Anyone tried Accelera SR 100 device? Or Walkasins?

Thank you for your reply, Tricia! I don't mind long posts at all. And it's great to see one from someone who worked in the field of OT and rehabilitation. As many people as there are who are suffering from PN, and of those the people with balance issues as a result, I was just surprised to stumble across information on the Accelera. Have you ever actually seen the device?
In my case, pain from lumbar stenosis came on suddenly in Sept of 2021. I tried PT, meds, and injections for about a year before having a 4-level laminectomy in Nov of 2022. The horrific pain was gone right away, but that's when I noticed the numbness and tingling in my feet. A skin biopsy showed that I have the beginnings of small fiber neuropathy. An EMG revealed there is still some foraminal compression in my lower back, and I feel that is contributing to the nerve issues in my feet.... and thus the balance issues and wobbly gait.
So I suppose that I may be one of "those that are in the process of losing peripheral sensation because it might be easier to train the nervous system when it is assisting an existing signal, and more difficult once all sensation (signals) are lost."
As for insurance, I know of no local doctor or PT who would even be interested in the Accelera. So IF I were to try it, I would have to pay out of pocket. If I knew it would help me, I would buy two of the devices, one for each ankle/leg.
On another subject, are you familiar with red light therapy devices? And if so, what are your thoughts? From what I can tell, there are "medical quality machines/devices" that may be more helpful and efficient than some of the less expensive devices that are sold online.
If I may ask, Tricia, what treatments are you using to try and help your neuropathy? Supplements? Shoes? Devices? Meds? I'm taking R-ALA, Benfotiamine and my podiatrist prescribed MetanX for me. Gabapentin and Lyrica each did nothing for me... and made me feel loopy and helped me gain weight. Fortunately, I don't have a lot of pain issues.... just primarily the numbness, tingling, and sometimes burning.
Thank you so much for sharing anything based on your experience as an OT.
Best wishes!
Mike

Have you considered getting a second opinion? I have heard that Duke University hospital is one of the best in the nation for orthopedic surgery. A second opinion there is not cheap, $1500, but can be done remotely.
https://www.dukehealth.org/remote-second-opinions

Hi Mike @domiha, I'm not familiar with the Accelera SR 100 (Stochastic Resonance device). I searched Connect and didn't find anyone who has posted about the SR 100. There are quite a few members who have posted about Walkasins. Here is the discussion in case you haven't seen it.
--- Peripheral sensory neuropathy - Anyone tried Walkasins?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-sensory-neuropathy-device/.

I did find references to the origin of the device that are kind of interesting while you wait for other members who may have some experience to share with the Accelera SR 100. The first one is from the Wyss Institute at Harvard University:
"Accelera’s device, which consists of a set of fully wireless bands that can be worn around the wrist or ankle and an accompanying smartphone app to control output levels, was registered with the FDA as a class 2, exempt device in 2021 . The company has received three separate grants from the Maine Technology Institute for research and development, product design, and clinical evaluation, and in June 2021 was named a winner in the Center for Advancing Innovation’s global 2021 Innovate Children’s Health Challenge. In preparation for its full product launch, Accelera is currently working with physical rehabilitation clinics and hospitals to introduce clinicians to its technology’s benefits. In addition to cerebral palsy, Accelera plans to pursue approval for additional neurological disorders such as neuropathy, essential tremors, balance problems, and supporting proprioception following joint injury."
--- Wearable stochastic resonance technology for supporting neurological function: https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/wearable-stochastic-resonance-technology-for-supporting-neurological-function/
--- Subsensory stochastic electrical stimulation targeting muscle afferents alters gait control during locomotor adaptations to haptic perturbations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10285629/.

Yes I use it and have been for a few months. With great success actually.

I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and my left leg is quite weak and has been for about 6 years. I can now lift my left leg more than twice as high thanks to the Accelra device. Plus, my muscles in my left leg and foot are definitely getting stronger which has never happened before in spite of lots of daily exercise.

I had minor drop foot for a couple of years and as of 2 weeks ago, I no long need to wear my drop foot brace. My drop foot has been reduced dramatically - Amazing result!

I also deal with nerve pain and have been for almost 10 years. To my pleasant surprise, my nerve pain has also been dramatically reduced to my pleasant surprise, pain relief is not even mentioned on their website.

I highly recommend device. They do offer a trial period, if you are interested, contact them directly for information about it.

Hi Domiha,

I started with one, and then bought a 2nd as so I could still be wearing one while the other was being charged. It takes about 1 hour or so to recharge from a near depleted battery. I had such outstanding results I didn't want to be up and around without one.

I decided a couple of weeks ago to try wearing two. And after doing a bit of experimenting with wearing two at the same time, one on my left ankle and one on my right ankle, I discovered that although my mobility did not improve any further with two, my pain level dropped substantially which I experience at several areas on my right arm, right shoulder and right side of my face. I found when I took the one on my right leg for charging, my pain would slowly come back. So, I just ordered a 3rd one and started using it yesterday. That way when the battery on one of the devices needs to be charged, I simply remove it and then wear the fully charged one. And then recharge the device I just removed. So, I wear these 24 hours a day (except when I am in the shower or bath, they are water resistant but not waterproof) and I always have one fully charged ready for usage.

I suggest you contact Accelera to see what they think about whether the device would work for you or not. I do suggest you try it if you can afford it because there is always a chance it will help you. They accept returns within 30 days if it does not work for you and refund all but $100 which is to cover the cost of the wrap/strap that hold the device in place and has some electronics in it as well. The wrap is obviously not resalable for sanitary reasons.

I also suggest you try a NOORO style foot massager. The NOORO is basically a tens unit that 'massages' your feet electronically, you sit in a chair and place your bare feet on the foam pad and turn it on. It is really easy to use. These are relatively inexpensive, about $20-$40. Many 'knockoffs' are available. The original NOORO is about $50. Many people are reporting success using these foot massagers with foot neuropathy. I had one and tried it and think it did help. But I don't really need it anymore as I believe the Accelera is really helping me with the burning sensation I used to get which is totally gone at this point. I bought my first Accelera about 4 months ago.

I never thought I could reduce my pain which I have been suffering with for about 10 years. I am now almost pain free. I am hopeful at some time in the future to be totally pain free - time will tell. But my pain level is so low now, I can easily live with it as this level - all thanks to Accelera.

I never thought I would be able to walk without a foot brace either, yet here I am walking without using one and have not used it at all for about 3 weeks. I am THRILLED beyond belief!