Photos: Before and after the hand transplant

Richard Mangino is marking the one-year point since his successful 12-hour double-hand transplant surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital by completing tasks that he never imagined possible after suffering a bloodstream infection in 2002 that resulted in them loss of his lower arms. We visit him at his home to see his progress.

Dr. Bohdan Pomahac (far left at a press conference with Mangino last year), leader of Mangino’s transplant team, said recently that his patient is “doing remarkably well and better than expected.”

Mangino regularly does hand exercises, such as squeezing clay, stacking blocks, and lifting light weights as seen here.

Mangino can also do daily chores around the house, like sweeping and mopping.
“It’s been what I hoped it would be,” Mangino said during an interview at his Revere home. “The doctors say I can do anything.”

Playing the guitar was a favorite passtime for Mangino prior to his amputations. He is still re-learning how to play the instrument, but can play “Pretty Woman.”

In addition to the guitar, Magino can play the piano again.

Other common household tasks have become easier for him since the transplant, including removing items from the refridgerator.

Aside from his monthly visit to Brigham for rehabilitation, Mangino often spends two hours a day working his hands on fine motor skills.

Carole Mangino and her husband smiled last year following the bilateral hand transplant at Brigham And Women’s Hospital.
When Richard Mangino tried to swim this past July, his wife said she held her breath as he took his first strokes. “It was like watching someone take his first steps,” she said of the emotional moment.

Mangino, who plans to write a book about his experience, said the transplant has changed him in so many ways and can finally enjoy the little things like playing football with his grandsons.