do i have to?

[violettt777]

my doctors want me to get a liver transplant.  my meld score is 14.  i am not sick, just tired and some ascites.  i feel like i am being forced in  this direction and that only a rosy picture of the transplant is being painted for me.  i have no support system.  i live an hour from the transplant hospital.
help?  if i ask too many questions, i usually end up getting 'fired' by my doctor on the basis of poor doctor/patient relationship.

[Hollywoodjoey]

My understanding is you have to have a MELD score of at least 15 before you are even considered for a liver transplant.  I don't know your situation, but considering you are only at 14, I would think that your situation does not require an urgent transplant.  My dad was also under 15 and had his status raised when they found tumors in his liver.  He went to 23 at that point.  I wish you luck.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

you can be in desperate need of a liver transplant even if your MELD score is low.  If you have ascites that is refractory to therapy, that is an indication.  You should NEVER feel that you are being pushed into having a transplant--the philosophy should always be to wait out as long as possible before undergoing transplantation.  you may need to seek a second opinion.  Good luck.