KEY POINTS:
Elizabeth Taylor is recovering after she was reportedly put on a life support machine after suffering congestive heart failure.
The 76-year-old actress - who was diagnosed with pneumonia last week - is said to have been put on the apparatus after fears her health was deteriorating rapidly.
Doctors even told friends and family of the legendary star they were unsure if they were going to be able to save her, it has been claimed.
A source told America's National Enquirer magazine: "The doctors thought they were going to lose her. She's still very sick, but she's past the crisis."
However, a statement released to the media by her Los Angeles publicist said "Ms. Taylor is fine," but did not reveal where the screen legend is currently convalescing.
"Her hospital visit was precautionary. She will be returning home shortly. At present, she is surrounded by family, friends and fabulous jewels," the statement read.
The mother-of-four - who was first taken to hospital on July 15 with
suspected flu - was taken off the machine on Wednesday after her health seemingly improved.
This is not the first time the Oscar-winning actress' health has caused
problems.
Elizabeth - who has been married and divorce eight times - suffers from
diabetes and is confined to a wheelchair because of her severe osteoporosis.
She has had both hips replaced and had a brain tumour, which turned out to be benign, removed in 1997.
Congestive heart failure is a condition where the heart is too weak to pump blood to other organs around the body.
- BANG! SHOWBIZ, NZ HERALD STAFF
