What Causes Swelling In Knee And Ankles When Diagnosed With Primary Biliary Cirrhosis?

Posted on Fri, 15 Apr 2016

Question: What can you tell me about swelling from the knee down including the ankles and feet? I have been experiencing this for almost 2 weeks now. I know I am in the last 'stage of life' at 80 years. I was diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis 31 years ago. 78.2 is the average age of death for women with this condition in NC. I am making End of Life decisions and wish to know how to also deal with the limitations of swelling and would like to know what it is related to at this point.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
several possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.

First, this may be related to PBC, but more common causes are those related with heart and kidneys function. So you should do heart ultrasound and kidneys markers for a beginning. If these findings are fine then you can consider that liver disorders is cause of swelling and it should be treated with steroids and protein supplements in this case. In every case, this doesn't need not be sign of deadly condition, just the right cause should be established. The average lifetime is just statistics and modern medicines these results are not reliable. You may live for many years more if there is no sign of liver failure. Before you do the test, you should restrict salt intake and avoid long standing.

Wish you good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj