Newly Diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis

After you've learned what pulmonary fibrosis is, you might be wondering, now what?

Step 1:

Make sure you are being treated by a pulmonologist who has expertise in pulmonary fibrosis. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

Step 2:

Ask your doctor if you could benefit from oxygen therapy. Starting oxygen therapy won’t make you dependent or make the disease worse. In fact, it will allow you to stay active and have a better quality of life. Purchase a pulse-oximeter so you can monitor your oxygen levels at home.

Step 3:

Ask your doctor for a referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Pulmonary rehab will help you learn about your disease and exercise at the same time. It is also a great way to meet others and get social support.

Step 4:

Talk to your doctor about getting an evaluation for a lung transplant at a transplant center. It is a good idea to begin the discussions about what is involved in a lung transplant and whether it is a good option for you.

Step 5:

Join an online support community or an in-person support group. This will make you feel less alone and also connect you with people who can give you tips for living well with PF.

For more information, visit the pulmonary fibrosis patients section.