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Felix Gretarson underwent a double arm transplant, a world first. 10 months later, the Icelandic, who now lives in Lyon, is still in full rehabilitation, but sees his mobility progress every week.
Felix Gretarson, a 49-year-old Icelandic man, is the first person in the world to have had a full arm transplant. His double transplant was barely 10 months old, and he is now in rehabilitation. On the program every morning: coffee, reading emails and news, then departure for the hospital. “The first seven months were more difficult, because the pain [était permanente], I was always tired “, confides Felix Gretarson.
He still has his room reserved at the Henry Gabrielle hospital, in Lyon (Rhône). The rehabilitation program begins each day with the physiotherapist, who tracks down any possible sign of rejection, and offers exercises to stimulate progress. Today he is delighted to be able to wear a quarter of Clementine to his mouth. “It’s incredible. Every week I have a new gift”, he rejoices. Felix Gretarson also follows mirror therapy sessions, so that the brain is projected to the tips of the fingers, in arms of which it has been deprived for 23 years.