I saw my new doctor again this past Friday for a followup from blood-work, and my recent trip to the hospital. As we were talking my father brings up the question/topic again of a liver transplant - and his feelings. He said I need to start planning for one. he recommended 4 places where he has sent patients, and have had good experiences. He suggested: Indianapolis, Ohio State University, The Cleveland Clinic, and The Mayo Clinic. After deciding where I want to go, will need to travel there to be evaluated by the transplant team. They go by factors - one major being something called a MELD score. MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease. Right now my MELD score is about 15/16, and anything over 20 is dangerous. Even if the hepatitis B viral load drops, the damage (cirrhosis) has been done.
Needless to say I am scared, overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused. What ever the future holds I have a long battle ahead of me - something I plan on fighting. I truly hope I have the strength.
