Myth: People will not be able to tell that my transplanted hand(s)/arm(s) came from a donor.
Fact:
Transplant teams do their best to match donor upper limbs to the recipient on the basis of sex/gender, skin tone, body size, and hair color, tattoos, among other factors. Transplant candidates can still be offered and accept a donor hand/arm that is surgically compatible but does not visually match their gender or skin tone. The site where the donor’s limb is attached to the recipient’s residual limb will have visible scarring. Some recipients maintain a skin flap at the attachment site which is needed for successful attachment of the limb. Learn more in
Risks – Surgical and Medical
Myth: People are always comfortable with accepting the deceased donor hand(s)/arm(s) as part of who they are/themselves/their identity.
Fact:
Hand/arm transplant recipients have different emotional reactions to their transplanted hand(s). Many recipients come to feel that the donated hand/arm is their own arm and that they have accepted and adapted well to their hand(s)/arm(s). Others have a harder time feeling like the donated hand(s)/arm(s) are a part of themselves. Learn more in
Risks – Psychosocial/Psychological
Myth: Right after the upper limb transplant, I can be independent, live alone, and do activities of daily living without relying on the assistance of caregivers.
Fact:
Hand/arm transplant recipients will still need the help of a caregiver for several months and possibly years after their transplant surgery. Having a caregiver can help recipients accomplish day-to-day tasks (e.g., eating, toileting, dressing), drive to follow-up appointments and hand therapy, and keep track of their anti-rejection medicine regimen. Learn more in
Lifestyle Changes
Myth: The hand/arm transplant will work like a healthy, congenital hand/arm.
Fact:
The hand/arm transplant will not function exactly like your upper limb before your injury or loss. It will take several months, or possibly longer, before a hand/arm transplant recipient can or should attempt more than mild physical activities with their new hand(s) or upper limb(s). With time and rehabilitation, recipients have been able to do activities such as feeding themselves, driving, doing yardwork, exercising, and returning to work. Learn more in
Lifestyle Changes
Myth: I do not have to be careful about how I move my new hand and arm. It is okay if I get scratched, play rough with pets, or do gardening.
Fact:
Hand transplant recipients can use their hands as any other person would. However, recipients need to be careful not to injure themselves. Even small scratches and blunt trauma to the arm can trigger a rejection episode. When you take anti-rejection medicines, you are more likely to get an infection than people who are not taking anti-rejection medicines. Learn more in
Lifestyle Changes
Myth: I will not have to wear sunscreen after the upper limb transplant because I never had to do so before.
Fact:
It is even more important for hand/arm transplant recipients to protect their skin from sunburns. People who take anti-rejection medicines have even higher chances of getting skin cancer than people who do not take anti-rejection medicines. So, it is essential to cover your skin, wear a hat, wear sunscreen, and stay in the shade when outside, even on cloudy days. In addition, sunburns can cause organ rejection episodes, which may require more anti-rejection medicine to treat the rejection episode. Learn more in
Lifestyle Changes
Myth: I can eat whatever I want after my hand/arm transplant.
Fact:
After your hand/arm transplant, you will work with a dietitian to create a healthy-eating plan. Maintaining a healthy diet is important for recovery and to prevent infection. Learn more in
Lifestyle Changes
Myth: It will be fine if I drink alcohol after my hand/arm transplant.
Fact:
After the transplant, alcohol in moderation, such as a glass of wine or beer with a meal, may be okay depending on the patient, and when coordinated with your doctor. Anti-rejection medicines do not work as well when patients drink alcohol. Learn more in
Lifestyle Changes
Myth: Getting a hand/arm transplant will solve all of my problems related to my amputation.
Fact:
A hand/arm transplant can be a life-enhancing procedure. However, it will not solve or prevent all problems, whether physical, mental, emotional, or social, from affecting a person’s life. It is critical that recipients seek regular care from their transplant team to address their medical and mental health issues. Learn more in
Potential Benefits 