Province considers electric walking aid
A Saskatoon man no longer needs a walker thanks to a strict exercise regimen and a new electronic gadget.
“It’s been incredible. I can even do stairs,” 60-year-old Doug Gillespie said before a recent session with physiotherapist Karen Craven.
The provincial government is taking notice of these electric walking aids.
As a masters athlete, Gillespie competed in slopitch and rugby at various world championships. He recently retired from his business, Saskatoon Fastprint, and was golfing last year in British Columbia when his life changed.
“I was walking to the green on the third hole. I felt a bit dizzy and then just went down,” he said.
Luckily, the foursome right behind Gillespie’s group were all doctors. They called 911 and assisted paramedics. A neurosurgeon was waiting at the Penticton hospital, and his brain bleed was diagnosed quickly.
“It all worked out pretty well,” he said with a laugh.
Once stable, Gillespie
An official in Saskatchewan Health’s medical services branch said the devices are being considered for coverage.
With a price tag of roughly $8,000, Gillespie and Craven say coverage could help other Saskatchewan residents regain their independence.
“Doug has worked so hard, but (the device) has been huge. I’m a big believer,” Craven said. was airlifted to Saskatoon. He spent several weeks in Royal University Hospital and Saskatoon City Hospital.
While still in hospital, he began his rehabilitation with staff and Craven, who he’d be seeing regularly for years.
He worked hard and progressed from a wheelchair to a walker, but wasn’t able to walk on his own because of a condition known as drag foot. Every time he tried to move the bad leg, the toe wouldn’t lift to allow a proper leg swing.
That’s when Craven suggested the device from U.S.based Bioness. Gillespie has had one for several months and said the difference is dramatic.
To this point, most aids for drop foot are rigid prosthetics. These keep the foot in a constantly bent state, but this is far from ideal for long-term leg health, Craven said.
With the Bioness, a sensor smaller than a deck of cards is attached to the lower leg with a strap. When the bad foot attempts liftoff, the sensor sends a small shock into the foot. The toe lifts, resulting in a normal stride.
During the recent session with Craven, Gillespie threw his cane on the floor and walked briskly across the room.
He hopes to throw away the cane permanently in the coming months, and Craven thinks he can do it.
“I am very proud of Doug and all he’s accomplished,” she said. “His attitude is his No. 1 asset, but this has allowed him to do the things he wants to do.”