Pulmonary Fibrosis: My husband is ready to give up, how can I help?

Hi @lori01, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We have many discussions about pulmonary fibrosis here in the Lung Health group, so I augmented the title of your discussion. Here are more discussions that you may be interested in:

- Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis (sometimes): Finding strength https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pulmonary-fibrosis-some-times/
- Pulmonary Fibrosis* https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pulmonary-fibrosis/
- Stem Cells / Regeneration and Lung Disease https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cells-regeneration/
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Hoarse Voice https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-1/
- IPF and Pulmonary Rehab https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ipf-and-pulmonary-rehab/
- Pulmonary Fibrosis and sudden change in breathing https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sudden-change-in-breathing/

I'd also like to call in fellow members to help answer your questions, share their experiences and to offer their support, like @walap42 @frane1939 @penlee @cloe001 @waterboy @rayhastings @francko @alancady @lazyironman @kpeace @pfists @ppeschke and others.

Lori, I know this is a frightening time, but you are not alone. Getting such a diagnosis is quite a blow for both of you. It may seem like he is giving up, but that is an understandable first reaction. As a caregiver and new partner, your first reaction is to fight. He may just need you to simply be by his side right now, to be sad first before he's ready to roll up his sleeves and not give up. Might that be the case? What questions would you like to ask?

My husband had a bunch of stuff wrong with his lungs including pulmonary fibrosis he first was sad then just as colleen said he rolled up his sleeves and fought.

@tmmmrlts- And you were right there with him with plenty of encouragement and support!

Merry Volunteer mentor @merpreb Thank you

Hello @tmmmrlts,

How are you doing? It has been a while since you last posted. Have you started any new online college classes yet? I'd love to hear from you when you have time.

Lori, Unfortunately there is no easy answer for your question. I support you reaching out. At times, you are certainly suffer at a significant level, and at the same time trying to continue your support for the man you love, after going through one of life's most difficult challenges.
You can't continue to provide the level of support you desire unless you care for yourself first. If necessary, talk to a professional in order to enable you to continue in a positive, and healthful manner.. You can not change the direction, only to ease the journey.
Acceptance is not necessarily a bad thing; it is what follows that matters at this moment. Encouraging him to recognize you, and any other loved ones support, and especially to take whatever pleasure is available on a daily basis, without appearing to make demands, is a key to a somewhat serene future for both you and him. He must choose that as well.
Best.

Cannot find on internet: Why is my phlegm salty? Something new happening. Anybody know? Peach

@peach414144 . Hi Peach. When phlegm mixes with saliva, as it can, it will taste salty. Nothing to worry about.

Are you feeling well, no fever?

Peach, I agree with merpreb, not much to worry about:
Post-nasal drip from a sinus infection or allergies could also be to blame. The mucus from your nose can build up in the back of your throat when you're sick. If it mixes with the saliva in your mouth, it can cause a salty taste. You may also feel like you have a stuffy, runny nose or like it's hard to breathe.

No fever. However, I have never had my phlegm taste like salt ever. This just started about two weeks ago.