MELD Scores

My MELD score is 8.  I asked my doctor what score I need before I can get on a transplant list.  He said mid to upper 20's.  I feel so bad now.  I can't imagine how I will feel when I get to that point.  I have brain fog and am taking Enulose but all it does is give me gas.  I have read post on this site from loved ones whos spouse, mates MELD Scores are at 16 and all their partners do is sleep and a lot of them continue to drink.  Sometimes I feel like drinking just to get away from how I feel.  But of course, that would only make me feel worse afterwards.  Physically and mentallly.  So the question is,  what do you think, know about MELD Scores?  What have your doctors told you?  

[pjhep80]

i dont know much about MELD scores, im not cirrotic ... yet... but i just wanted to say... DONT DRINK...  

hang in there...

[Upbeat]

A score of 8 is not all that bad.  On the meld mortality scale you only have a 0.05 chance of death in the next 90 days.    You can go to this link at mayo clinic to  calculate scores.  I think you will find most people on this board have scores of 8 or even worse.  Good Luck

[Upbeat]

Forgot the link

http://www.mayoclinic.org/meld/mayomodel7.html

[eureka254]

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling bad -- I hope you can find strength to not drink and do all you can to keep your liver functioning as long as possible.  

From my limited understanding, the MELD scoring system is pretty straightforward.  It's a number that's determined by your labwork, not how you feel.  There are things that can raise your MELD points, like hcc (liver cancer), but as pointed out above, a high MELD means also higher chance of mortality sooner.

My husband has cirrhosis too, and his MELD is a 7.  His doctors also say that listing usually starts in the high teens and transplants usually happen in the mid-high 20s.  To be perfectly honest, my husband doesn't want a transplant -- he'd like to keep his original equipment if at all possible -- so he's doing his best to prevent liver problems.  He drinks NO alcohol, he limits red meat to 3-6 oz a week, he keeps a low-sodium diet, low fat diet, sees doctors regularly, and he's currently treating his hepatitis.  He's fighting to keep his liver because it's an even harder fight to keep a donated liver.

If you really want the nitty-gritty of transplantation guidelines in the US, you can find them on the web:
http://www.unos.org/policiesandbylaws/policies.asp?resources=true

Best of luck to you,
~eureka

[CoWriter]

Transplant centers have their own guidelines.  Some transplant at lower MELDs than others.  

Co

[fretboard]

Are you certain your doctor is doing all that can be done for you and are you seeing a hepatologist?  Also have you seen more than one?  I read your profile and you almost made tx last time.  Is your abdomen swollen, personally I don't know anything about a swollen belly but I was reading this post and learned alot.  good luck  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-Social/somethings-been-bugging-me/show/936894

[rkw599]

I have 2 Hepatologist.  A local one and Dr. Robert Gish, Cal Pacific Med Center, S.F.  I have mild abdomen swelling and pain in my decending colon but colonoscopy and CT's don't show anything. Doc's think it is spastic colon.   Thanks for the site and help!

[fretboard]

Yes Dr. Gish I've certainly heard that name as I'm in Sacramento.  Hopefully everything comes together for you.  good luck and God Bless

[rkw599]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like your husband has a good attitude.  I need to watch my fat intake and sodium.  I am single and it's hard to cook for only one.  Get lazy and want to go for the easy, quick meal a lot.  Take care and thanks again to you and everyone else who responded!

rkw599 (Randy)

[Bill1954]

Hi Randy,

I just wanted to wish you well. I’ve treated with Gish’s group in Sacramento, and think they’re outstanding. Hopefully, everything will work out; stay of the booze, though… if you start to consider it seriously, reread your own words above. It really won’t make you feel better.

Take care—

Bill

[rkw599]

Thanks Bill.  Yes, I have been seeing Gish's Group sense 1993.  Their outreach clinic is fantastic.  No more drives to San Francisco.  They have an office here in Modesto.  What a blessing!  

I have 2 and 1/2 years clean and sober and with God's help, plan to stay that way.  I quit drinking before treatment and have had no desire to go back after.  The only good thing to come out of that awful, suicidal, make your hair go thin and fall out, rage inducing drug, Interferon!  LOL!

Blessings,
Randy