Question by monkeylove: What is wrong with my mother-in-law? She is an alcoholic and has recently developed medical issues!!!!?
My mother-in-law has “age spots” covering her from wrist to elbow that are terribly purple. Recently, she told me that she’s having vaginal and rectal bleeding, yet refuses to see a physician.
I fear it may have to do with the drinking/liver. She is also a heavy smoker.
I know it’s impossible for me to make her see a doctor, but what do you think is wrong?
Best answer:
Answer by the_only_solorose
her alcoholism is catching up with her, the body can take only so much. She probably has severe hypertension which is causing the discoloration of her skin, she probably has bleeding ulcers causing her rectal bleeding and fibroid tumors causing her vaginal bleeding. And if she will not stop drinking or seek the aid of a physician, don’t plan on seeing her around for much longer.
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#1 by SoooConfused! on August 4, 2010 - 8:26 am
Those purple spots on her arms are called pupura or petechiae. That and the vaginal / rectal bleeding are associated w/ cirrhosis of the liver, late stages. It results from the liver’s inability to produce prothrombin and other clotting factors.
I’m guessing she also has an enlarged abdomen and perhaps some edema (swelling). Her eyes and skin may also be yellowed from jaundice.
She has a lot to worry about w/ cirrhosis, it is very painful, and going into the hospital means she will not be able to drink alcohol. The damage has been done, and it’s irreversible now.
Maybe if she knows how serious it is she’ll see a doc. Can your husband talk to her, or someone she’ll listen to?