WalkAide System

[cuttersmom]

Has anyone tried the WalkAide System for foot drop?

[Jacksmom516]

Hi - i have a similar system Bioness it works the same however has a sensor in your shoe so it senses every time you lift your foot not just when you go forward but backwards and sideways.  I really love it -  have been using it for 4 months now and I was lucky insurance paid for it 100%  they did not cover walk aide but  did cover Bioness.

Let me know how it goes!
PM me if you have any questions

Tracy

[debgen]

Thanks!
You were spot on about product reps! I really had to work with the WalkAide people because the first rep I met with seemed a bit inexperienced and I held out until I was able to work with a more experienced rep.

Cheers,
Deb

[twopack]

I'm sure some of the claims and successes depend on the nature of the problem causing the footdrop.  If MS is making it difficult for signals to get from the brain to the muscles - or scrambling them - or causing rapid fatigue than hinders progressive exercise - I think some goals would be slower to come.  Perhaps they aren't even realistic.  

Beware product reps who think they know ALL about their product AND the diseases/conditions it treats.  Some are excellent.  Others aren't.  It's a lot like anything else.

At the same time, what a blessing it must be to be able to walk without tripping.  When I've seen these used it also makes for a much more natural gait.  Walking with an AFO is usually at least a little gimpy and therefore leaves some extra burden on the back and joints.

Glad this worked out for you Deb.  Hope it keeps you moving far into the future.

[debgen]

I have been wearing a WalkAide since January.
It has helped my foot drop a lot. I am no longer tripping or dragging my foot!
Unfortunately, it has not given me all the benifits the endorsements showed such as more strength, better gait and faster walking speed. It really is less tiring now that I am not dragging my left leg and that feel great.
It is also VERY expensive...$5,000! Not covered by my insurance. Overall, I am glad I bought it because it is wonderful not to trip anymore and it has helped strengthen my calf muscles. You wil be able to find out more info at the WalkAide website. (beware of the testimonials!)
You will need a RX and then they will set you up with a diagnostic appt. where they will test you and let you try one on which you can use for a 2 week trial period. This will help you decide if it is working for you in your daily life.
I wish you the best of luck and please PM me if you have anymore questions.

Cheers,
Deb

[twopack]

Not personally, but you can click on the following link to review a brief discussion we had a few months ago about a similar electronic device.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Does-anyone-here-use-the-Bioness-L300-Plus/show/1728153


There is also an update thread:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Bioness-update/show/1731485#post_7934845