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MELD Score went down
Did my 5 day evaluation a week ago, MELD score was 20 and I was told I’m an exceptional candidate for a new Liver. The board gave me a stamp of approval and I was asked to relocate within a couple of weeks. They sent me a short list of things to do, lab tests and a vaccination. Both done following day and on Friday of last week I received a message that said my MELD score dropped to 18 and they may not want me to relocate. How does a MELD score go down in a 9 day period? I have already been told that my liver is past the point of getting better and I need a transplant.
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@pjrace, I would like to Welcome you to Mayo Connect. I also want to say that I'm happy for you that you have completed your evaluation testing and that you are qualified for a liver transplant! That is a big step. I remember feeling exhausted and worried after my evaluation. And I also remember the phone call from the transplant dept when they gave me the good news, which was followed by the official letter from UNOS. By the way, I received a liver and kidney transplant at Mayo Rochester in 2009.
Perhaps you have heard patients refer to their transplant journey as a roller-coaster, or a runawy train - It is because our condition can change frequently. This is why the doctor will want to update blood labs and compute the MELD score. Your MELD score is calculated using five blood test results — bilirubin, serum sodium, INR, albumin and serum creatinine. These results are entered into a mathematical formula using the UNOS MELD score calculator. In some cases there may be special circumstances which your doctor will be able to explain. Already, you have experienced this by your current situation. I had some periods of time when the score ws stable and other times when it went up.
You can read more about MELD score here:
Liver Transplantation: Understanding the MELD Score
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/liver-transplantation-understanding-the-meld-score/
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When is your next appointment with the transplant team? It sounds like you are living at a distance from the transplant center. How will you be monitored from the distance?
We live 11 hours from Mayo Phoenix. We will be relocated on the 23rd (confirmed today) and await the transplant. Labs will be done at Mayo when we get there. Looking forward to getting settled into our place and having a little vacation before it gets crazy.