Transplant

How do I register for a transplant;I'm a stage 3-4 and relasp twice since 2003 and my Doc says there's nothing else he can do until a new med comes out.

[billm57]

you need a meld score first - then it has to climb so high to be eligible for a transplant list which could take years and years - new meds due out in less than a year - especially good for previous relapsers - id say try the new tx - over 95% reached svr in only 36 weeks of treatment

[eureka254]

Whoa... your mind is moving way faster than your liver disease is!

If you are staged as 3-4, you would be considered mildly cirrhotic, with low likelihood of needing a transplant anytime soon (unless you have other factors in addition to hep c contributing to rapid liver damage).  Many people even in Stage 4 retain good liver function and normal quality of life for years.  The new meds are expected to be available next year, and the success rates are very encouraging, even for relapsers.  

Being registered for Liver Transplantation is not a choice, like registering for school or your driver's license.  Transplantation listing is a life-saving measure employed by doctors -- those who are on the transplant list are those who are considered to have a high likelihood of death within a short period of time.  Transplantation listing is determined by a score known as MELD (you can find a handy calculator at http://www.mayoclinic.org/meld/mayomodel6/html.
Some Transplant Centers have transplant lists that start listing people at >15, but at some centers, demand is such that listing doesn't start until the mid to high 20s.  

And for those who are sick enough to be considered for transplant listing, the evaluation process is extensive, demanding and very strict -- that being said, I don't think you need to worry about getting on a list immediately if you're not a Stage 4 with decompensation.  Take care of your liver the best you can (no alcohol, low salt, low fat, adequate hydration, etc.) to help stave off progression to Stage 4 (and the classes thereof...), and there's good likelihood you'll have a chance at cure before you ever have to see a transplant doctor.  Best wishes. ~eureka