Peripheral sensory neuropathy - Anyone tried Walkasins?

George,
Seattle VA.
Really, no success at Portland VA. Wow, when I first called the company, I thought that all VAs were ordering them. Sorry.

My Neurologist had never heard of Walkasins until I showed her info on it. She did not know how to order, so she asked another Neurologist who was not familiar w them either. She immediately put in an order to Prosthetics and PT. They were sent to me directly from the company.

Last Jan, 2023, a PT from the company, in Minnesota, came to my house to explain how to use them. She was teaching another PT, so 2 PT'S came to my house. I could have gone to American Lake VA PT for instructions, but I am 82, and do not want to drive the freeway anymore,

They call periodically to see how I am doing w them. Great Customer service.

When I first read about them, I called the company, who sent me brochures/pamphlets on them. I also have a Neurologist at Madigan, the Army Hospital, not far from American Lake VA. I showed him info on Walkisins, that he had not heard of either, for which he was grateful. I do not think that they are approved for active duty yet.

George, I decided to call Kristina, the rep who left me a message last night and mentioned that someone in Portland was unable to get them. I did not give your name, but she said she thinks she knows who I am talking about.

She said that she had a meeting today, I think w your VA. I think that she said that PT in Portland is reluctant. She has a meeting w the Chief of Podiatry next Tues and is hoping to get approval.

I messaged my Podiatrist at American Lake VA after my Neurologist ordered them for me. She told me that her patients were doing very well w them, some not needing a cane anymore.

Kristina said that she is based out of Vancouver and covers WA and Oregon. She said that when I try them again, that she will come to my house, if I need help.

You probably have her number--564-888-3858.

Good luck. Sounds like she is working hard to help you.

Kathleen

George,

I live in Olympia, so not far from you.

I go to American Lake VA in Lakewood/Tacoma,

American Lake is under Seattle VA.

Let us know if you can get some.

Kathleen

Hello again Kathleen,
I am still trying to get the walkasinis. I think I am getting close. How have you doing with Walkasinis? Are they doing what they say? Please let me know. Thanks.
George

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Thanks John, WILCO

Hi Berk- it took a lot of research and phone calls and time to finally get set up for a Walkasins trial. I have right lower leg neuropathy, with weakness, numbness, and intermittent pain. It’s starting to spread to my left lower leg.
I did not find them helpful for gait or balance improvement. You can feel the “zap” of the electricity, but for me, there was no difference/improvement.
What was very helpful was that the PT doing the trial with me, recommended a brace for “drop foot” and that I should go to PT. I go yearly now to have my Home Exercise Program updated and to work out any bad gait habits I may have acquired. I walk a mile daily and use an exercise bike 3xweek.
I think the Walkasins are in the category of all things we pursue, hoping maybe that will help, and maybe it will. But don’t feel like you’ve missed out on something life-changing if you can’t get them.

Hi Kathleen, Thanks a lot for the update. I also have Drop Foot. Probably 5 years or so. I was getting a PT checkup and was asked if I fall a lot. My answer was yes. They fitted me with a Brace and have not fallen again, from Foot drop. This was 3 years ago. 😊. No more falling from tripping. Good Luck

Oh my gosh, George, you have not gotten the Walkasins yet?

Due to other health issues right now, I have not been able to try them again.

Good luck.

Let me know how it goes.

Kathleen

Hi Kathleen, No, They are still refusing to approve me. Its' really frustrating
for me. How are you doing with getting a Brace? THEY really do work! Good Luck.
Berkeley

RE: Drop FOOT
I have had idopathic PN ''Non-Diabetic for going on 10 yrs. Started in my right foot but moved to the left foot where it has become the problem side for me. The doctors tested me and the left side was considerable (severer). I've been to three specialists who were all different and each tried their own remedies for pain. The first tried a blood pressure ciloztasol medication. It actually worked for a while. This med centers on providing more blood flow to the lower extremities. AFTER still having pain he lost interest in me. The second specialist focused on Gabapentin and got me up to 1800 mg whereupon I became cognitively an idiot. He told me he was moving and recommeded me elsewhere. Third doctor put me on pregabalin (lydocaine) and was reluctant to change my doseage..he slowly got me up to 50 mg morning and night. I still had severe pain in my left foot. Starting with drop foot. My regular MD saw this and we talked. She suggested 50 mg in early am, 50 mg early pm and 75 mg at bedtime. This helped...so much for specialist. She also recommended that I see a back specialist. He detected an area of spinal stenosis that he thought needed attention. Saw a specialist in microsurgery (Vanderbilt) who agreed with the diagnosis. He performed microsurgery on the stenosis. Happily afterwards with rehab I have a left side that hurts just like the right side with no drop foot. You might want to try a spinal specialist to see if you have spinal stenosis, Just my experience and I hope it might help people in a similar situation. Steve PS I am still on the prescription from my regular MD. She seems to have a more holistic perspective which has given me more ( partial) relief. I've tried all the meds etc. Now I also use my own prescription of essential oils with lydocaine. (posted this previously under creams when my pain gets excessive)