On Friday, I used the WalkAide at two Independence Day celebrations — one was a luncheon and the other involved dinner, a party and a community fireworks display. I did a lot of walking outdoors on uneven ground. I was stepping up and down curbs, and as the evening wore on, I noticed I was walking more slowly.
I think I use different muscles when I walk with the WalkAide than when I walk with a brace, which causes my foot and leg to tire somewhat over time.
Saturday didn’t go well as previous days. I went shopping for clothes at a large consignment shop and followed that with a quick trip to the grocery store. I tried adjusting the location and the intensity of the device, but by the time I got to the grocery store, I felt as if I were having to concentrate on picking up my foot on every step. I was walking slowly and with difficulty.
So while my response to the WalkAide this week has been a positive one overall, I would like to work more with Todd to tweak the settings and recheck the placement of the device on my leg. I plan to ask him if I can keep the device a little longer before I decide whether to buy it. It is expensive and my insurance doesn’t cover it.
I have an appointment with Todd on Tuesday.
MS with a Southern accent 
Jane, it sounds like the Walkaide is working good overall. As you know, I use a Bioness and as you stated, muscles are used differently (and maybe different muscles also) when walking with a brace versus with a Walkaide. As you use the Walkaide more, I’m sure your legs will get stronger and you won’t tire as easily. I encourage you to work with Todd on positioning and I really hope he’ll let you test drive it longer.
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Thanks, Vincent, for your comments. Are you planning to go to the Walk Wrap-Up party Tuesday evening? Hope so!
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Life with MS is all about trial & error!!
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Ain’t that the truth, girlfriend!
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Wow what an ordeal, sounds pretty darn cool tho, considering everything!
Char
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Looks like the walkaide is working for you. It sounds like you did a lot that day. Remember that with MS your legs may get tired and the walkaide may not help as much….not because of the walkaide , but your muscles are tired working harder. I have had walkaides for over 2 years, one for each leg. I love them and could not be without them now. I was lucky enough that a friend threw a fundraiser for me since ins would not cover, and i needed 2!
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Thanks for reading my blog, Luann, and for your support as I decide whether or not to buy the Walk Aide. Look for an update about the Walk Aide today or tomorrow. I am glad that your Walk Aides are working well for you!
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