This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Is there a future in Europe for Bioness? How far away is that future? Is it possible to buy a device and bring it back to Europe and be able to use it on your own?[/quote]

I know Bioness is in a number of other countries. Where at in Europe are you? If you can let me know what part of Europe you are located then I can find out if they are currently working on something near you.
Jonna

It is but it should be only covered for certain diagnosis codes according to the Ness 300 article I read, those associated with SCI are not the same as MS, that is something I know.

But here's what else I know as a nurse: people who are sedentary are at risk of all kinds of issues that moving mobile people are not. Pressure sores, venous pooling, constipation, lack of mobility, poor circulation, the list goes on and on and all of them put people at risk for other kinds of secondary disease or injury--lest we forget, these things add up in terms of healthcare costs. I broke my arm this fall. That cost over 10 grand. Something like that prevented because the person is stronger and moving about more is well worth the cost of the device if you are looking at it in a purely cost vs gain way.

I have a feeling though that the idea is going to be a spinal cord patient is not getting worse and worse, so a device like that is a lifetime purchase, for an MSer it may only be useful for a period of time and some bean counters may try to argue it is not cost effective. I would argue it is going to be very good. If I had been just a little stronger I could have avoided that fall and those dollars spent.

I hope they do cover it soon!

We are in France for the time being. Is the Bioness here?

I just sent an e-mail to a Bioness staff member that is working with other countries. When I get a response I will let you know what I find out.

I have heard back and the following is what I learned........

We are still in the process of setting up representation and distribution in France . Currently, Bioness has representation in Belgium , Netherlands , Italy , Spain and the UK / Wales .

Canada, Germany and France to follow...I am not sure of a timeline, however, I would suggest that you go to our website (www.bioness.com) and send an inquiry and ask to be contacted when we are ready to go in France or any other country. Also, on our website, you can locate our contacts in Europe from the above countries that are up and running.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime should you need further information

......as I was told don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions I would be happy to find out what I can.

Jonna

It would be interesting to know if the UK's NHS covers part or all of the cost of the Bioness....as for contacting them from their website, why don't they just have a contact email rather than the form you have to fill in...it requires a US of A address.
Thanks for asking them though.....

I sent your responce to the person at Bioness that answered the first question. I asked if he would be able to respond. The following is the message he sent in responce........

NHS supports the use of FES and NICE (Nat. Institute for Health & Excellence) issued their FES guidelines which gives an endorsement for the use of FES in appropriate patients. NHS does not cover the L300 at this time, but we hope that it will in the future. We are in the process of calling on all the NHS facilities in UK .

Sorry that it is not a functional form but this is how they set it up. UK inquiries can contact:

Richard Knell-Moore, Business Development Manager, UK
Bioness, Inc.
Richard.knell-moore@bioness.com

Well, thanks Jonna....seems they want the NHS to cover the bioness, but that may take a while and they haven't started in France....so we'll have to wait

Hi Jonna and everyone!

I am located near Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The facility near me is about 2-3 weeks out on appointments, I finally learned yesterday. I am #7 on the list. The explanation is that they do not have enough therapists for the demand. I did call the next closest facility to me, and even though its quite a bit further, I am going to that one on 3/4 (Next Week)!

I am also looking into trying the Walkaide too, so I will give you guys my evaluation of both devices once I have tried them. I just can't wait to see how it makes me feel and I'm up for the work that it takes to get there! I haven't exercised in years!!!

Thanks to everyone!
Jennifer

Jenn looking forward to your report.

The first week I had a test walkaide and it was a wonderful week. I walked without dragging my leg, I waled with better balance and i had a lot of energy (probably because I was not dragging my leg).

So, I bought my own Walkaide. (the hand held device thaT IS PART OF THE Bioness was the deciding factor for me. I knew it would get lost.)

In the 2 weeks with my own Walkaide I have had some problems so I will go back to Hanger on friday to see if I worked myself too hard or if the electrodes need repositioning. My foot hurts and the outside of my leg is very sore.

It could be I need to stretch the leg muscles that had been stagnant for so long but it could also be a simple adjustment.

But, the week I had the test walkaide was the best week since I stopped novantrone.

Amazing. I walked a mile one day. I walked up and down a flight of stairs. I walked out to my goose pen to feed my goose friends every morning. Life was good.

Here's hoping week 4 is like week 1 with my Walkaide.

Linda

Linda -

I think your muscles in your ankle/foot and leg are sore because they are finally having to do some work again. I know that the area around my ankle hurt for awhile. My calf muscle starts aching towards the end of the day, especially if I have been on my feet all day.

I had my WalkAide re-calibrated about 10 days ago, and I am still trying to get used to the new "stemming". The pulse is not on as long as before because I am now walking a bit faster. If I can't get it figured out in the next week or so, I will go back to Hangar to see what they can change.

Keep up the good attitude

Sharon

So, does anyone know if the walkaid is in France yet? We need it here, while there are still some ability to walk...although it is getting very bad. Speaking of, is a walking stick/cane a good or bad idea?

I just came back from a screening for the Ness L300. Worked great right out of the box. I was able to put it to the test. It was tough to break the habit of swinging my hip But I feel that would pass if my leg strength improved. At one point when walking back to the tech she switched it off when she meant to decrease the input. Almost tripped Because of not consciously keeping my toes up. So yes you do get used to it depending on it right away. Now its time to shop around and kick the tires sorta speak. A big concern for me is the L300 can't get wet. Tough for an outdoor guy in Oregon. Could work under my chest waders. will check on the Walk-aid next. The next big issue is the cost !!! $6500.00 is not in the budget at this time. Maybe I could train hunting dogs with it for the extra cash. Seems to work like a shock collar. Peace Mark PS any feedback from long term users would be greatly appreciated...

Skydog - you wrote:



The cost of either the WalkAide or the Bioness is high. You can pay for both through CareCredit. I chose an 18 month plan - interest free.

Water is a no-no for both devices. I have wrapped Saran Wrap around the WalkAide case - seemed to work to keep the splashes off the device, but I am sure if I had fallen in the river it would have been ruined.