Water retention in the lower extremities can also be a sign of high blood pressure and I deal with this on a daily basis and I am fine as long as I watch my salt closly and consume minimal to no salt at all in my diet except for foods that have natural salt - I do however take a water pill for the days that I do over induldge in salt and wake up with Club Like Feet.....
It can be a sign of liver damage, kidney damage, heart failure and high blood pressure.
Also, I am not sure if liver damage is going to make her stop. She has to make the choice for recovery. Everyone thinks that medical issues can make someone stop, but a lot of times they do not.
I wish you luck - keep us posted.