Peripheral sensory neuropathy - Anyone tried Walkasins?

Posted by ssjohns @ssjohns, Apr 25, 2023

I have recently been diagnosed with PSN and I’ve been searching for remedies. I am looking into the spinal cord stimulator and recently discovered a product called Walkasins by RxFunction. It is a prosthetic device you insert in your shoe which sends signals to your brain from the bottom of your feet. Looks promising for balance and gait issues and will help prevent falls because it enables you to feel your feet. This requires a doctors prescription and I assume is covered by insurance. Has anyone else use this product?

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bucketofbolts | @bucketofbolts | Dec 23, 2023

I’m a 100% service-connected disabled Vet now 27 surgeries into life and unfortunately there will be more. Multiple spinal fusions, knee replacements, spinal cord stimulator both implanted (2015) and explanted (2019), neuropathy travels from lumbar region down my left leg to my toes. It would be difficult for me to recommend a stimulator. I just received a set of Walkasins via the VA but have yet to trial them. Regarding the stimulator, the batteries have a +/- 5 year lifespan but if you dig deep into the white papers you will find that the efficacy, how long it is actually effective, averages two (yes, 2) years. I had eleven (11) programs because every time you move or change positions it removes a contact point from your cord thereby making it less effective or fully ineffective. Neither the device rep nor the pain mgmt Dr. explained this of course because in 2015 between the $21k device + surgery + anesthesia + a paper clip or three (j/k) the total was just over $70k and none of them want to lose that cash. When it becomes ineffective your insurance won’t replace it because it’s “still functional” but you’re stuck with it. I have yet to find anyone who is long-term happy with their implant not that it’s not a decent pressure relief valve when you’re at the end of your wits. There are now external/wearable devices on the market that may offer you a better long-term solution than an implant but many are not covered by insurance … yet. Don’t give up your fight to find a workable solution FOR YOU. You have to be fully engaged otherwise you’re getting a crapshoot solution.

~ Get busy living or get busy dying.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 24, 2023

In reply to @bucketofbolts "I’m a 100% service-connected disabled Vet now 27 surgeries into life and unfortunately there will be..." + (show)

Welcome @bucketofbolts, First, thank you for your service. It sounds like you have great support through the VA and for that I am happy for you. My only VA experience was in the 60s after serving in the Navy and having some dental work reluctantly done by the VA that was delayed because I wasn't able to get it done while on active duty. Thank you for sharing your experience and especially the helpful suggestions about not giving up.

I'm especially interested in your experience with the Walkasins as I had the opportunity back in 2017 to attend a Minnesota Neuropathy Association meeting where the RX-Function co-founders Dan Leach and Lars Oddsson who helped develop the technology while at Boston University showed us the prototype and explained how it could help. There was a write up in the local newspaper attached below.

Can you let us know how it goes with the Walkasins?

Shared files

Walkasins (walkasins.pdf)

charlie807 | @charlie807 | Dec 25, 2023

In reply to @gba "Cost is 6,000$. Check with the VA, they have the Walkasinis available. Good Luck!" + (show)

Do you know by chance if a person with spinal cord stimulator could use a Wilkasin's? Thank you in advance for checking!!

sweetpea85 | @sweetpea85 | Jan 3 5:51pm

In reply to @gba "Unfortunately, It appears that no provider has approved Walkasis at this time. I was told the..." + (show)

I currently have the walkasins from RX function and I can say they work wonders..

irishk | @irishk | Jan 4 11:15am

In reply to @sweetpea85 "I currently have the walkasins from RX function and I can say they work wonders.." + (show)

gba, I have some, but have not used them yet, I got PN in hands, and it worsened in feet, after Shingle vaccine. Hard to put on.

Am concerned about possible damage to delicate skin. Will ask Dermatologist at next appt.

Is your skin OK?

Ty.

Kathleen

Berk | @gba | Jan 4 11:54am

In reply to @sweetpea85 "I currently have the walkasins from RX function and I can say they work wonders.." + (show)

How and where did you obtain Walkasins? Did insurance pay for them? Thanks.

Berk | @gba | Jan 4 11:55am

In reply to @irishk "gba, I have some, but have not used them yet, I got PN in hands, and..." + (show)

Only sun damage.

irishk | @irishk | Jan 4 12:01pm

In reply to @gba "How and where did you obtain Walkasins? Did insurance pay for them? Thanks." + (show)

I am very lucky.

VA paid for them.

I understand that the company is trying to get other insurances to cover them.

Kathleen

irishk | @irishk | Jan 4 12:29pm

In reply to @gba "Only sun damage." + (show)

I only tried them for a few hours once or twice, before I got PN in my hands. I was concerned about the pinging and what it might be doing to my delicate thin skin ?

Company actually left me a message last night, wondering how I was doing.

Kathleen