It has been over three-and-a-half years now since Sheila became the first woman to undergo a successful bilateral hand transplant in the United States. One can only marvel at the significant changes it has made in her life. She has worked exceedingly hard on her occupational therapy and, through stubborn persistence, has accomplished a lot to reclaim her independence. She gives speeches, paints, cooks, drives, and leads an active social life. It is important to remember, though, that it isn't always rosy for her. There are still problems and complications with medication, her leg prosthetics, or even routine stuff that are overshadowed by her amazing progress. She just puts on a brave, smiling face all the time. Our hats off to you, Sheila!
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It has been two-and-a half years since Sheila's surgery and what she has accomplished since then never ceases to amaze me. She put me to shame even before she had the bilateral hand transplant because she was a good driver even with prosthetic hands; and because I am a failed driver. I am scared of driving and other drivers; plus, I don't enjoy it at all. My dream is to have a chauffeur at my beck and call but I can't afford one.
Anyway, back to Sheila. She is very much into cooking these days. Given her limitations (she can't chop veggies, etc. yet), she has turned out delicious dishes and invited family and friends to her apartment for dinner. She goes shopping alone if she doesn't have to carry heavy stuff. She even sewed a button on her blouse once. She is also now a Certified Peer Counselor. Well done, dear! Sheila was featured recently in an article at the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Hopkins Medicine Magazine (see link below). The write-up was comprehensive and well-written. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/hopkins_medicine_magazine/hopkins_medicine_magazine_springsummer_2012/within_grasp#.UBRm8XPWwZo.mailto __September 18, 2011 was the first anniversary of Sheila's bilateral hand transplant. She drove to Pittsburgh for her checkup at UPMC. It's amazing how time goes. The surgery has been a real blessing for her. She works hard at her occupational therapy and we all marvel at her progress.
Here is a recent report from CBS Pittsburgh following Sheila's checkup at UPMC for the first anniversary of her bilateral hand transplant: Double Hand Transplant Recipient Gaining Sensations, Functions « CBS Pittsburgh |
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