The story of the first patient in the world to receive a double arm and shoulder transplant

Have you ever had a really dramatic moment that forced you to rethink the way you were living? Felix Gretarsson went through a very difficult situation and, after an electrical accident, had his arms and shoulders amputated. For some years he sank into a deep depression and thought his life was over. Until a phone call changed everything and he decided the best alternative he had was to fight.

we, from awesome.club, we defend the idea that love and hope are forces capable of moving mountains. With that in mind, today we bring you a story full of ups and downs and, above all, of overcoming.

Felix, a former Icelandic electrician who in 1998, at age 25, lost both arms in a high voltage accident, told us a little about the challenges he had to face after the accident that nearly killed him. At the time, he was married and had two daughters, one 3 months old and the other 4 years old. Everything happened very quickly and overnight he found himself without his family and without the will to live. “I could no longer hold my little girls. I couldn’t eat or take care of my personal hygiene.”

The help Felix received from friends and family was instrumental in overcoming the challenges that life threw his way. In the years following the accident, his life only got worse and he plunged into a cycle of self-destruction. The people accompanying him were horrified at how he was self-destructing. Although he needed a liver transplant, the lifestyle he had been maintaining made him ineligible for one. Also, his head wasn’t all right. It wasn’t until some time later that he came to discover that the problems he was experiencing were not related to the injury from the accident, they were just a reflection of his inability to accept the tragedy. And that’s when everything started to change.

Felix sobered up and in 2001 the transplant was performed. Unfortunately, the result was not what he expected and he had to receive a second transplant at the end of the same year. But the situation really changed in 2015, when Felix met Sylwia, his wife, a woman who has been a great source of support for him.

About the new arms, Felix made the following comment to the Incredible: “First impression was a little strange. The pain I felt was like having two trucks parked on each shoulder, and it took over all my senses. After a while, I adapted and realized that my arms also adapted better and better to my body. Now, even their color is the same as the rest of my body and even hair has started to grow.”

According to Felix, his hands are still immobile, but his shoulders, elbows and right wrist are fully functional. Today, his life is entirely dedicated to recovery.

He has come to realize that suffering is often a choice, which is why he feels responsible for all the paths that life puts in front of him, regardless of the circumstances. He believes that with a little patience anything can happen.

Felix said that since 2013 he started looking for a French arm and shoulder donor and his mother accompanied him on this long journey. Behind this strong man is a very strong woman too.

Felix’s story shows that everything in life can work out, even when problems seem unsolvable. In this regard, he stated the following: “Never give up your dreams. To say that something is impossible is just to say that it was never done.”🇧🇷 Felix organizes workshops on communication and emotional health and gives motivational talks where he shares his story with people.

Felix has two strong daughters who have learned the importance of living each moment intensely. Nowadays he can hug the people he loves. “I finally got to hug my daughters and the grandchildren they gave me.”

If you want to follow Felix’s progress, be sure to check out his Instagram and Facebook accounts.

What did you think of this story? When was the last time you hugged a loved one? Share your impressions in the comments.