My Motherin law is a 70 year old woman. She drinks, excessively and has so for many years.

During the past few months (6-9 months) we have noted that her lower abdomin has swollen, it is now twice the size it was when I first met her years ago.

This evening she took off her shoes and socks and her ankles are swollen and bruised in appearance.

Needless to say the suggestion of a doctor fell on deaf ears.

My Question is, what illness could cause this (I suspect something with the liver)?

David

If not the liver, then it could just be water-retention. My leg was swollen up because of W.R. but it went away without incident. It made my leg look puffy and discolored, and slightly itchy.

But I don't drink excessively either.


Mr(puffy tragic dragons)Sensitive

According to the American College of Physician's Home Medical Guide, her symptoms most suggest: chronic heart failure, nephrotic syndrom, or cirrhosis or the liver. Given her drinking, obviouisly I would lean towards the nephrotic syndrom and/or cirrhosis. She needs to see a doctor immediately. Both of these illnesses are fatal without treatment (and a lot of the time with.)

Ok Thanks.

I will be sending your replies in an email to her to stress the importance of going to a doctor.

Both I and my partner tried to impress on her the urgency of the matter. She claims to have no medical insurance (This is debatable since she has Meidi-care)

Turning to her husband, telling him he should do something got a laugh in responce.

There is no doubt in my mind that I am powerless to do anything in this matter.

Perhaps your words will make more of an impression on her.

Thanks much,

David

The swelling in her abdomen is called ascites and is a symptom of serious liver disease. The previous post was correct in saying that, if left untreated, it will most likely be fatal.

Depending on the extent of damage to the liver, it's possible to live with liver disease but it requires the patient to give up alcohol and live a healthy lifestyle. It doesn't sound like your mother-in-law is willing to help herself or even admit that her health problems are alcohol related. All you can do is give her the information you've collected and hope she makes the choice to do something about it.