Steven Gallagher, 48, was diagnosed with scleroderma an autoimmune disease that causes scarring of the skin and internal organs, after he developed an unusual rash about 13 years ago.
Areas including Gallagher’s nose, mouth and hands were affected. And about 7 years ago, his fingers began to contract until they were in a fist position with “terrible” pain.
When medical experts suggested the idea of a hand transplant, father-of-three Gallagher was initially opposed to the idea, but then decided to go ahead despite the risks.
Steven Gallagher was diagnosed with scleroderma. (Photo: Sky News)
Mr Gallagher, from the village of Dreghorn, in North Ayrshire, had to undergo a psychological assessment to ensure he was well prepared for the hand transplant. He then underwent a 12-hour operation in mid-December 2021, after a suitable donor was found.
The hand transplant team at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, where the surgery was performed, says it is the first time in the world that hand transplant surgery has been performed to replace a hand with stage scleroderma disease. last paragraph.
Mr. Gallagher said: “These hands are amazing, everything happened so fast. From the moment I woke up after the surgery, I was able to move them. They gave me a new life. I still feel it now. it’s been hard but things are getting better every week with professional physiotherapists, things are slowly getting better. Now I don’t have any pain anymore.”
Steven Gallagher’s new hands. (Photo: Sky News)
Mr Gallagher spent about four weeks at Leeds General Infirmary following surgery and regularly visits Glasgow hospitals for physical therapy and monitoring.
More than five months on from the surgery, his condition is improving. While he can’t perform highly dexterous maneuvers, he can do things like pet his dog, turn on the faucet and refill a glass of water.
The 48-year-old used to work as a roofer and was appointed as an assistant manager, but had to quit due to his illness. Now, he hopes to return to work after his hand has “advanced” and is grateful to the donor and their families.
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