Ed Koch Being Treated For Anemia At New York Presbyterian

Updated at 12:48 a.m., Sept. 5, 2012

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Former mayor Ed Koch was being treated at New York Presbyterian on the Upper West Side and will remain hospitalized for a few days after undergoing a blood transfusion, officials said Tuesday night.

His spokesperson told CBS 2's Jessica Schneider that the 87-year-old was admitted earlier in the day. He suffers from anemia and has been feeling especially weak lately.

He underwent a blood transfusion and he is recovering well, officials said.

The three-term mayor is well known and outspoken. He served from 1978 to 1989, but he continues to be a presence in this city and nationally. He began a campaign against corruption in Albany about two years ago and he still serves as a partner in a law firm, a political commentator, and a professor at New York University.

And, as Schneider heard Tuesday night from people around New York City, he still relishes asking people his classic catch-phrase, "How'm I doin'?"

"I wish him all the best. I was just sitting in the café the other day and I saw him eating, drinking a chocolate shake, people taking photos with him. Really pleased to see him, and I was thinking he really is a New York monument," said Bob Sarlin of the Upper West Side.

"I wish him well and trust that he comes back. He's a strong old devil and if anyone can come back, he will," added Richard Sheely of the Upper West Side.

Koch has had previous health issues, including a stroke, a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery. His spokesperson expects him to be recovered from his blood transfusion and out of this hospital in a few days.

Koch will turn 88 in December.

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