To Walk or Not to Walk:

Bioness L300 Go

Yesterday I met with my ortho man and a representative from Bioness where I donned the Bioness L300 Go and walked a recorded 180 steps. The sensation was incredible and filled me with hope. Years ago I first experienced an electric stimulator for foot drop and was crestfallen when my then insurance said “no dice.” Several years later, armed with a detailed application the size of a doctoral thesis, the reply was the same. That insurance coverage was PEIA.

With a combination of age and disability, my insurance has changed to the revered Humana/Medicare. Guess what? The Bioness L300 Go is still considered an experimental device and not recognized as a necessity for drop foot caused by MS (even though NMSS Momentum Magazine advertises it as such). Only severe spinal cord patients are considered for approval.

Pete the orthotic professional, his partner, and Mark, the Bioness representative was very encouraging and even waved the carrot of possible financial assistance from the NMSS. Morgantown Orthotics and Prosthetics is considering becoming a Bioness provider, which means a much shorter driving distance for consultations.

I admit the lure of possessing this device is overwhelmingly seductive, but the cost is still a sticking point for me. Money isn’t everything and the adage: “you can’t take it with you” is on repeat in my brain, but large purchases scare me.

I’ve been encouraged to open a Go Fund Me account and I know that is a common practice, but my damn pride refuses to accept handouts. That sounds really judgemental and I do not mean it to be. My hand just doesn’t know how to extend itself for charity, even it’s actually not. If I can’t pay for it, I’m not getting it.

Anywho, share your thoughts with me. What do you know about the Bioness L300 Go? Should I break into my piggy bank and go for broke?

Lisa, Lady With the Cane