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Patient Experiences

Hearing about other recipients’ experiences can help people understand what is and is not possible with hand/arm transplantation. For example:

  • A 68-year-old man received a double hand transplant at the mid-forearm level:

    • At around 3 months, he was able to put on a shirt and sweep the floor. 

    • At around 6 months, he was able to do daily activities like unlocking his leg prosthesis with his fingers and opening a bottle of pain medication. 

    • At around 9 months, he was able to drive, use a computer, and play catch with his grandchildren. 

    • Between 1 to 3.5 years, he was able to do many activities independently, such as swimming, playing Frisbee, playing piano, and other activities of daily life.¹

  • A 51-year-old man received a single hand transplant, lower on the forearm: 

    • At 6 years post-transplant, he was able to pick up ball bearings less than ¼ inches in diameter. 

    • At 7 years post-transplant, he was able to tie shoelaces, write, throw a ball, pick up checkers, and dress himself. 

    • He scored high on functional scoring tools, which remained constant from 6 to 8 years post-transplant.² 

  • A 65-year-old man received a right hand transplant at the wrist level: 

    • At 3 months post-transplant, he was able to actively coordinate some wrist and finger flexion. 

    • At 6 months, he had full finger extension. 

    • At 2 years post-transplant, he was able to independently dress himself, eat, write, tend to personal hygiene, and manage the attachment of his prosthetic legs.³

  • A 41-year-old man received a left hand transplant at the forearm level: 

    • At 9 years post-transplant, he was able to pick-up and grip objects, which allowed him to throw and catch a ball, turn pages, unscrew a bottle cap, and complete activities of daily living. 

    • Also, by the 9 year mark, he was able to perform manual labor, actively working in gutter installation.⁴

Remember: Everyone is different. There is no guarantee that hand functions will return after surgery.

 

Mr. Lund, bilateral upper limb transplant recipient (5 years after transplantation), talks about life with hand/arm transplants.

 

Want to Read About Different Recipients’ Experiences?

Article: The Devastating Allure of Medical Miracles | WIRED

 

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