This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Anybody get one of theose expensive bioness or walkaide muscle stimulators for foot drop? ANd if so how do you like it?
marie

it'd help if I added a link to the company
http://www.bioness.com/about_main.php

If I remember correctly, Chrishasms has used a Walkaide. You might want to send him a PM. I think that there are also a couple of people who have used it as well. You might also want to take a look through the Medical Devices forum.

NHE

I have the WalkAide. Both Chris and I have posted about our experience with the WalkAide - you can review those posts or send me a PM.

As an update - Now that Spring is here, I have been able to start playing golf again. The WalkAide has worked great for me even when walking on the uneven surfaces of a golf course. I am really glad that I have it.

Sharon

Wow, thanks guys! I appredciate the feedback!

I guess I did not realize there was a forum for devices DOH! I go read there next....

But while we are on the subject, today I got an "articulated AFO" which I was told I would love. Well I HATE it, absolutely totally no bones about it. It hurts. It does not fit in a shoe. It feels like an awkward wooden leg down there and the little bit of ankle movement I did have is gone with it on so walking feels worse, not better. It does get my toe up, but my leg is sort of straight and unbendable all the time so itis only addressing one issue with my leg, and it makes others of its own.

TO be honest with you, I equate the AFO with a manual typewriter when the rest of the world is using computers from their phone. I can;t believe the PT thought I would "love" my AFO and that such a device is still considered a great solution, and that the bioness is just so expensive that of course it would not be approved by the insurance, so why bother. I wish I had insisted on the bioness!

OK, I vented, I feel better now. Thanks for listening.
marie

Oh, Marie - what a frustrating time!

I never tried an AFO - in fact the neurologist said most of them end up in the back of a closet. I know the WalkAide and the Bioness are expensive, but you can pay for them interest free for a period of time. I know the WalkAide people are trying to get the insurance to cover them; last Fall they told me that hopefully within a years time. Oh, FYI - the WalkAide is cheaper than the Bioness product

Take Care,
Sharon