Joan Rivers on induced coma, uncertain future if any
Doctors reportedly worry that the 81-year-old will be left needing wheelchair or full-time assistance due to a possible stroke during the medical procedure. She was undergoing vocal cord surgery at a private New York clinic when she stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest. She was quickly rushed to hospital, where she was placed on life support as her condition seemed to deteriorate.
However, her only child, Melissa Rivers, has spoken out about the change in prognosis. There is hope that she can be brought out of the medically induced coma to see all the damage that has occurred. She has not yet ruled out legal action against the private clinic, but is more concerned for her mother’s health.
Many of the statements from the 46-year-old have been positive and uplifting. However, she is the complete opposite when in private. She reportedly does not know what to do now and is worried for her mother’s life. Many report that she is in denial about the severity of the comedian’s condition and she may be bringing her out of the coma too soon.
Many friends have been concerned and shocked by the sudden deterioration. It may be partly the reason for Rivers’ family to consider a lawsuit against the medical team that botched the original surgery. However, there are risks with all surgeries, and the medical team has not spoken out about the events as of yet. It is something the clinic is likely leaving its lawyers to deal with right now.
The waking-up process will take some time, according to medical staff at the hospital. It can take until Tuesday to find out whether Rivers will be able to walk and talk. There are fears that the time in cardiac arrest has damaged parts of the brain that control the walking, talking and other movements. If these parts of the brain are damaged, it could mean that the 81-year-old is left needing around the clock care. A source claims that the comedian could be left as a “vegetable” for the rest of her life.
The procedure was supposed to be a routine one. This has led to the shock that something so serious could happen. It is possible that there were complications, but it could have also been the celebrity’s aging body. The risks to the surgery are currently unknown. A source claims that the procedure, while routine, was a serious one and should not have been done as an outpatient procedure on an 81-year-old.
Right now the family is keeping fingers crossed in the hope that she will make a full recovery. She will be taken out of the medically induced coma slowly. After that, the Rivers family may file a lawsuit against the medical team responsible at the private New York clinic.
Alexandria Ingham
guardianlv.com 
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