Bioness L300 Go Review| Pros & Cons!
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- čas přidán 30. 01. 2021
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I had a ruptured brain aneurysm and a stroke leaving me partially paralyzed on my left side. The VA purchased me the previous unit and when the 300 go came out I was eligible for the new unit. When I was approved for the first unit I also got the hand device. I really like that the 300 go is controllable through your phone and allows me or my wife to fine tune the device. I also have a recumbent trike and the 300 go has a bike mode.
My wife suffered a stroke with left-side weakness. We purchased the Bioness for similar reasons: hospital had her get a “normal” AFO but it cost $1800, weighed a ton, was physically large and had zero movement. She’s worn the Bioness for well over 18 months. Not sure you’ve seen the same in your use but we’ve seen some small and some large issues.
A few struggles that are minimal include…
- wetting the pads when you cannot walk without the device: a cheap water spray bottle by the bed side or on her desk does the trick.
- beach or pool use: we bought a $50 plastic afo from Amazon and it works well enough and can be used when Bioness cannot.
- the pads: not cheap, buy the yearly amount and it’ll save you some money. Also… you need a prescription in the USA for the pads! Ridiculous! You’re approved for the device and now you have to keep up a prescription to ensure the device keeps working. Not Bioness’s fault but a pain.
The bigger issues…
- alignment: she struggles getting the device just right… distance down from the knee, inward or outward position, and even tightness of the elastic bands. In my wife’s case, a half inch off and her foot turns in/rolls at the ankle and has definitely caused falls. She’s got left neglect, no left arm movement, and vision issues that don’t help the situation. She’s also a little impatient at times :)
- tighter clothing: can move the device slightly throughout the day causing alignment issues or makes it much more difficult to wet the pads. Shoes fit better but pant shopping requires some diligence.
- the cuff: the brains are the little box on the cuff which can be removed. But the cuff has a few issues with wear. The buttons you showed make connecting pads easier but do wear over time. The elastic band does as well. If you don’t use the elastic bands, it puts extra strain on the rest of the cuff and can deform it. We’re going on our third cuff in 18 months. They’re not cheap if you’re out of warranty at $700+.
Anyway.. good luck with the device and your health! Thanks for posting the video!
Yes, a lot of what you have said I can really relate to! I feel like I know more about the device now having used it full time for nearly 2 years. I still would say the benefits for me out weigh the cons, but there have been some new struggles I've encountered. The big one that you touched on was the alignment issue. I too have experienced it not lining up correctly, or moving on my leg after activity, or wearing tight clothing. When that happens I usually have to sit down, turn it off, reposition and then restart (which is a pain in the butt). I think if that is causing her to trip, perhaps she could also use a cane as an additional support? I've actually considered it myself, specifically for longer walks. I've also found that I have to increase the intensity a lot, since when it was originally programmed, and I am wondering if I should make an appointment w/ a consultant to recalibrate it. Has your wife experienced this? Or perhaps this is what you were referring to, where the snaps aren't as effective? For the beach, I started saran wrapping it, if I'm walking the beach (obviously not in the water) which has helped. In regards to the electrodes, I just actually encountered this when my script expired. Luckily my PCP handled it quickly for me, but even she found that ridiculous. And yea, the pads get pricey. There definitely needs to be a way to make the device more affordable. Thanks for all the feed back! It's really interesting to hear from other people and their experiences with it. Bioness should consult with their patients, on how to improve on the device. Because it is really great, but has the potential to be even better!
Thanks so much for review. I'm a nurse too. I have MS that subsequently lead to my weekend right leg and foot drop. I just found out about this....much appreciated.
Appreciate the review. I’m a nurse aswell. Caught Covid from one of my patients, caused a blood clot that resulted in a major stroke. The right side weakness, foot drop, etc. I’m in the process of trying to obtain the bioness. But as you know, it’s expensive. I really like the device. I was speechless as to why my patients had never bn told about it who had similar dx. I’ve bn a nurse since 2006, this was my first time hearing of such a device. Hopefully insurance companies move to add coverage of this quickly, as it, in my opinion is extremely helpful and encourages recovery, beyond the stabilization the AFO provides. Thanks for sharing. Wishes of success and good health to you.
Wow. So sorry to hear of everything you've gone through, and as a result of nursing during COVID. Are you still able to practice as of now? And I completely agree, I have yet to find a patient that has heard of the Bioness! It sounds like it will definitely help you though. I've found it to help my mobility a ton, compared to AFOs and now I could never go back. I hope it works for you, too. Also, about the price, I too found it expensive and my insurance covered none of it. I was able to pay half though (after saving) and then made monthly payments. Perhaps you could try this? If you don't mind, keep me updated! I'd love to hear how it works for other people as well. Best of luck to you!
@@BrittaniNP Medicaid will pay for therapy with Bioness now, so other insurances will also.
You help me decide about getting the Bioness 300 because I have MS. Thanks for the video!
Thank you so much for doing this. I recently learned of the bioness and I'm starting to research it. I'm hoping it can help with my foot drop so it was nice to hear someone with similar issues that has used it. I also liked hearing the cons for it.
Thank you for this ! You are right, I haven’t been able to find any other reviews.
Thank you for the review. I was considering this product and your review pushed me to make an appointment. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
So glad to find someone with informal info about this product. I have foot drop from spinal cord Injury as well. Was nothing out there other than your video from a user prospective. Thanks, great video
You’re so welcome!
Thank you I am going to try this. Your information was a great help!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for telling us about the device not being water proof (which I kind of knew), but especially that it’s very moisture sensitive. I just got mine and haven’t used it yet, but meeting with the rep to set it up for me, but I’ve met with them before more than once and nobody ever mentioned this fact to me. Will have to be very careful not to get it wet in the rain. Would have to create some sort of sleeve in hot weather and wear my rain pants in colder days. Thank you again
Thank u so much for the honest review! I was looking into purchasing it for my stroke affected limbs.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your opinion. I agree with everything you said. I have used the same device for just 2 days. I like that it lifts my drop foot with every step I take. My hope is that it gives me a more natural gait. It's been 18 months since I had an ischemic stroke and even with PT and OT, my recovery has been slow.
That's great. I'm glad it is helping you. It's been really cool to hear of other success stories. The Bioness took me a little getting used to, from transitioning from an AFO. But once I got used to walking with it, I feel like it's really helped me a lot. Hopefully you continue to progress with it. Definitely let me know. I'd love to hear how it helps you over time as well.
Thanks for this review. I too couldn't find anything out there that talks about them except for the ads Bioness put together.
My wife just got one a few days ago and she's still struggling with getting it to work 'for her' and not 'against her'... She has MS and left foot drop, but at this time, it's only after a block long walk. She's only had one fitting appointment and we 'thought' it was set correctly buy the rep, but when she got home and tried it out, it was fighting her normal stride.
We have another appointment with the rep next week and we hope they will be able to fine tune it to work for her. We're not sure if her foot drop being from MS is different than what you're foot drop is from.
I will try to update this after her appointment and if it ends up working or not. I mostly wanted to share our experience so far for others that are experiencing the same thing she is.
I think it's fantastic that you are sharing information about this device so that perhaps more people can lobby for more insurance coverage. I have the bioness L300 go thigh cuff and calf cuff. (I have MS and was told that insurance considers me "non rehabilitatible.") I purchased the stand alone and was generously gifted the lower cuff by someone who wasnt using hers. However, bioness will not offer ANY assistance (calibration, syncing help) other than a "trade in" for a new device at lower cost of around $3600. Which leaves me with a device that in theory, I can't use. Reason given from the company is that it is a class "something or other" medical device and can't be shared between patients. This *needs* to be changed, as it is NOT internal and doctors and physical therapists are equally befuddled by the inappropriate classification, that's keeping this amazing device from the people who need it most.
Appreciate your excellent sharing in this video!
I am glad I am seeing this. I was going to purchase one from some one. Her husband passed and it’s only been worn a few times. But if Bioness won’t help then it’s no good. I think that is absolutely horrible that they don’t.
I never heard of it. Thanks for the review!! :)
I used the BIONESS for about 10yrs in the mid 2000’s and it Really was amazing! The con was the foot sensor.
I need to get the new 300 GO!
Thank you so much for making this video. I have MS.
Hello Brittani, Thank you for your excellent review of the L300 Go! I've been using the Bioness L300 & L300 Go systems for the past 8years , upper and lower cuffs. I survived a cerebral hemorrhage and was not making any progress in walking wearing a large afo cast. I hate the afo so much! I've made great progress and come so far with my waking/gait since using the Bioness. I tell everyone I meet, who I think might benefit from it and how much it has done for me! Best of luck with everything, it sounds like you're really doing great!
Hi and thanks for the video.
Have you ever had any skin problems like irritation or allergic reaction where the electrodes are? If so what did you do about it and if not do you do any skin care?
I’ve just learned about this device and I’m so excited. I have an appointment next month with a rep to learn more. I have multiple sclerosis and my left leg is mostly affected. I walk with a cane and sometimes a walker. I am really hoping that this device can help me get around more, maybe take my dogs for a walk again…
I'm so glad you are getting to try it. I really hope it helps you. I remember feeling excitement with the possibilities as well. I do believe it will help you with fatigue and just your overall sense of well being. I completely understand the concern with tripping and so I would definitely begin using the Bioness with your other aids as well, like your cane or walker. I think combining them will give you a lot more confidence and hopefully stamina as well. It takes some getting used to. For example I had a hard time trusting that the device would work and would lift my foot when I needed it to. We are so used to our body's failing us. But, I would say within maybe 4 months of using it and practicing with it, I got confident enough to use it full time. If you want, I'd love to hear how it works for you! Best of luck!
Thanks for the clear explanation.
Love this video as there is no other videos about this product. I got one for my daughter and am terrified to clean it! Can you demo how to wash properly? That would be awesome. I can’t wait for her to see these vids, she is 9 and feels like she is the only one who has one. She had a stroke at birth. So wears a right sided bioness. Big learning curve and she finds it very uncomfortable but is getting there. Thanks for doing this!
Thank you! I have MS and am considering getting one. I didn’t read all the comments but wonder if you could put tape over the light so the flashing wouldn’t show through your pants.
Thank you for your review. My daughter suffered a brain injury and stroke after a cardiac arrest during heart surgery We are currently in the process of appealing the insurance denial.
I just received myBioness unit L300 i’ve been charging up now waiting for a zoom call from the representative to show me and teach me more on how to use the unit. Your video was one of the reason I went with it and purchased the unit and you are 100% correct your insurance will not cover it, I end up paying a little over $5500 dollars for the unit.. i’m a little concerned, listening to your video about surrounded by water and a humanity in the air since I do live in Florida and we are surrounded on all sides and even in land above and around water in humidity, but we’ll see. I will keep you up-to-date on the progress thank you once again for your inspired video.
Glad you found this review helpful! One thing I do to protect from moisture is wrap it in clear cellophane wrap and even sometimes will wrap an ace bandage around that. It’s kind of tedious, but I’ve never had problems since. Definitely keep me posted on how it goes for you!
Thank you. I'm looking at this for my daughter
Glad I could help
Hi -- I am a stroke survivor. My entire right side was affected, and while I can walk, it is very clumsy, tiring, and not well-coordinated...much more so when outdoors.
I have a demo scheduled with Bioness to try the device on January 17th. Can you offer any updated thoughts on what your experience has been with the device, especially the leg portions?
It seems too good to be true, but if it works after trying it, I'll find a way to pay for it. People don't know what a gift being able to walk is.
I appreciate any info you can share, and wish you happy holidays and the best of health & recovery in 2024 and beyond -- Joe
❤❤❤ Thanks so much for sharing your experience the L300 I have post traumatic brain injury hemiplegia and I’m fed up with AFO’s fixing my ankle and not being able to walk easily bare foot. I couldn’t find any info on this here in the UK. There is a cheaper one called the XFT that may be worth a look? Thanks again for sharing your experience, it’s helped me decide.
Thank you SO much for the honest review!! I have progressive MS, and learned about the device a few months ago. I also tried getting insurance to cover it (Cigna) and was denied. They said it was considered experimental. I was also surprised it was never mentioned before As an option ... just went straight to the AFO. Anyway ... mine arrives on Friday, and I'm looking forward to not dreading shoe shopping anymore :-D GREAT to know about the beach!! I live in NC and was thinking i'd be able to walk barefoot in the sand this summer - yikes! Guess not. What do you do if you're caught in the rain without a trashbag? is it going to be a problem running to your car in the rain? (And can you run for that matter?) thank you again!
Hi Lauren! Happy you found my review helpful for you. It was never mentioned to me as an option either, I had to do my own research. And I'm glad I did because it's given me some more freedom. The beach thing is kind of a pain, because I love to walk the beach! But after learning the hard way I better prepared and never had that issue again. I would Saran Wrap the Bioness and then actually put an ace wrap over that to make sure it stayed secure. Then I could walk up and down the beach, barefoot! There has been maybe 2 times that I got caught in a situation where it started raining when I was going to walk from my car to a store and both times I just moved quickly and never had any problems with it. As far as running, no not really lol. It is a goal of mine to try running with the Bioness, I feel like it would be more of a possibility. Definitely would like to try on a treadmill, so I can use my hands as support while I feel it out. But yea, hope it works out for you. Keep me posted! :)
Lauren, I have progressive MS as well and am in the final stages of getting the Bioness through the VA. Can you please share your experience with it?
I’ll get mine in the next two weeks I had the opportunity to try it once for day and it was great. Great video and thanks for the warning I was already planing a vacation to Greece I hess. I’ll have to figure out how to spend my time on the beach 😅
That's awesome! I hope it works well for you! I just took another trip to the beach and I wore the Bioness while walking the beach, I just wrapped it really good in Saran Wrap and I didn't have any issues!
Hi- thank you so much for this honest review,
I honestly don’t understand why neurologist don’t mention about this device to MS patient ,
I did my own research and found out about this device. Can u wear heels 👠, i miss wearing heels since i was diagnosed with MS 2021.
Have you noticed any improvements in strength and the ability to walk without the Bioness?
Thank you for the review, I haven't been able to find one from a real person.
Glad I could help!
Would love to know or watch if you made a video wearing the Bioness device yet?
I got mine today and am so excited. Here in Germany it's covered by health insurance.
That's wonderful! I hope it helps you! Yea here in America, unfortunately our health care in general can seem pretty backwards sometimes.
@@BrittaniNP yes it is backward and we live in the best country and nothing is covered by insurance. I had a brain injury in 2000 and you can imagine of how many foot braces I had. Bioness had a discount a week ago and finally I was able to purchase one and can't wait. Thank you for making the video and giving the good and bad. 🙏
WOW, HERE IN THE US THEY DON'T ACCEPT ANY INSURANCE!!! GUESS THEY JUST WANT CASH??
Müssen dazu nicht bestimmte Voraussetzungen erfüllt sein ? Z.b. Erhalt der berufsfähigkeit? Welche Krankenkasse zahlt das ohne Murren ?
Vielen Dank für Antwort im Voraus. Das interessiert mich wirklich.
Thank you
You're welcome!
Thanks for sharing
Hi Brittani, thanks for your review. Do you need a prescription from your dr. to get this device? Who do you set up an appointment with the rep with? I have progressive ms, and no afo has worked very well.
Hello! Yes you do need a script! How I did it was contacted Bioness directly to set up a trial run with the device and see if it would be effective for me. I met with a consultant at a physical therapist's office and walked around with the device. It took me about 15 mins to see that it was definitely helpful for me, but does take some getting used to, as it modifies your gait. After you find out whether the device is a good fit for you, then you get a script from your doctor. If I remember correctly there is a form you can give your PCP to fill out. Also, after you know that it is effective, then you discuss financing options. As far as AFOs, it's definitely a love/hate relationship, but I can definitely relate! The only AFO I've ever had luck with is the "noodle." Hope this helps you! Let me know if you have any more questions, or how it works for you!
@@BrittaniNP thank-you!
Have you tried any devices I had a mojor stroke 7years and I seen this type of device and i have been trying to get is but I live in Northern Ireland and and they don’t do it here but u can get it in the nhs across the sea I have found a sports clinic that does the test I hope it works for me I have thought a lot of AFP’s with no luck I like what u r doing I seen a small 1made by Ida company it’s aanaustralia it looks good and it is small
I live in an area where it snows and I’m very concerned about the devices sensitivity to moisture. Any suggestions?
Preach sister ☺️
you can try a walkaide might be cheaper on the maintenance and supplies
I just bought an XFT G3 foot drop system for about 2000. I'll be getting it soon and will leave an update. Its a similar design but little slimmer than the Bioness.
Did you receive this? Just wondering how it works out compares to the Bioness.
Hello, I’m a nurse as well but have been unfortunately out of practice for going on 2 years due to a hemorrhagic stroke. I am interested in the bioness l300 and h200 and have an appointment with a rep. soon. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind doing a video of you walking with it on. Thank you for this video, I’m getting I guess excited to hopefully use this device and have it work for me. Thanks.
Wow, that must have been very difficult. I really hope the devices are able to help you. I remember being excited about trying it as well, with the thought of improving function. I actually have a video that I am about to post, showing how I walk with the Bioness. Hopefully it's helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Noelle I am super interested in how this works for you if you were able to get one. My father recently had a hemorrhagic stroke and hemiperisis on the right side. We are looking at getting this and wondering how it will be effective for him.
Yes, I just got approved for my bioness, be nice to see how it works on you.
?
How do you turn on l300 for sitting to exercise
I have a question does insurance pay for it being with Ms you know how much money we make to the government
Appreciate the review. I live in Germany but My aunt lives in US California and I am wondering if this product can help her. Can you tell me how I can find the Bioness l300 go providers in US? Is there a general contact -phonenumber that I can try? How did you get the product?
Thank you for your answer on advance 🙏
Sarah
What is the prices ofG300 bionas walk sgin.. please
Thanks for the nice, honest review. I'm looking at getting one of these and there are not many reviews available.
Glad it helped! I remember searching for reviews and finding nothing, too.
Thank you! We have an appointment next week for my little son to try it. So fingers crossed, that it works for him so well as it does for you. Warm regards from Germany!
@@Pinkbluesoul that's great! I hope it works out for him, as well! Let me know, I'd love to hear how it goes for him!
Hi. Thank you for your personal and honest review. I have Secondary Progressive MS with bad foot drop on right leg. Turning the big 50 on Wednesday and amongst other changes I will be making, adhering and implementing to better my life I am thinking of getting a Biomes. Contacting their customer service on Monday.
Hi Dyns! Thank you for sharing your story with me! I absolutely think you should make that call and see if the Bioness may help improve your quality of life. Let me know how it works for you, I'd love to hear!
where can I purchase this at?
is there any way i can get more info abt it? i am a doctor n i hv spina bifida. would like to know if it will work fr me
Yes! Visit their website at Bioness.com
Does it have a warranty?
I'm a nurse too!,
Awesome!
It sounds good I had a mojor stroke 7years ago I saw this device on it on the net u can get it on the nhs in England but not in Northern Ireland I could not buy until u get the test to c if it works I spent a lot of money on ufos and they where no good for Mei found a computer called Otto ok they do I in my country I hope I will get the test on me I seem people warring it the water 💦 it sounds great 👍 if it will work for mexx
It would be great if you could try it and see if it works for you. I know the money aspect can be difficult. It would be great if health insurance companies could cover these costs. So, are you in Northern Ireland then?
How do you get ig?
lugar donde se compra informacion
no habla español, lo siento. Información es aquí www.l300go.com
when i tried this device, i found it incredibly painful, does this get better with time?
Initially I only found it mildly painful and now I barely notice it. But to be honest, I think it is because of nerve damaged and decreased sensation. I hope it gets easier for you!
I have MS with foot drop.
You’d think it would cost the insurance companies less than covering the broken bones from tripping from foot drop falls!
how long have you been using the bioness?
I've had it for about a year and a half. But have really consistently used it for a total of 1 year.
@@BrittaniNP you use only the bottom leg unit or upper too?did you use afi prior to this?
@@HazMatBlackList Only the calf unit. Before this I used a variety of different AFOs. Do you use the Bioness?
@@BrittaniNP not yet tested it thr other day most likely getting it
@@BrittaniNP you use a cane with it too or unassisted?
Be careful it compressed my peroneal nerve and I had to have surgery. I do not recommend this product. It also caused my leg to kick out so I am have fallen several times I had a stroke and of course it sounds like the best thing for me. unfortunately, it has caused me more problems than it benefited from wearing it for a number of years my leg now kicks out. I cannot walk with a normal gait.
2023: Does anyone have a clue how to adjust the straps on the thigh cuff? They just fall off my leg. I can't get them to fasten and stay in place. WHAT am I doing wrong? And yes, I do have the right sizes, short and long. So WHAT???
you can try a walkaide might be cheaper on the maintenance and supplies
Thank you