The first recipient of a double arm transplant does not cycle again until two years after the operation

A man who underwent the world’s first double arm transplant has ridden a bicycle for the first time two years after surgery.

Felix Gretarsson, 50, had his arms amputated in January 1998 after being electrocuted while repairing power lines. In January 2021, after decades without both arms, he convinced a surgeon to perform the world’s first double arm and shoulder transplant in a 15-hour operation.

The former electrician surprised the surgeons with his incredible improvements: he was able to go to the gym again, cuddle his kids and drive a car.

Now the speaker has taken the next step and returned to cycling – an activity he enjoyed before his accident.

Felix, a father of two from Lyon, France, says: “Before my accident, I cycled a lot to and from work. I had a chair for my little girl and I really enjoyed it.

“I had been thinking about cycling again for a long time, also while waiting for my transplant, but I didn’t know how it would go.

“Every six months I sit down with my occupational therapist and we come up with the five most important things I want to achieve in the next six months. In the beginning it was about things like personal hygiene and nutrition, but a year ago I added cycling to that list going to add.”

As a kid growing up in Iceland, Felix had a bicycle with footrests, so he looked for a similar model. He also received a device from Hominid X, an American start-up that makes it easier for people to hold things.

“I was a little unsure because I knew I needed a bike that didn’t have me leaning forward,” he said. “The controls themselves weren’t in the best shape, but I was fully prepared for it not to work very well.

“I thought I was going to fall, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m sure I will fall, but so far it’s been good.

“I’m not ready for the road yet, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a good summer. The weather in France is so nice that it will be fun to cycle to and from hospital appointments.”

The five-year-old grandfather continues to push the boundaries – next year he wants to climb the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe, Mont Blanc.

Working as an electrician in 1998, Felix was involved in an accident while repairing a line with enough power for 500 households. He was electrocuted and fell 10 meters down. In addition to breaking his back in three places and breaking his neck, Felix’s arms were set on fire.

Three months later, he awoke from an induced coma to find that his arms had been amputated.

In 2007, he saw an advertisement for a lecture by renowned surgeon Dr. Jean-Michel Dubernard at the University of Iceland – best known for performing the first successful hand transplant in 1998.

Felix tracked him down and the surgeon said there was a possibility for a double arm transplant, but he needed to move to France so his team could make proper preparations.

Four years later, surgeons accepted his application and Felix launched a nationwide fundraiser in Iceland to help fund the €200,000 operation.

In 2013 he moved to Lyon and in 2017 the search for a potential donor began.

Finally, on January 11, 2021, he got the call.

Felix’s life has completely changed since the operation.

“I’m doing great,” he said. “My hands are still not very usable, but I can handle it and everything is getting stronger. It certainly wasn’t easy. I go to the gym four times a week to strengthen my muscles – rehabilitation is not enough.

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My life has changed a lot since my surgery. These personal things like getting dressed and undressed are so important to me now. In November I was alone for the first time for a whole weekend.

“After 25 years of complete dependence on other people, this is a huge freedom.”