Mary Lou Retton health problems continue to make headlines as the Olympic gymnastics legend faces ongoing challenges following her life-threatening illness in 2023. The Olympic gymnastics legend was hospitalized with a serious lung illness seven months ago and said her doctors “still don’t know” exactly what is going on with her ongoing health issues.
The 1984 Olympic gold medalist’s health crisis began in October 2023 when she was hospitalized with what doctors described as a rare form of pneumonia. Retton contracted a rare form of pneumonia and had to receive treatment in the ICU. She was in the hospital for about a month, according to her daughter. Her condition was so severe that medical professionals nearly placed her on life support.
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The Severity of Her Condition
She was so sick that at one point the doctors told her four daughters it didn’t seem like she’d pull through. Retton herself described the experience as facing death directly. The pneumonia struck suddenly and without warning, transforming her from perfectly healthy to critically ill within hours.
“I was doing a TV commercial the day before. I was completely fine and then it hit me,” Retton told Women’s World. This rapid onset caught everyone off guard, including her family and medical team.
Current Recovery Status and Ongoing Challenges
- Retton still requires daily supplemental oxygen for her scarred lungs
- Doctors remain uncertain about the exact nature of her illness
- She describes her condition as a “medical mystery”
- Recovery has significantly impacted her speaking career
- Breathing difficulties persist months after hospitalization
Retton currently relies on supplemental oxygen as she continues to recover from her life-threatening case of pneumonia. As of May 2024, The legendary Olympic gymnast still requires daily oxygen for her scarred lungs, seven months after being hospitalized.
The ongoing Mary Lou Retton health problems have created significant challenges for her professional life. Retton also noted that she still has a hard time breathing and getting breath to speak. “I’m a speaker [and I] haven’t been able to really work ’cause I don’t know if I can get up on stage and do an hour-long talk like I’ve normally done for 40 years.”
Medical Mystery Continues
Perhaps most concerning is that medical professionals remain puzzled by her condition. “They still don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she told “Entertainment Tonight.” “They’re calling it a rare form of pneumonia.” This uncertainty has made treatment planning and recovery predictions difficult.
The pneumonia has left lasting effects on her respiratory system, creating permanent changes that she acknowledges will be lifelong. In interviews, Retton has expressed that she understands she may never fully return to her pre-illness state.
Impact on Family and Finances
The health crisis also brought attention to insurance and financial challenges. Her daughters initially launched a crowdfunding campaign to help with medical expenses, citing concerns about health insurance coverage. This generated some controversy, though the family maintained they were facing legitimate financial hardships due to the unexpected medical emergency.
Recent Developments
Beyond her health recovery, Retton has faced additional challenges. The Olympic gold medalist was arrested May 17 in her native West Virginia, some 19 months after controversy erupted over her claims that she didn’t have health insurance to cover her hospital stay. This recent legal issue has added another layer of complexity to her ongoing recovery journey.
Despite these setbacks, Retton has maintained a positive outlook throughout her recovery. She has expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal and continues to work toward improving her health condition, even while acknowledging the permanent changes to her respiratory system.
The gymnastics community and fans worldwide continue to support her through this challenging period. Her story serves as a reminder of how quickly health can change and the importance of having adequate medical coverage and support systems in place.
Stay tuned for the latest Mary Lou Retton health problems developments and real-time updates. What are your thoughts on her inspiring recovery journey? Share your support in the comments below!