evidence: This makes your lungs stiffer, and it's even harder for oxygen to flow from the air sacs into your bloodstream. Stress ulcers. Extra acid that your stomach makes because of serious illness or injury can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers. Thanks to better treatments, more people are surviving ARDS. But many survivors end up with potentially serious and sometimes lasting effects: Breathing problems. After having ARDS, many people get most of their lung function back within several months to several years, but others may have breathing problems for the rest of their lives. Even people who do well usually have shortness of breath and fatigue and may need extra oxygen at home for a few months. Depression. Most ARDS survivors also report going through a period of depression, which can be treated. Problems with memory and thinking clearly. Sedatives and low levels of oxygen in the blood can lead to memory loss and learning problems after ARDS. In some people, the effects may get better over time. But in others, the damage may last for the rest of their lives. Tiredness and muscle weakness.