Help me "level up" my mobility options for greater access
Due to MS, I have and use several types of mobility devices. Walkers, canes, a transport chair, and an ankle/lower leg brace.
I have “foot drop” which is common in MS. I use a brace to keep my toes from dragging and catching on the ground, which is used in conjunction to my walker or cane. A more efficient setup, and one which may reduce my reliance on other walking aids, is called a FES (functional electrical stimulation) device. They are not covered by insurance. They have a built-in TENS unit that senses the exact motion in the gait pattern to stimulate (“zap") at the right time and place on my lower leg. This forces the toes and foot upward. It’s literally a knee-jerk reaction so the stimulation is hard and quick.
One model, Bioness, didn't work for me at all. The amount of electrode stimulation required was much too painful.
The second, G4, was $250 for a one week trial. I used it at home and in my PT sessions and it worked very well for me! The cost of purchase would be $2500.
https://neurorehabrecovery.com/g4-foot-drop-system/
A third device, Cionic, costs $260 to trial (I found a $50 coupon though). They charge monthly as it isn’t available to purchase outright. It is $260/mo for the first year ($3120) and $120/mo ($1440/yr) ongoing after that. I know the G4 works well for me so I only want to see if the Cionic is better.
The benefits of an FES device over a static brace:
Greater range of motion
More discreet
Less reliance on cane and walker
Greater autonomy in mobility
TO BE CLEAR: I do not need a wheelchair for everyday living. An electric one gives me options, however, to participate in more activities and increase and maintain my quality of life!
I was gifted an electric wheelchair early in my MS diagnosis. I recently used it at Lagoon amusement park which I could not have done using any of my other mobility methods! To get the chair there involved a lot of time and the combined effort of many people. I'm extremely thankful!
We borrowed this truck from a friend. I bought the ramps when I got the w/c. They worked fine but the angle was challenging We discovered putting the chair in neutral and having two able-bodied adults loading/unloading was best. https://youtu.be/SVJ9TjxOIOk?si=zc_tTtfHkK3Xf7m5
An easier setup would be to mount a wheelchair carrier and hitch to the back of my hatchback. This setup is about $500. I have friends who helped figure out the things my specific car needs, found the best prices on those items using sales and coupons, and will complete the installations for free.
https://www.discountramps.com/wheelchair-scooter-carrier/p/SC500-V3/
Hitch and carrier $450
Trial G4: $250
Trial Cionic: $210
G4 $2500
or
Cionic first year $3120
FINAL totals:
$3410 (with G4)
or
$4030 (with Cionic 1 yr)
As you might imagine (or know from experience), it’s not easy creating a fundraiser for yourself. It’s extremely uncomfortable. I will share this link on social media, but I won’t share it with individual people so no one is put on the spot like that. This was the quick and dirty explanation of how these tools can conserve my energy and increase my access, so please feel free to ask me for additional information. I’m an open book about my MS and love to share and educate!
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