Timothy Low; Husband, Grandfather, Brother, Friend

On the early morning of November 16th, 2018, my stepfather, Tim Low,  was found unresponsive in  bed by my mother, Judy Low.  He had cataract surgery the day before at the VA facility in N. Chicago.  He was taken to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry, IL where he remained unresponsive for 36 hours.  Numerous tests were done but doctors were unable to pinpoint a diagnosis. On November 21st he was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago.

Tim underwent further testing in Chicago but after nine days there the cause of his condition was still largely unknown.  He was discharged on November 30th. The discharge diagnosis was loss of consciousness due to a reaction to anesthesia, and  dementia of unknown origin (because of his confusion during hospitalization).  He followed up with his internist at the VA Clinic in McHenry who ordered physical therapy for weakness and weekly nurse visits for assessment.

During a strenuous physical therapy session on the morning of December 28th, 2018, Tim collapsed on the floor and complained of chest discomfort and nausea.   Paramedics took him to Northwestern Hospital in Huntley, IL where they were told to take Tim directly to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. There the cardiologist found that Tim had a 100% blockage of one of the arteries of the heart. The cardiologist, Dr. Syed, opened the blockage and inserted two stents. He recovered in the ICU and on December 31st Dr. Syed did surgery on a second artery that was 90% blocked and inserted one stent. Tim was discharged on January 2nd.

Dr. Syed feels that Tim's loss of consciousness, weakness, and signs of dementia were all caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and body. He is confident that Tim's thought processes will be completely restored, but it will take time He will have three months of cardiac rehabilitation. He was also told by the doctor that it was very likely that if he had gotten to the hospital one minute later he probably would not have survived. We are all grateful that Tim is alive! we are also happy that he will be able to see his two granddaughters grow up. 

 Unfortunately in 2015 Tim's salary was cut by 20%. He and my mother couldn't make ends meet without going through their savings and have been living paycheck to paycheck. Then this year in August once again Tim's income was cut another 60%. Judy and Tim were struggling before Tim's hospitalization.  They are in desperate need of help now,.

In addition to the financial hardship they were already in, on the way to the train to Chicago on November 29th, Judy's car just stopped running. She found out her '97 Camry could not be repaired. Tim has a Chevy Tahoe with 150,000 miles on it. It is at a car repair shop but  needs many repairs that they can't afford just to be drivable. Even then  it wouldn't be safe to drive   They need a used car that is dependable, with fewer miles on it, because as of now they have had to rely on friends to get them around.  Right now they are driving a rental car for a week with money they were given for that reason. That has to be returned in two days. 

Friends came forward to help them with groceries and financial aid for which they are very grateful, but that is now gone. Many have helped with car rides to the hospitals, pharmacy, grocery stores and other errands. Most importantly friends and family members have let Tim and my mom know how much they care by calling and texting to let them know they are in their thoughts and prayers. For this they are especially thankful.
                                                                      Tim's favorite phrase is :   "I am rich in friends."


THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO READ THIS!!!!

Needed:
Groceries 
Mortgage payments
Living expenses
Car repairs
Home repairs
Prayers
Advice
Please feel free to reach out. Any help is needed and wanted.