PLANO, Texas (CBS) ? 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, reported CBS station KTVT in Dallas.
But a revolutionary new device 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 $59,000 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.
Source : MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc.
