“One Of The Happiest Moments”: Man Who Receives First Pig Kidney Transplant Shares Moving Message
Rick Slayman, whose body is the home of a medical breakthrough, was discharged from the hospital after receiving the first genetically edited pig kidney transplant.
In an unprecedented medical breakthrough, the 62-year-old manager at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation underwent surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital last month for the world’s first transplant of a genetically edited pig kidney.
The four-hour-long surgery on March 16 was a success, and now, two weeks later, an overjoyed Rick was allowed to go home for a “new beginning.”
Rick Slayman is the world’s first living patient with a transplanted pig kidney
Image credits: Massachusetts General Hospital
“This moment – leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time – is one I wished would come for many years,” Rick said in a Wednesday statement.
“Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life. I want to thank everyone at Massachusetts General Hospital who cared for me before and after my historic transplant, especially Dr. Williams, Dr. Riella, Dr. Kawai, and the countless nurses who looked after me every day of my stay,” he went on to say. “The care I received was exceptional and I trust physicians of the Mass General Brigham health system with my life.”
About two weeks after his surgery, Rick was discharged and allowed to go home to start a new life
Image credits: Massachusetts General Hospital
Rick’s surgery marked the third such transplant of an animal organ into a living human being. The first two cases preceding Rick’s saw pig hearts being transplanted into two patients who had no other options left in their treatment.
Unfortunately, both heart transplant recipients passed away weeks after their operations, underscoring how such procedures are as risky as they are groundbreaking.
The Massachusetts General Hospital shared updates about the groundbreaking transplant on its social media handle
Thank you for following along during this historic and hopeful announcement. More details can be found here:https://t.co/Jn2zF7Zb4L pic.twitter.com/5TkGovPcvP
— MassGeneral News (@MassGeneralNews) March 21, 2024
Rick is now looking forward to starting a new life with his new kidney, where the “burden of dialysis” is no longer a weight on his shoulders.
“I’m excited to resume spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years,” he said in the statement.
“Lastly, I want to thank anyone who has seen my story and sent well-wishes, especially patients waiting for a kidney transplant. Today marks a new beginning not just for me, but for them, as well. My recovery is progressing smoothly and I ask for privacy at this time.”
Is nobody gonna talk about this dudes awesome last name? Slayman. He TOTALLY slays!
Every day that you live on this earth animals die to keep you alive. Get off your high horse.
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This is cool. Yes, it should be celebrated. I'm sure Mr. Slayman's life is much improved now. But. One of the things we do know about the immune system- is that it has subsystems- we know nothing- nothing- about. We just know they exist. The most opaque are the "long term" capabilities- immunities that function very slowly, and are not turned on quick. There is more than a small chance such systems could kick on next year- and cause organ rejection the pig engineers could not foresee. Plus there can be side effects from the immune system suppression d***s. So- Cheer all you want- but- don't think it's all figured out and done.
Cosmikid: All true, but, can we not just celebrate this for the moment, allow ourselves to marvel at the sheer wonder of it all?
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These new scientific achievements are truly amazing to witness. I remember when I read “Pig-Heart Boy” by Malorie Blackman in my first year of high school & being blown away by the idea, as I honestly didn’t expect it would ever be more than fiction. I’m glad to know that I stand corrected (well, I WOULD stand, but I’m a lower-leg amputee 😂) … in all seriousness, though. I wish Mr Slayman all the happiness he’s ever wanted & then some. Truly an amazing & brave human being. 🥹💖
Did anyone else think that his first words after surgery were going to be "oink oink oink reeeeeee"
Is nobody gonna talk about this dudes awesome last name? Slayman. He TOTALLY slays!
Every day that you live on this earth animals die to keep you alive. Get off your high horse.
Load More Replies... This is cool. Yes, it should be celebrated. I'm sure Mr. Slayman's life is much improved now. But. One of the things we do know about the immune system- is that it has subsystems- we know nothing- nothing- about. We just know they exist. The most opaque are the "long term" capabilities- immunities that function very slowly, and are not turned on quick. There is more than a small chance such systems could kick on next year- and cause organ rejection the pig engineers could not foresee. Plus there can be side effects from the immune system suppression d***s. So- Cheer all you want- but- don't think it's all figured out and done.
Cosmikid: All true, but, can we not just celebrate this for the moment, allow ourselves to marvel at the sheer wonder of it all?
Load More Replies... These new scientific achievements are truly amazing to witness. I remember when I read “Pig-Heart Boy” by Malorie Blackman in my first year of high school & being blown away by the idea, as I honestly didn’t expect it would ever be more than fiction. I’m glad to know that I stand corrected (well, I WOULD stand, but I’m a lower-leg amputee 😂) … in all seriousness, though. I wish Mr Slayman all the happiness he’s ever wanted & then some. Truly an amazing & brave human being. 🥹💖
Did anyone else think that his first words after surgery were going to be "oink oink oink reeeeeee"
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