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Sqad, you're absolutely right. He's now told me that he was told by his consultant that he had cirrhosis a few months ago. This diagnosis followed an ultrasound scan of his kidneys requested by his GP which revealed a very enlarged spleen. The Kidneys were said to be ok at the time by the ultrasound technician. However, A CT Scan of the spleen performed on the same day showed liver cirrhosis. He also has something called portal hypertension which was said to account for the splenomegaly. The clinicians also seem to think that his failure to respond to warfarin therapy (INR 1.6 last week on 13mg warfarin) may be due to this portal hypertension. He's on warfarin awaiting cardioversion for AF.
Anne, I'm afraid he's one of these people who tries to avoid the medical profession like the plague. He insists he can manage these blisters at home on his own and right now they don't appear infected. The trail of fluid from these blisters he leaves behind him when he struggles to walk has to be seen to be believed - he has to change his socks three times a day.
Thank you both.