Hi Diane,

Was your diagnosis Idiopathic PF or do you know the cause? My husband has pulmonary fibrosis in the bottom third of his lungs from having COVID pneumonia a year ago. As I understand it, the healing process from the damage (inflammation) the Covid did results in fibrosis. He still has inflammation in the middle of both lungs, but the pulmonologist cannot say if that inflammation will turn into scarring. I asked for him to be prescribed anti-fibrotics, but the doctor said that is only approved for Idiopathic PF.

My husband only has 34% lung function and is on continuous oxygen (3-5 L) to keep his saturation above 90%. We have basically been at a standstill for a year. He is not better, but he is not worse. They do not know what is causing the inflammation. They cannot do a bronchoscopy or lung biopsy because of his high oxygen needs, and he cannot be sedated. He is scheduled to be in a clinical trial for a new drug for PF starting in July. However, if his scarring shows no progression, he may not participate.

I am so sorry you have this diagnosis. Don't give up as they are finding new treatments all the time. From what I have read IPF can stabilize for a while. As well, you may be a good candidate for a lung transplant, depending on your age and any other comorbidities.