Wednesday, August 18, 2010

New MELD Score

I had new labs drawn on Monday. Ever since my MELD score went up three months ago I have anxiously been waiting for my next doctor appointment. For three months I have been walking around on pins and needles waiting for this appointment. Actually it isn't so much about the doctor visit as it is having my MELD score checked again. I usually have my labs sent to me by mail and I use the UNOS MELD calculator to check my new labs so as not to bother my coordinator. If I don't, then I am on the phone 3 days later and I quickly become a nuisance until I track down someone who can help me.
Anyhow, I just received my labs in the mail and I am now at 21. I definitely am moving up the ladder.
Here is the MELD range:

Lab Test Frequency

    * MELD score greater than or equal to 25; Labs needed every 7 days
      * MELD score 24-19; Labs needed every 30 days
      * MELD score 18-11; Labs needed every 90 days
      * MELD score less than or equal to 10; Labs needed every year

Meanwhile I am very tired. I find myself falling asleep more often during my days off. I have also noticed that I am running out of breath a lot faster than I used to. I think I am just physically weak.
Posting has also been hard to do. I don't seem to have it in me anymore. I have been trying to keep the photo journal going though, but I haven't had anything to post for the past couple of days because I've been sleeping. It's kind of hard to take pictures with your head buried in a pillow.
So there it is. Good news depending on how you look at it. I am happy about it.

Lately I have been following some blogs in the liver community of some people who are not doing as well as I am. They are a lot sicker than I am and I count my blessings that I am doing so well. I hope these people don't have to wait much longer and that they all receive their transplants soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of them.