about swollen hands and feet with pain

[hyoungc]

Hi, I have a question about my brother in law who just found out he has cirrosis from drinking. Dr told him that only 10% of liver funtions. Now he doesn't drink anymore.He is 56 years old.And he also has artritis. He doesn't drink anymore but from two days ago his hands and feet are very swollen and painful.My brother in law's co-workers told him to go to see a doctor who know all about his drinking and illness. What causes this swollen hands and feet with pain? Please anybody knows? I am sure he will go to see a dr soon. But we are wondering what this is after he stopped drinking and getting better. Thank you.

[rah0785]

HEART FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.  DRINKING ALSO WEAKENS THE HEART AND ITS ABILITY TO PUMP BLOOD.  A STRESS TEST OR ECHOGRADIOGRAM WOULD VERIFY HIS EJECTION FRACTION WHICH IN HEALTHY PEOPLE SHOULD BE AT 65%.

[kwill531]

Since he has been diagnosed with cirrhosis, the swelling could be acites.  Liver disease can cause all kinds of different problems with his body.

I would suggest that you take him to see a gastro doc for more information.  

My husband has had the same disease for almost twelve years, and up until 6 months ago, you would have never known it.  In the recent months, he has had several different issues over and above the liver, but all and all caused in fact by the liver not working correctly.

Don't wait to get him to the right kind of doctors.  They can guide you through all of this, but fluid build up in the body is never good.
Karen