Double-Hand Transplant Speaks

In May, Jeff Kepner, 57, of Georgia, became the nation’s first bilateral hand transplant recipient after a nine hour surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
He spoke about the experience Thursday.
He said he is happy to have gone through the surgery. He is looking forward to increased independence.
Kepner had lost both hands and feet after a bacterial infection in 1999.
He is the second patient to be treated with the “Pittsburgh Protocol,” a new immune modulation therapy that aims to reduce the risk associated with toxic anti-rejection drugs. He is also in physical and occupational therapy.
Although he can move his hands using his own muscles surgeons say it will be anywhere from a year to two years before he regains feelings in his hands, depending on how his nerves grow in.