Is Lamar Odom dying? Even though the former NBA star has been out of coma, he is still facing a major health crisis because of his damaged kidneys. While Khloe Kardashian's husband is now responsive, sources who have knowledge about the situation said his recovery remains very slow.
Two weeks ago, Lamar Odom shocked the world and the Kardashians when he was found unresponsive in a brothel with drugs in his system in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is currently being treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. However, he underwent an emergency surgery due to pneumonia on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
"It's two steps forward, then a step back, but it does feel like some progress is being made, little by little. There's still a black cloud, like, 'Okay, what's next?'" an insider told People. "The pneumonia was a huge setback, and now there's worry about permanent scarring of the lungs. His kidneys are still not functioning correctly, but he's nowhere near strong enough to even think of a transplant, so he's on dialysis."
While his on a journey toward recovery, 35-year-old Lamar Odom still has several medical hurdles to overcome. And aside from damaged kidneys, his brain injury is also another concern. According to Us Weekly, the damaged to Odom's brain was caused by the dozen strokes he suffered while he was in a coma, leaving him in critical condition.
"That's the most serious thing he's dealing with," a source said. "The doctors just don't know the extent of all the damage yet. There are still a lot of tests that need to be done. He'll get more of his motor skills back gradually, but cognitively, he's not where he used to be."
Meanwhile, Lamar Odom's wife Khloé Kardashian has been by his bedside since the incident, she only left Sunday to attend sister Kim Kardashian West's baby shower. Recently, the estranged couple has also called off their nearly finalized divorce. While all of the Kardashians have rallied around Odom during his time of need.
As for Lamar Odom's need for a transplant, his wife's brother Rob Kardashian is reportedly willing to donate his kidney if ever his brother-in-law and close friend need a transplant. Daily Mail revealed that Rob came up with the generous offer after learning that Odom may need a new kidney as his medical treatment continues in Los Angeles. And while it's unclear whether Lamar and Rob are compatible, the latter is also willing to undergo medical tests to find out.
"Rob is willing to do whatever it takes to help Lamar recover," a source said. "If that means donating a kidney then so be it, Rob has a big heart and he's willing to step up to help his friend."
Apart from Khloe Kardashian, Rob Kardashian has been reportedly "instrumental" in Lamar Odom's recovery this past week.
