What does ascites look like?

vamp36

It is fluid build up in the abdomen. Your tummy will swell up and be somewhat hard to the touch.

TheHappyMan

It would be tremendously swollen...... like you swallowed a watermellon........

margosuperstar

Would it affect other extremeties? Also, can it come and go?

ryu1977

Usually ascytes will make our condition worst, not come and go, and you can find ascytes in your blood during liver function test.

TheHappyMan

Hi margosuperstar - ascites is a form of Edema..... and Edema can also manifest itself in other places on our bodies, often the ankles and calves. Edema is fluid retention and is often made worse with excessive sodium intake.....

- Happyman

margosuperstar

I ask because if I am too active (running errands, standing too long , etc.), I will swell in my abdomen, hands swell to point of not being able to make fists and my ankles get huge. Laying down helps. I do have cirrhosis (grade IV stage III). I do get the watermellon tummy. Lately, I've sometimes woke up in morning with it. Very uncomfortable. Also, my face and espeacialy(sp?) my eyes are very swollen upon waking. I have not been given an ascites diagnosis, havent been to doc in almost a year but appt next month. However, I seem to get more info from these boards!
thanks in advance...

TheHappyMan

Have you actually been diagnosed with Cirrhosis ?

margosuperstar

I was told that I had "compensated cirrhosis" and that was the reason I was allowed to go thru treatment for hepc... this was back in 2003