Jeff Kepner, 64, lost both of his hands in 1999 due to sepsis evolving from a strep throat infection. Ten years later, he became the first person in the United States to have a double hand transplant — what was supposed to be an inspiring, life-changing operation. Now, though, he says he wants those hands removed.
"From day one, I have never been able to use my hands," Kepner told Time after living with the non-functioning hands for seven years. "I can do absolutely nothing. I sit in my chair all day and wear my TV out." Kepner said before the transplant, he was 75 percent functional using his prosthetics; since the experimental surgery to attach new hands, though, he says he's 0 percent functional.
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