David Savage, who lost his right hand in a machine press accident more than 30 years ago, underwent a 15-hour hand transplant surgery Nov. 29 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville. The hospital boosts of performing nation's first two hand transplant surgeries earlier.
Savage said Friday that his new hand is getting stronger and more flexible in the fingers and thumb. AP quotes him as saying, "Sensation is starting to come back. I'm feeling a lot of things that I didn't feel at first. I can't wait to get out fishing and use two hands."
Savage has also started writing with his new hand after learning how to hold a pen in addition to throwing a small football.
According to the lead transplant surgeon, Dr. Warren Breidenbach, Savage has made good progress however it will take another three months or so for feeling to return to his fingertips. The complete progress is expected to continue for several years.
