Mary Lou Retton requires daily oxygen due to severe lung scarring from a rare form of pneumonia that nearly killed her in October 2023.
Understanding why is Mary Lou Retton on oxygen requires looking at her ongoing battle with a rare form of pneumonia that nearly claimed her life in October 2023. The Olympic champion still needs to breathe from oxygen tubes in her nose every day as she continues her recovery, marking over a year since her initial hospitalization.
The 56-year-old gymnastics legend was hospitalized in October 2023 with what doctors diagnosed as a rare form of pneumonia. The legendary Olympic gymnast still requires daily oxygen for her scarred lungs, months after being hospitalized. Her condition became so severe that she was placed in the intensive care unit and nearly required life support.
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The Severity of Her Condition
Mary Lou Retton’s health crisis was more serious than initially understood. Olympic gold medal gymnast Mary Lou Retton faced “death in the eyes” while in intensive care during her battle with pneumonia. The condition left her fighting for her life, with doctors struggling to determine the exact cause of her respiratory distress.
Her daughter Shayla Schrepfer provided updates during the most critical period, describing how close her mother came to losing her life. The gymnast herself later revealed that medical professionals were preparing to place her on life support as her condition deteriorated rapidly.
Current Health Status and Why Mary Lou Retton Is on Oxygen
Retton feels she pulled through because “God wasn’t ready for me yet,” but she’s endured a long ongoing recovery, and says she’ll “never be the same.” “It’s been really hard,” she admits, noting that she still relies on daily oxygen. “My lungs are so scarred.”
The scarring in her lungs is permanent, requiring ongoing oxygen support. Mary Lou told Entertainment Tonight that she will have to wear oxygen tubes in her nose for another year or year and a half. “My lungs are pretty scarred up and they’re going to stay that way forever,” she said.
Key Points Summary
- Mary Lou Retton requires daily oxygen due to severe lung scarring from pneumonia
- She was hospitalized in October 2023 with a rare form of pneumonia
- Medical professionals nearly placed her on life support during the crisis
- Her lung damage is permanent, requiring oxygen support for at least another year
- Doctors still classify her condition as a “medical mystery”
The Medical Mystery Behind Her Condition
Mary Lou Retton has shared up said she’s a “medical mystery” amid a serious health condition, saying “they still don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Despite extensive medical evaluation, healthcare professionals have been unable to determine the exact cause of her rare pneumonia.
This uncertainty has made her recovery particularly challenging. The former Olympic champion continues to work with medical teams to understand her condition better, though the focus remains on managing her symptoms and supporting her breathing.
Impact on Her Daily Life
The oxygen dependency has significantly affected Retton’s professional and personal life. “I still have a hard time breathing and getting breath to speak,” Retton said in a new interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” adding that she remains on supplemental oxygen for now. “I’m a speaker [and] I haven’t been able to really work because I don’t know if I can get up on stage and do” her usual speaking engagements.
Her breathing difficulties have forced her to step back from many activities she previously enjoyed. The physical limitations imposed by her condition represent a significant lifestyle change for someone who built her career on athletic excellence and public speaking.
Recovery Progress and Future Outlook
Despite the challenges, there have been some positive developments in her recovery. “Her fighting spirit is truly shining! Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing. Though it’s a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening,” Shayla Schrepfer, one of Retton’s daughters, said on social media.
The recovery process remains gradual, with medical professionals unable to provide a definitive timeline for when she might no longer need oxygen support. Her case continues to puzzle doctors, who are working to understand the underlying cause of her condition.
Mental Health and Coping
The physical challenges have also taken a toll on her mental well-being. She’s also struggling mentally. “I’m not a really depressed person, but” she has acknowledged the emotional difficulty of her situation.
Her openness about these struggles has resonated with many fans who have followed her journey from Olympic champion to health advocate. She has emphasized the importance of maintaining hope despite the uncertainty surrounding her condition.
Understanding why Mary Lou Retton is on oxygen reveals a complex medical situation that continues to challenge both her and her medical team. Her journey serves as a reminder of how quickly health can change and the importance of cherishing each day.
Stay tuned for the latest Mary Lou Retton health developments and real-time updates. What are your thoughts on her inspiring resilience during this challenging time? Share your support in the comments below!