WalkAid

[flossie]

Has anyone tried the WalkAid? It looks interesting. I really hopes it works.

[Sequoia]

Here's an older thread on the subject. The last post is particularly pertinent.

http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=116278

[GardeningMSer]

I have a Walkaide and really like it

I tried the Bioness and the Walkaide within a week or two late last year and much preferred the Walkaide because

1. It consists of a comfortable cloth holder that straps to my left calf just below the knee and a small plastic case that fits on the front of the strap. The Bioness I tried had 3 pieces - one for my thigh, one for the calf and a sensor that would go in the heel of my left shoe.
2. I can use it while walking barefoot or when wearing sandals.
3. It doesn't have a sensor that would have to be moved from shoe to shoe.
4. It uses a single alkaline battery and doesn't need daily recharging.

I tried a unit from UCSF's Prosthetics dept where a very knowledgeable staff person fitted me with a demo unit and programmed it to meet my rather messed up walking - I've had MS for 12 years and foot drop is my most obvious symptom. For years I've been walking short distances by raising myself on my right foot and swinging my left leg - over thime this caused my right hip to become inflamed and HURTING!

I liked the Walkaide enough I borrowed it for several weeks starting a few days before the end of December.

On the specialist's recommendation I switched from a cane to forearm crutches - using one and sometimes two makes walking easier but I still had to swing my leg to the left in order to keep from dragging it.

The Walkaide has made it possible for me to walk! This past Saturday rather than using my scooter to go about 200 feet I used two crutches and reached my destination w/o breathing hard. I was smiling!

I'm getting stronger (in part due to indoor cycling) and stronger, I can stand in the kitchen to cook, clean, or prepare food without hurting, and can now go still short, but getting longer distances.

A very close friend tells me I'm standing straight and walking faster than I have in years.

For me the Walkaide has made a tremendous improvement in my life, I'm hoping my insurance company will eventually pay for a portion of it. The cost is about $5,000, if they don't I'm fortunate enough I can afford it, knowing the difference it makes to my life I think it is worth every penny.

I'm male, 63, receiving SSDI and Long Term Disability.

I've been taking Tysabri for over four years and have been stable for those years. Before T I was on C, R, and N. My progression has been very, very slow.

[Elaine Mesker]

Ness L300

I just tried the Ness L300. After a lot of research I found that this device would probably work better for me. I cried after I left the PT. It was not sad tears. For the first time in a very long time I was able to walk like a normal person. I am trying to get one through my insurance. If not I will buy it myself. I was so excited. I have found out since then that in some people it rewires our brain and we can re-learn to walk normal with out the device. Of course it may take a year or so. But that's OK. If I can't re-learn how to walk I will still have the device.

[Scooter24]

I have the walk aide and prefer it as OP said it is one piece, nothing in my shoe. one battery no recharging required. It has allowed me to get back on the golf course and I am much less fatigued after playing. Luckily the VA will supply them, they give you a demo unit for 3 months and have you go in once a month to make sure it is working correctly for you, once approved they give you a new unit to keep.

[OK Susan]

My feelings on WalkAide

Just started using the WalkAide last Friday. Am renting one for a 2 week trial. So far, I find it very helpful although I need to go back to the clinic for some adjustments. It is very expensive and not covered by MediCare and I will have to fight with my insurance company with no real expectations of being reimbursed. I guess I just have to decide for myself if it helpful enough...but my left leg was getting pretty bad...just dragging my foot all of the time. I can walk with the WalkAide but still drag my toe a bit! Hopefully, some adjustment with the setting will fix that. I would really appreciate your sharing any pros or cons you may know. Thanks so much.

[90STANG]

I used the walk aid for about a year, really liked it. After about a year it brought out arthritis on the top of the foot and it hurt to use it. I've since had the bones fused together and had to wait for a year so they could remove the the screws to try to use it again.

Screws removed last month. My walking has gotten a little worse so it's not quite the same, but it still helps a little