walk aid device

[vivi]

My husband has a foot drop for about a year now, and hasn't been diagnosed yet. His condition looks still the same, left leg foot drop. Still walks ok, with a little limping.

We live in QLD, in Australia and came across this walk aid device: WalkAide - Home
My husband tried in, though only for about 10 min, felt quite uncomfortable, but did help a lot with the foot drop. The device lifted the foot automatically.
I read also about another device: Bioness, which I think similar.
Does any of you using this device?
And do you know if there is any funding for it in Australia, as it cost here $6000.00. Very expensive!

Thanks
vivi

 

[GlenBrittle]

Hi Vivi,

That is a lot of money to spend without knowing what the problem is. I would be more inclined to get a AFO (brace) for that foot made. My custom made brace, which was molded plastic that ran underneath my foot up to my calf, cost about 800$ . With a sock over it , and it fit under my jeans , no one could see it.

Just a thought.

Glen

 

[irismarie]

I would prefer my roller walker where you can put the weight on your arms and you are safe from tripping. My illness began the same with the foot dropping and i find this wonderful. And nowhere near so expensive. mine cost about 40€ second hand

 

[nightbird]

My husband uses a Bioness device, the Ness L300, and has found it life-changing. He had a massive stroke more than 8 years ago and didn't get the Ness L300 until this past July. He is already seeing some carryover in the position of his foot and ability to walk without the device. There is a sensor that goes beneath his heel, under the innersole, to activate the device when his heel leaves the ground. The remote control (that you wear around your neck or keep in your pocket) allows him to change the level of stimulation so it is not uncomfortable. He says it is MAGIC and says it is the best thing we've ever done. Like you, we were worried by the cost, with all our other medical bills and troubles. In the US, the VA (Veterans Administration) will obtain a device for those in their health care system who can benefit from one, based on a VA evaluation. There are user forums to swap stories and troubleshoot any problems. My husband hasn't had any, but some had skin sensitivity. The company has addressed this with new cloth electrodes. I am VERY impressed by the company and their level of service. A rep has came out to adjust his system and I have heard others who have had amazing results, no longer using their cane and continuing to progress. Take a look at the company's website for more info. (No, I don't work for the company but feel I could. I'm that happy with the device and the change it has made for my husband.) I've included the link below. I joined this site just to reply and hope my input helps some one else.

Bioness Inc. - NESS L300 for Foot Drop

 

[indigosd]

irisimarie, I love your walker! Now we just need to dress it up and customize it! Definately needs a horn and some bling :] How in the world does one attach a photo to a message? Help! Glen and CJ, you are so good at doctoring up photos-how about customizing irismaries wlaker? Let's see what you come up with! sorry if I hijacked this thread but I couldn't help myslef!

 

[BarryG]

Kay Marie, attaching a photo is easy. Just click on the little paper clip at the top of the posting window, browse to your saved image in the manage attachments window, click on upload and it will come back say "current attachments", close that window and you are done.

Modifying an image is way more complicated but posting images is really easy as long as you know where they are saved on your computer and the image is not too large.

 

[GlennaB]

irismarie...... i cant seem to find one like that - love the armrests!

 

[peter57]

Hi Vivi,

I dont know if any of these devices are covered or funded by any of the services here.
Perhaps if you give Disability Qld. a call or visit their web site.

I know its hard not knowing what is going on, (read your previous posts) I had tests for about 2 1/2 years all up before they came up with MND.

I agree with Glen re a brace. As you dont know what is going on yet that is a reasonable priced option.

( I use a cane and a walker, depending on where i go, took some falls to wake up that "pride does come before a fall" and for me to accept that i needed aids to help me walk around safely)

cheers and good luck with future tests

Peter (a fellow Aussie)

 

[irismarie]

funnily enough I have been thinking the same thing - will work on it
love to all

 

[irismarie]

Sammons Preston (someone else's find, not mine)

Take a look at the "rollators" on here. Friends bought mine second hand for me and I think the previous owner had the arm rests added and they are just wonderful. I imagine easy to weld on if they are not standard additions.
Irismarie

 

[vivi]

Thank you guys for the feedback. My husband already got a brace (got that one for free), and it does help a lot, without it, it would be very hard to walk, but as nightbird has mentioned, this little device could be life changing. I hope the QLD government can finance maybe some of it. I came across an interesting article on MS Australia: "New walking device in Queensland" according to the article "Patients may be able to access financial assistance for the Bioness foot-drop system from their private health fund or the government. St Andrew’s also has a rental scheme in place to help patients with affordability."
The other good thing of this little device is that, it's small and can be easily fitted just under the knee. My hubby is so embarrassed wearing the foot brace, that when we go out he always wears long pants, even if gets over 35 C. (we live in the tropics and can get really hot).

As for future tests I don't know if my husband will go for any further "torture", he's got this foot drop over a year now and his condition hasn't changed a bit. The specialist is an arrogant moron, who doesn't have a clue on what's going on, just throws on us a dozens of possibilities including MND. He wanted to do a lumbar puncture test, but my husband said no and I can't blame him, I think it is a risky and dangerous test. And painful too!

Forgot to mention, he uses a muscle stimulater, it's also a little electric device, to help to maintain / improve the muscles which are not used.
I don't know if it really helps, but 15 min / day is I think is worth trying.

Anyway next week I will contact the company hopefully we can get hold of this magic device ;-)

 

[serenade]

I read about the walk aid when I went to get fitted for my AFO. It was designed for people who have had a stroke not als.

 

[vivi]

Yes, it does say it is designed for people with stoke, but it also say it helps with foot drop. And in that 10 min he tried the device it did work. Would that mean that those who have foot drop due to als it wouldn't work at all?

 

[Luckyblue]

G'day Viv,

I am in Brisbane and have been using the L300 for 18 months. Originally from Innisfail I understand about humidity and AFO's. I had a massive stroke which left me unable to move without an AFO or electric wheel chair ( one arm does not function) I am able, with the L300 to drive and get around with a far better gait than with an AFO, The result is no pain in the hips and back.

Govts mat be sympathetic to the FESS ( L300). Victorian govt fund the FESS in compo cases. The DVA have approved the FESS for stroke/MS rehabilitation once it has been tested and used by a patient for 6 months. ( Surgical Synergies have a rent scheme) . If the patient, under supervision, shows progress then DVA will support. Experience from overseas had shown that some patients lost interest and thus the initial capital cost was wasted - hence try before buying) . I still use the AFO if out on a boat fishing or getting dirty in the garden - electronic scooter v good in the yard.

This info may be of use

Frank