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Physical Therapy Paying Off For Hand Transplant Recipient

Three months after receiving a new left hand at Louisville’s Jewish Hospital, Donnie Rickelman says his recovery is going well. The Linton, Indiana man was back at the hospital today for a checkup, and showed how far he’s progressed by wrapping a Christmas gift.Rickelman says he’s always been comfortable with his transplanted hand."From day one, it's felt like it was part of me. I’m great. It feels good, I’m happy with it," he said.Rickelman lost his left hand in a workplace accident. He was the seventh person to receive a transplant at Jewish Hospital.Lead surgeon Dr. Joseph Kutz says two more transplants will likely be performed early next year.

Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.