This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I posted this on another thread but got no response. Here's hoping!

I'm a farmer and sometimes I think the farm would fall apart without duct tape!
I have a different problem which is a big one..
My walkaide was great. Kept me walking and able to stand/move for 8 hour Saturdays at my Farmers' Market.

But, my skin reacted to one of the electrodes. I kept wearing it only on Saturdays because it made life possible. The skin break down was not healing from week to week so I have not worn it for 10 weeks.

I called. Got larger electrodes as someone suggested. But they are a blue gelatinous electrode that sticks to my fingers when I put them on the cuff--sticks to my leg when I try to take the cuff off. Bits of it are broken off and I can not understand why it is not the same as the original electrodes.

Anyone have any information?
Thanks.
Linda

Hi Linda!

The skin breakdown which you are speaking about -- do you have open sores -- a rash ---redness? I have not had any skin problems around the electrode site -- I did have a problem where the cuff was rubbing my skin but it healed within a week of so. I am not familiar with the new larger electrodes, but it sounds like they might be causing you more trouble than the smaller. Do you think you have an allergy to the gel on the electrode? My technician was very clear to me -- make sure my leg was clean with no lotions around area where the electrode is placed. She also suggested that if I was out in the sun and perspiring, that I remove the WalkAide and rinse the skin under the electrode.

I will be glad to put you in contact with my technician here in Denver-- she has been very responsive to others who have had questions.

Sharon

I have not pursued answers to my electrode problem until now!
My MS went on a rampage and I started rituxan.

BUT, I started thinking I might yet live another day so I called about my Walkaide problem. (I called the Neuroscience facility and left a message with the rep I knew.

She contacted the Hanger fellow I first saw and yesterday we went there. He said that they now routinely give the bigger electrodes with the Walkaide.

So, Hanger gave me a box and we recalibrated the Walkaide with he new electrodes. Bingo! I walked half a mile.
I am very happy.

There is however a hitch. The bigger electrode is very hard to handle. When I take the cuff off the electrodes pull away from the cuff and remain plastered to my skin.

When I remove the electrodes from my skin the electrode is gummy and bits pull off. So, at the moment, it seems hard to imagine putting it on and off during the day.

These electrodes are expensive so I want to be careful.

Still, if I can wear it on long days out and about, I will be happy again.

Good luck everyone.
Linda

Linda -

Do you have one of the new cuffs? I bought one about one month ago. Even though it is a bit bigger, I sure like it better. It stays in place and it seems to me to be lighter in weight. It uses the same size electrodes as the old cuff. How big are the electrodes that you are using?

Sharon

I'm spluttering after reading your post!

The electrode I'm now using is 2" by 2".

They never mentioned bigger cuff. Why did you get it?
How much did it cost?

I am learning how to better handle the new electrodes but they are very gummy and stick to my skn when I remove the cuff.

When I touch the electrodes it is impossible not to dislodge the edges so I am sure they will not last as long.

I'm just dumbfounded about the bigger cuff you bought. My husband just wondered if I already have the bigger cuff and had it right from the beginning. I wonder if yours is a newly developed one....

Thanks for responding. I am wearing my Walkaide again after so many months. What a relief.
Linda