F E S

Primary progressive MS
21

After waiting for 7months - just to get an appointment at a hospital in B/ham - to be assessed for a FES - l decided to go privately. Got an appointment the following day. l was assessed for a WalkAide - the wireless type as l use to own Odstock one - about 10yrs ago. l got fed up with trying to place the electrodes in the right place - and having to think about what l was going to wear to accommodate it. Also, the control box fixed to the waistband of my jeans - would fall off when was trying to get my jeans down to use the loo. The outcome of the WalkAide FES - sadly - was negative. lt did not make my foot ankle move at all - even on the highest setting.

Shall still wait for the nhs appointment - as l would still like to be ‘on their list’. Just in case having the electrodes implanted would work for me. So shall not tell them about the private session. [ Which cost me £120] They studied my ‘gait’ videod on computer.

My original FES - l did sell to a lady on this site. She had been assessed - positive result - but could not get funding. So she was very happy to be able to obtain one at the fraction of the price they are now. l let her ‘try before you buy’ - before she paid for it.

22

I tried a private appointment for walkaid and it did make my foot go up but as I also have a problems flexing my knee so my walking didnt get that much better. The ODstock can stimulate more than one muscle as can the bioness and I would like to try these.

Moyna xxx

23

I use the wireless FES!!

I understand that we still have a wire going from box to pads, overall it has been a big improvement.

Downside is that the innersoles you have to wear are thick and you have to adjust your footwear accordingly and the batteries run out very quickly!!

Do not put box on waistband as it kept falling off and now insert it into trouser pocket. Yes, I have to wear trousers all the time.

It made wearing summer cropped pants enjoyable as not having to worry about wire showing!

It was alot to pay for having the box unpdate and the innersoles. But for me it was money well spent.

C x