Liver Transplant

Hello. I have a family member that is 44 years old and is in End Stage Liver Failure from being an alcoholic. He has been sober for about 6 months now. He was told that his liver was decompensated and he needed a liver transplant. First he has to be approved by Medicaid and they are not in any rush on that. His doctor told him this week that his MELD score had gone from a 12 to a 20. He tires very easily now and he goes weekly to get his abdomen drained. At first they were getting 1-2 liters fluid and the last 3 weeks they have drawn 6 liters at each visit. What is the outlook for him with him not being on the transplant list yet?

Thank You

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i definitely think he should be placed on the liver transplant waiting list ASAP.  It should not be a long delay with regard the insurance clearance.

[Angel070968]

Thank you for your time. That was my thinking as well.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holidays!!

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

good luck

[folksinger65]

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