Dec 24, 2007 6:33 pm US/Central
New Electronic Device Helps People Walk
PLANO (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Emily Bowers, 33, has been suffering from Multiple Sclerosis for more than 10 years.
"To have a disease that's this debilitating is really hard on your personal life," she said. "It really does take the quality of your life away from you."
For the last year, she has had to use some sort of walking aide to get around. She said without her cane, she'd fall to the floor with every step she takes.
Bowers is like thousands of people suffering from neurological and muscular disorders.
But a revolutionary new device being used at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano is helping people who have problems walking. It's called the Bioness L-300.
The device comes in three parts: a foot sensor worn inside the shoe and two electrodes attached to the patient's leg. The device is completely customizable and is different for each person who uses it.
Presbyterian Hospital of Plano is one of the first hospitals in the world to use the device.
"I have people coming from three hours away just to come experience this technology," said Angela Williams, Bowers' rehabilitation specialist.
"She put them on me and basically I was able to walk like a normal person," Bowers explained. "I could walk without my cane."
However, as soon as she turned them off, her steps were slowed and painful.
The device costs about $5,900 per leg, and Bowers said her insurance company refuses to pay for the devices.
"I feel like I was given this gift of a miracle of walking again, and it was just ripped out from my hands," she said.
Bowers filed an appeal with her insurance company and hopes to have the devices soon.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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