If you do go check out the Transplant Community there is a thread explaining the MELD SCORE posted in May by a member ...you may want to look for it and read it.
there is an 'expert forum" also so you may also want to talk to the doctor along with getting opinions and personal experiences of the members.
You may want to ask this question on the Transplant Forum. There are a few members that will be able to give you some more information.
Good Luck.
MO
Does he have ascites or varices? People do go on to lead normal lives with liver disease, providing they take care of themselves. A Meld of 12 isn't that bad, I've heard of it going into the 20's and 30's. Is he on the transplant list