last week, Odom was in a medically induced coma. He was unresponsive, and no one knew the extent of his brain damage or even if he would ever again open his eyes. Today, he is communicating with his family and is even walking, according to reports. His multiple organ failure has been downgraded to only the failure of his renal system. More importantly, despite so many rumors that he was dying or even already dead, Lamar Odom is still alive.

In addition to a potential need for a kidney transplant in the future, Odom is also looking at a long road of rehabilitation therapies to get him back to his former self. It is likely that Lamar will need physical and speech therapies, at the very least. The duration is difficult to determine, but Lamar Odom’s athleticism and physical prowess may be of huge benefits during this trying time. He’s used to working and training hard, and evidently has the psychological strength to push himself to his limits to achieve his goals.

Lamar Odom has more going for him than his impressive physical recovery from his alleged overdose, too. In the aftermath of his life-and-death struggle, it seems as though he and his estranged wife have been reconciled. Multiple reports have indicated that the couple’s divorce (which was awaiting only the signature of a judge to become final) has been scrapped. Khloe Kardashian, the formerly estranged wife of Lamar Odom, has been by his side since the beginning of his ordeal. She had previously stated that despite the couple’s separation she would be by his side, and it looks like she meant it.

Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian have called off their divorce in an attempt to give it a 2nd shot. Hope all turns out well! ?

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) October 21, 2015

I pray every day for Lamar Odom as he recovers from almost having the best death any man could possibly ask for.

— Kurt Metzger (@kurtmetzger) October 21, 2015

While it appears that Lamar’s future is going to be a struggle, a week ago people weren’t sure if he’d have one at all. Fans and supporters have been sending Lamar Odom their best vibes and prayers; it looks like they should keep it up.

[Image Courtesy of Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images]