Rigby brothers out of the hospital, recovering well after kidney transplant

News anchor Tim Rigby has left the hospital after his second kidney transplant in 16 years.

The WJAC-TV personality received the kidney last Thursday from his brother, state Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Cambria. Jim Rigby was discharged from the hospital and returned home on Friday. Both brothers say they are recovering well and have had no complications from the tandem operations.

“I’ve been getting up and walking around, trying to move a little more,” Tim Rigby said Tuesday.

Tim Rigby was discharged from UPMC Montefiore on Sunday and then stayed in a Pittsburgh hotel for follow-up tests and exams. He was back at Montefiore’s transplant clinic on Monday for lab work.

Since he had a break between appointments on Tuesday, he and his wife, Holly, were able to visit their daughter and granddaughter for lunch at their Pittsburgh home.

“I see the surgeon (Wednesday), and it’s back to Johnstown,” Tim Rigby said. “I’ll try to get back to a semi-normal routine. I’m a walking pharmacy, but that’s to be expected.”

Jim Rigby was up and around following the surgery last Thursday. By late afternoon, he had logged a mile in the Montefiore halls. On Friday, he put in another 2 miles before he was discharged and returned home.

“I’m a little sore, but I didn’t really have any pain with the surgery,” he said. “It’s amazing what they can do.”

He went on to commend the UPMC transplant program for its support.

“Before the surgery, they walked us through what to expect,” Jim Rigby said. “There was zero anxiety. I was at peace and calm. It was just that easy.”

Tim Rigby also commended the UPMC team.

“The process is terrific and the doctors and nurses were great,” he said.

He said his recovery seems to be going even better than the recovery from his 2005 transplant surgery.

“I feel like my energy returned almost immediately,” he said. “What a difference this new kidney makes.”

Both brothers said that support from their families and the community has encouraged them through the surgery and recovery.

“My wife, Holly, has been my rock,” Tim Rigby said. “She’s my nurse and she’s been doing everything for me because I’m so weak right now. I don’t know where I’d be without her.”

Jim Rigby encouraged others to consider organ donation.

“It doesn’t take a superman or a hero — just normal people,” he said.