I’ve had my FES for 2 or 3 months now but have started to have a problem.
I have drawn round the electrodes on my leg so I’m fairly certain I’m putting them in the same place each time! However when I test the movement before I attach the foot switch my foot is moving downwards not upwards.
This obviously isn’t what it’s supposed to do.
Has anyone got any ideas why this is happening?
Sarah x
You’ll need to test out where you put the electrodes. When you draw round the pads, chances are that over time you’ve gradually moved them. Have a look at the booklet with your FES (is it an Odstock one?) there’ll be info in there as to how to line up the electrodes properly. Play around with it, ignoring your pen marks and see what happens.
Sue
I understand that it is possible for the position to change over time and the only answer is to experiment by shifting the electrodes around a bit. I assume increasing the power makes no difference, or swapping the electrode leads over.
You could try sending a mail to the very helpful staff at www.odstockmedical.com and see if they can offer any suggestions.
http://odstockmedical.com/sites/default/files/electrode_position_revision_0.pdf
My physio told me that the nerves actually move under the skin, which is why you need to test where the electrodes should be each morning, when you put the FES on. I move them by a few millimetres right or left until I get a good lift when I press the test button.
Thanks all,
Ignored my pen marks this morning and hit the spot straight away. It was a good 1cm higher than my pen marks so my nerves have definitely moved.
Sarah
Hi Sarah
There are several things that can affect electrode placement:
1 - Nerves moving under the skin (see Sewingchick above)
2 - The skin moving away from the nerves (Cellulitis in lower leg, or peripheral oedema)
3 - The electrodes losing their “stick” around the edge (but not evenly all round)
4 - A combination of any of the above
I always test before finishing the “wiring up”.
No 2 can be annoying (I have had problems for both reasons) and you do need to watch out for any signs of peripheral oedema. If the affected leg does not get enough exercise, fluid can build up, starting at the ankles and then moving up the leg. My GP has twice pulled out a tape measure to measure round my calves, to make sure the affected one is reducing.
So, on top of everything else, it’s a regular blood test to check that the diuretics have not affected kidney function.
Still, life with a FES is better than not walking.
Geoff