Double-Hand Transplant Patient Discusses Surgery, Rehab With Channel 11

The nation's first double-hand transplant patient said he looks forward to holding his teenage daughter's and wife's hands.

Pa. native Jeff Kepner, of Augusta, Ga., lost his hands and feet a decade ago to a bacterial infection. He underwent the hand transplant surgery in May at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and will speak at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

Kepner spoke with Channel 11 News about the rehabilitation process after being the first person in the nation to receive a double-hand transplant.

"It’s long and tedious, and they work me like a dog," said Kepner. "Considering that, everything is going well."

VIDEO: Double-Hand Transplant Patient Discusses Surgery, Rehab With Channel 11

After the nine hours of surgery, and two months of recovery, Kepner said his wife was responsible for researching the opportunity. "She mentioned [the operation] to me," he said. "She was all excited that she found a place that does a double-hand transplant. I thought, 'Are you kidding me?'"

While he credits his wife with the idea of the surgery, he naturally thanks the donor of his hands for the opportunity to now hold his wife and daughter again.

"I just think of thanking this gentleman for making it possible for me to do this," he said.

Earlier on Thursday Kepner told NBC's "Today Show" that he also looks forward to cooking again and taking his own shower, instead of relying on his wife.

He's recovering well and will remain in Pittsburgh for some time while he continues to undergo rehabilitation therapy.

Previous Stories: May 14, 2009: Donor In Double Hand Transplant Operation Helped Many Others May 8, 2009: Wife Of Double Hand Transplant Patient Talks To Channel 11 April 2, 2009: Former Marine Gets First Ever Hand Transplant At UPMC