I haven't posted here in a while, but a year ago, my dad who was in his late 70s then had severe pneumonia (ARDS) in the hospital and had been in the ICU for almost 3 months.
I just wanted to share that since then he has been discharged and has been home since last June. In the beginning, he couldn't walk for long, eat normal food, or drink water, but thanks to all the amazing therapy he received at home and due to his resilience and efforts, he is now walking and going to work, practicing golf at a golf range and eats and drinks almost everything (except very sticky mochi). We feel so lucky and grateful.
However, at his last follow-up appointment this week, the doctor said the bottom of his lungs developed fibrosis and now it's like he has interstitial pneumonia and inflation makers are up again, so he has to be back on a higher dosage of steroids. I am just wondering if anyone had persistent pneumonia like this? At the moment, my dad feels good and his oxygen level is like 98 if he is sitting. But he needs a break periodically when walking very fast. When I look up interstitial pneumonia, it says there is no cure and it sounds very scary. He continues to do PT twice a week and takes all the medications his doctor prescribes. Is there anything else I can do to help improve his condition? Anyone's experience and advice will be appreciated.
Thank you!
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ForMyPapa
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It sounds as if he's doing all the right things, ForMyPapa. It will make such a difference to him having your loving support. Wishing you both all the best.
Thats marvellous news about your father's recovery, amazing. The exersise is excellent too and I bet his diet is healthy in Japan too, long may he continue. Whilst I'm not the slightest bit qualified to reply to your query (I know nothing about Pulmonary Fibrosis or permanent pneumonia) so this is only a suggestion - I wonder if he could speak to his go to medic about prophylactic antibiotics, many members here with different lung diseases take low dose abs either daily, on three days per week or like me only on Mon Wed & Fri from November to April. I take 250mgs of Azithromycin. There are other abs if Azith. cannot be tolerated. I take them because I'm prone to minor bugs becoming bacterial lung infection and they've helped enormously in avoiding the constant infections & pneumonia I used to get.
I imagine it's very important for your father to avoid people with colds/coughs & bugs. I also keep my immune system strong with plenty of extra vitamins and minerals (long dark dreary winters in England with little chance of sun exposure).
What an amazing man your Papa must be, to recover so well in his late 70's . I can't advise but would say to just enjoy everyday now he is feeling so well. Perhaps type in Ards in the search bar and look at previous posts x
What a fantastic recovery your Papa has made 👏 He sounds like he is doing all of the right things, keeping active , but listening to his body when he needs to slow down slightly.
I have Pulmonary fibrosis and have had 4 episodes of pneumonia this year plus lots of respiratory infections. A daily antibiotic can be worthwhile taking, plus if there is fibrosis could he ask if an antifibrotics drug would be beneficial to him? Only a medical person with your Papas full history would be able to discuss and advise. Best wishes to you and your family X
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We feel so lucky and grateful. 
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