fluid on knee, sore shoulder and arm, numb fingers (all on left side and very painfull)

Hello,
My dad has a history of alcoholism. About a week ago, he woke up and his left knee is very swollen (and soft-possibly fluid?), his left shoulder was extremely sore, and his left hand is numb. All has been extremely painful. I have noticed him breathing really hard (from the pain). We just sat for 8 hours in the ER and eventually left. They did take his vitals and said he was stable, so that indicated to me that he was not having a heart attack or stroke. My concern is though that it may be due to liver failure. Any suggestions on what is happening, the severity of it, and what he should do? Please help.Thank you.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

HI and thanks for using the forum.

There are a lot of things that can be going on with your dad and I think he needs evaluation by his doctor.  IF your dad slept on his left side, all of this could be caused by a dependent edema- meaning that gravity took over and extra fluid accumulated in areas that were the lowest- his left side.  If he can take Tylenol or Motrin, then either one should help with the pain, and the swelling should reduce once he has been up and moving around a bit.  But he really should be seen by a medical professional.  They can do some blood work, and some other tests to assure that this is not related to his heart, liver or some other problem.   Good Luck.

Bridget