NEW YORK — Joan Rivers, who was brought out of her medically-induced coma, was moved yesterday to a private room, where she is “resting comfortably,” her daughter and spokesperson Melissa Rivers said.
The 81-year-old comedienne was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital last week when she stopped breathing and suffered a heart attack during a minor throat procedure at a nearby clinic. The doctor performing the procedure reportedly had admitting privileges at the hospital. He called for an ambulance after Rivers became non-responsive.
While the quick thinking may have saved her life, there is speculation from other doctors familiar with these kinds of medical emergencies that major brain trauma from lack of oxygen could occur and that Rivers may never again be able to be revived once the machines performing respiratory and circulatory functions are turned off.
The comedienne’s 46-year-0ld daughter, who rushed to her side immediately following the incident, has been “in denial,” according to several close family sources.
“My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room where she is being kept comfortable. Thank you for your continued support,” Melissa Rivers said in a statement yesterday.
Previously, on Monday, she expressed gratitude for the love and support she had received from well wishers across the globe. “I know my mother would be overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of kindness and I want to thank everyone for keeping us in their prayers,” she wrote.