Mark W. Lahm, Jr. Medical Expenses

Mark W Lahm Jr has recently been admitted to Northwestern Hospital to the Critical Care Unit due to a heart attack that he sustained on Monday, February 1st late afternoon.  He was rushed to Saint Anthony via ambulance after they had arrived and needed to intubate due to lack of oxygen.  The amount of time without oxygen is unclear.  Due to him have had a surgery Thursday, the 28th, to insert a new pacemaker at Northwestern, he was transferred that night.  He was unconscious but then given sedatives before transfer.  There was a brain MRI performed upon arrival but the neurology report on brain function was inconclusive.  On Tuesday they tried to lessen the sedatives to hope for breathing on his own to remove ventilator, but was unsuccessful.  They then increased sedatives and placed him on Therapeutic Hypothermia, (which places his body in a cold state to preserve brain and organs).  It was then needed to add meds to induce a paralytic state to prevent any possible movements.  As of Wednesday, the 3rd at 6pm they have started to warm his body back up, with a goal of 72 hours back to a normal body temp, in which they can then try to test for brain function.  So far all tests have been inconclusive.   The cardiac doctors have examined him and have hope for a recovery, but still unknown, the main prayer now is that he was not with out oxygen for an extended period. 

As of today, the 5th, they have lessened the sedatives and although he is still on the ventilator, he has opened his eyes and squeezed a hand and wiggled his toes.  These are all great signs.  There will not be a prognosis for days but this has brought much hope to his family and friends. 

He is loved by many!!  Mark had his first  heart surgery for a congenital heart defect at the age of 11 days old and has multiple surgeries since.  He has had a pacemaker since he was 8 years old.  Two years ago at the age of 40 doctors decided to try and take the pacemaker out to determine the state of his heart.  Mark is a Union 150 Operator, and due to Covid and the weather he was out of work the first half of the year.  He started to experience health issues and was told that he would need to have his pacemaker inserted again.  Due to Covid and restrictions on surgeries (and his pre-existing conditions they postponed the surgery and mandated he not work).  Due to lack of work and funds, his insurance has now expired.  Unemployment issues arose and he has not received payment for 3 months.  He had hopes after his successful pacemaker surgery that he could return back to work soon. 

Mark will have a long road ahead now, no matter what the outcome is in the next few days, so I am asking for anyone who can help to please do so.  Even if it is a dollar, anything will help Mark at this time of need.  Prayers and Prayers and Prayers needed so much!!!!!!