How you prepare

Evaluating whether to have a hand transplant

Before you can receive a hand transplant, carefully consider the risks of the procedure and whether you can commit to intense follow-up care that will last the rest of your life. Also consider what benefits you hope to gain from a hand transplant. Post-transplant care includes:

• Regular appointments with transplant doctors and surgeons
• Regular physical therapy
• Taking immunosuppressant medications daily and managing the medications' side effects
• Follow-up care with your primary care doctor for routine health screenings

You'll be evaluated by a transplant team. People with amputation at the midupper arm or below may be considered for transplant. To be considered for a hand transplant, a candidate must:

• Pass a comprehensive physical exam that includes X-rays, blood tests and other measures of physical health
• Pass a mental and emotional health evaluation that examines coping skills, family and social support, and ability to manage post-transplant care
• Have no history of chronic nerve conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy
• Have no serious medical problems, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or untreatable cancers
• Have had no recent serious infections
• Be a nonsmoker
• Not abuse alcohol or illegal drugs
• Complete a financial evaluation of post-transplant care expenses with a member of the transplant team

Getting ready for your hand transplant

Once you're approved for a hand transplant, you'll be placed on a waiting list for a donor hand or hands. Your wait time can be unpredictable, since it's usually not known when a donor hand or hands that will match your needs will be available.

In the meantime, prepare as much as possible for a transplant. Preparations include:

• Transplant clinic visits. You'll need periodic appointments with your transplant team for blood tests and ongoing evaluations of your transplant readiness.
• Strengthening exercises, if recommended. Physical therapists may work with you to increase the strength and flexibility in your arms before your transplant.
• Arranging for travel and lodging. Your transplant team will ask that you stay at a location that's within 10 hours of travel time to the hospital where you'll have your transplant. Following your transplant, you'll usually need to stay near your transplant team for several months. Your transplant team may have recommendations for long-term lodging if you need it.
• Communicating with your transplant team. If you have any changes to your medical care — including changing medications, having a blood transfusion or being diagnosed with a chronic medical condition — let your transplant team know immediately. Also be sure to communicate any changes to your address, phone number or family contact information.