It's one thing to have transplanted internal organ, where you're not necessarily reminded daily that part of someone else is now part of you. But it seems to me to be quite another to have a hand transplant. There's quite a lot to any transplant:
Personally, even with no hands, I think I would be much more interested in having the latest and greatest robotic version than a transplant: I have a preference for Luke Skywalker over Dr Strangelove.There is also a danger Mr Walsh's body could reject the new hand, with the first few months the most dangerous period.
He will require medication for the life of the transplant to slow his immune system and ensure it doesn't attack the transplant.
St Vincent's doctor, Robyn Langham, said that leaves his body less equipped to deal with rogue cells that might appear in the body.
"Those rogue cells do have the potential to turn into cancers," she said.
She said Mr Walsh may also be at greater risk of contracting metabolic conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
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