Anyone with MS tried Functional Electrical Stimulaton (FES)?

[mr blur]

I have an assessment appointment offered and wonder if anyone has experience of it.

[SiouxJ]

1. I'm not familiar with that

but I would be interested to hear about what you find out. Please post an update when you find out more.

[mr blur]

2. My neuro says great things about it,

to quote from the info I have:
"It is using small electrical impulses to activate paralysed muscles and so produce useful movement. The electrical impulses work by exciting the nerves leading to the muscles. Self adhesive patches (electrodes) are usually placed on the skin close to the nerve supplying the muscle; this is often over the centre of the muscle. Leads connect the electrodes to a stimulator that produces the impulses".

Very effective in cases of "dropped foot", I understand (my big problem at the moment).

[ProfessorGAC]

3. Sorry, No

It sounds like a good idea. I don't think i'm a candidate for something like that, given the lack of clear disability. But, it seems logical and like it would work. Might be a good idea to stave off atrophy of muscles that aren't quite working right.

Me, i get so much spasming that i know my muscles aren't atrophying. As a matter of fact, i probably get excercise in my legs while i'm sleeping! LOL!

Let us know how this works out.
The Professor

[SiouxJ]

4. Oh, sounds like a TENS unit . . .

TENS = Trancutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. I HAVE used one of those but for pain. I was experiencing some chronic pain (which may or may not have been from my MS, no one knows for sure) about a year ago and I finally went to a physical therapist. I had the pain for about 2.5 years when finally someone thought to send me to one. She gave me a bunch of exercises and also used one of these units on me. I eventually bought one of my own. I guess it somehow blocks the pain impulses. Anyway, my pain has turned into tingling now, which is very tolerable, so I don't use it anymore.

I also recall using something like it about 25 years ago after having knee surgery. It supposedly helped in the rehabilitation after spending 3 months in a cast. That time I think they did use it to help stimulate the muscles around my knee. At the time, it was a new concept but now it's pretty routine I guess. Interesting that they are using something like this for MS. It makes a lot of sense.

Good luck with it and please let us know how it goes.

[zanne]

6. I have dropped foot, too.

If I used this device, could I give up my braces? (I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease).

[mr blur]

5. Update!

Well, I went today for the test. I've been dragging the right foot for months now, which is tiring and clumsy and I've resorted to the wheelchair most of the time just to get out and about.
After testing the various muscles in my legs for strength and response, the doc put a small pressure switch under my right heel and attached the electrodes to the leg over the nerves which control the "lifting" muscles in the foot.
When the right heel leaves the ground the switch fires and the electrode fires a small charge at the nerve and, magically, my foot lifts up as it used to. I got up and walked down the corridor. Without having to look down or try to move the foot - in fact without having to think about walking at all!
Back next week to get my own kit! This is going to change my everyday life!!

[SiouxJ]

7. Wow! That's fantastic!

I'm so happy for you! Thanks for the update.

[mr blur]

8. Thank you!

It's completely turned my attitude to daily life around!

A link for those interested:

http://www.salisburyfes.com/