Does anyone here use the Bioness L300 Plus?

[maxthecat43]

I just got my MS Society magazine- probably all the rest of you have too ;o).  

On page 5 there is an advertisement for a device that stimulates the muscles in the leg, to help with foot drop.  There is a device under the the knee, and the upper thigh.  Do any of you use this or any other similar device?  I have  gait assessment scheduled for next week.  My neurologist wants me to get a powerchair- but if this would work, I would much rather have this device.  

Although my weakness is on my left side, I also have trouble with a damaged right foot.  If this device works though, I should be able to walk okay, right?

Thanks for any thoughts, or advice.
Tammy

[debgen]

Hi Tammy,
I use a WalkAide which is similar to the Bioness. I tried them both and chose the walkAide because it only involved the one band below th knee. It has totally improved the foot drop so I am no longer tripping! My gait is still off because I also have severe left sided weakness and tight spasticity in my left leg. It has improved the muscle tone in my leg. I honestly wish it helped me walk better, but it is doing what it's supposed to do. I wish you the best of luck with your Bioness. Please let me know how it's working out for you.
Hugs,
Deb

[maxthecat43]

I am not sure I will get one...  I have Medicare as my primary, and Regence Blue Shield as my secondary.  My neurologist says I need a power chair, but when I saw the ad for this, I got excited.   I have no idea if I will be able to get it or not.  I just hope...

Tammy

[JaneK1975]

I'm pretty sure Tracy (Jacksmom516) is getting one this week. Hopefully she'll see this.

- Jane

[JaneK1975]

Oh, oh, oh - I'm not sure if she's getting the L300, but I think I recall that she's getting a Bioness.

[maxthecat43]

Hopefully she will tell us all about it!

[Jacksmom516]

Hello!

I have the Bioness L 300 without the thigh piece just the strap under the knee.  I am getting fitted on Monday so i will let you all know how it goes.  I did a trial with it when I first met with the company and it was amazing.  Can't wait to get it on,  it has been sitting in my house for a week now and they could not get me an appt to fit the device until Monday -  Booo.  Anyway I am putting alot of hope into it working -  Foot drop is my main sx and this would be great if it would help.

My insurance believe it or not paid for the entire device - I was shocked but they did!!!!

Keep you posted next week!
Take Care and big hugs
Tracy

[SarahL2491]

Check with your insurance companies first, some do not cover this, I hear its wonderful but VERY pricey, the one I "drug" out of the sales rep exceeded $6,000.  Just a thought to consider and they do require a prescription so you have to sell your doctor on the idea also

[MichelleR32]

I have a device on both legs.  They have made a huge difference in lifting my feet and gait.  My insurance did not cover a penny, so my husband and I had to take out a home equity loan.  Very sad about that, but my husband agreed that it was something we had to do.  I don't like the customer service, and I do wish there were more sites where customers could share suggestions and help one another.

[maxthecat43]

Jacksmom, I'm so happy for you!  Sorry you've had to wait though.  

SarahL, Good idea.  I will call my Medicare and my private insurance to see if it's even possible.  I may/may not be a good candidate, but it's worth trying!

(((Hugs to all!)))
Tammy

[Sailorsong]

It is the thigh cuff that helps with the leg weakness. That is why the Prosthetics department is suggesting the complete system for me.

Dennis

[debgen]

Hi Tammy,
My insurance company has declined paying for it even though I had a prescription. I bought one (about $4000!) I have appealed it and am just waiting to see what happens. I know it was very pricey but I just needed to stop tripping and falling.
Deb

[debgen]

Hi Dennis,
When I met with Bioness they never even showed me the thigh cuff, just the one below the knee and the feet. It sounds great. Pleas let me know how this is working for you.
Thanks,
Deb

[SarahL2491]

I wonder what $4000 looks like (grin) never have that much left over anywhere! (giggle)

[Sailorsong]

Both Walkaid & Bioness have the thigh cuffs now.

I like the Walkaid better since it doesn't need the heel sensor like the Bioness does. But I think if the VA gives me one of them it will be the Bioness. :(

Dennis

[maxthecat43]

I hope you get the one you want Dennis;o)!  I don't have several thousand dollars either, but I still think it's worth looking into.  I am actually interested in both of the leg units, as well as the hand unit- although, I think the hand unit may be more difficult for me to use.

Tammy

[debgen]

Hi Dennis,
I hear you, I don't need or want the heel sensor either, but it's great that the VA will get one for you!
I really hope you get the one you want but mostly I really hope iwhich ever you get, works well for you :)
Good luck,
Deb

[JaneK1975]

I'm being curious. Can the unit be worn over pants, or does it have to make contact with skin?

[Sailorsong]

They need contact with the skin. Both units use electrical signals to stimulate the muscles to move correctly.

Dennis

[debgen]

It's called refinancing my house!
Deb

[Sailorsong]

LOL.

When I was talking to my brother the other day about this he suggested that if they don't give me the Bioness that I should put in for a scooter so that they would reconsider the Bioness. So I pointed out that 2 Bioness systems ( need both legs) it would be cheaper for them to give me the scooter. LOL

Dennis

[debgen]

Thanks Dennis, That's a great idea! If they turn my appeal down I think I will try it :)
Stay well,
Deb

[gardenia_grrl]

Who is yr insurance and how did you get it covered? Bioness rep just  told me insurance companies don't cover it and I want one. I tried it last week and it was life-changing. I've fallen many times and even had to have surgery.

[Jacksmom516]

AT the time I had Coventry health care of delaware -  They covered my Bioness 100% and evern paid for the pads that go inside the device which need to be changed every two weeks.  I looked at both walk-aide and bioness and while walk aid does not need foot sensor - it works primarily when walking forward not as well side to side or backwards -  it works off the motion of your leg -  Bioness works no matter which way you step. I work on my feet on my weekend job and step all different ways so it was best for me.  I tried them both out however.  

It has been life changing for me as well.  I could not imagine not having it.

See what your insurance co says - perhaps they will cover part of it.

Let me know how it goes.
Tracy

[hardly_d]

lol mine is sitting on the kitchen table awaiting the tech monday..I didn't find any financial assistance other than being able to put it on a 18 month 0% interest that they qualified me for..also yes it requires a script that they fax your doctor..not a bad deal all in all

[SarahL2491]

I was told that Medicare would not pay for it, but now have Medigap N and am going to call them again to see if they cover it.  Keep us posted!