Shot US Congresswoman chances of survival 101 percent, say doctors

Tucson (Arizona, US), - Doctors attending to critically wounded Democrat Representative Gabrielle Giffords have said that her chances of survival are now 101 percent, and added that she is making a remarkably strong recovery.

Giffords’ was shot in her head on Saturday.

“She has a 101 percent chance of surviving,” ABC News quoted trauma chief Dr. Peter Rhee, as saying on Tuesday.

He added: “She will not die. She does not have that permission from me.”

While Giffords’ breathing tube remained in place, her neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Lemole said she is breathing on her own for the first time since the shooting.

Doctors added that Giffords is moving both arms. Two days ago they were delighted that she could raise two fingers and squeeze a hand.

The doctors corrected themselves on one aspect of the wound. They now believe she was shot in the forehead, with the bullet traveling the length of the left side of the brain and exiting the back. They originally believed she was shot in the back of the head and bullet exited her forehead.

Giffords’ husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, has been by her side since shortly after she was shot on Saturday, allegedly by 22-year-old Jared Loughner, on Saturday. (ANI)