Barney, I'm using the WalkAide since mid May. I'm in a 3 (three) year Clinical Trial here in Alberta. Not everyone is able to use it depending on if they can find the pathway for the Peroneal nerve. I was one of 3 out of 13 people they had tested when I first got it. Out of the 13 at the clinic at that time only 3 of us turned out to be eligible. There are probably more now. It took a while for me to get used to it. At first it stabbed me like a darning needle. But eventually they found the right spot and it feels like a river of sensation going from the point that electrode contacts the nerve down my leg to my toes. It lifts my toes. The biggest advantage I have found is that I do not 'hip-hike' like I did and my leg is much less tired by the end of the day. I know that in the Orthotist Clinic that I go to they had 2 people with MS, 2 stroke patients and 2 people with TM at one point. Worth a try especially if it is covered by your insurance or something else. I know that I only had to pay $500. but the price would be about $4500. if I had to pay for it myself. When I was 'hip-hiking' so much I found I was getting a cortisone shot in my hip every 6 months to alleviate the pain.
Heather in Calgary ----- Original Message ----- From: Butcher, Bernard G (NY80) To: jrushton ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; tmic Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 6:22 AM Subject: RE: [TMIC] Re: tmic-digest Digest V2008 #431 Hi Jeanne - congrats on your progress! - it is also my goal to walk without walker. I hope I can but I was diagnosed with MS after TM. My neuro wants me to go for an evaluation for "walk aide" - a gadget you strap to your calf to jolt you when you are trying to take a step, and also a new med coming out next year - we'll see. First I have to get off my butt & exercise more but in the evening I am too pooped from working all day & can't do it in the morning because then I'll be too pooped at work! Barney ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: jrushton [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2008 7:32 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; tmic Subject: Re: [TMIC] Re: tmic-digest Digest V2008 #431 Amanda, you couldn't have come to a better group. We go clear across the chart in where we are in our post TM onset so you will have a lot of support. I don't think anyone really knows where each person will be with their TM. Some do improve right away, some improve partially from the onset, others take longer and then sadly, a few where there aren't many changes from the onset. I was totally paralyzed from the chest down and after the first week was able to move my left toe. After three weeks, I was able to sit up and move my legs but still could not walk but was determined to get better. With prayer and PT I progressed from a wheelchair full time, to a walker and wheelchair, to a wheelchair with shopping and traveling, and now can walk, drive, and get around pretty darn well from where I started. I walk like a drunk and always take a cane if I'm going anywhere but by gosh, I can do it!!! I still don't have the feeling back from the chest down even tho I have sensation here and there. There are others who have come a whole lot further than I have. Each case is different. Please take care and although I wish this hadn't happened to you, you are welcome as sunshine to this new family of supporters! Jeanne in Dayton, WA
