“It has been determined that the use of a lower extremity functional neuromuscular stimulation device (the device I want) in the home setting as a technique to restore nerve function and provide ambulation as investigative therefore we are unable to approve the NESS L300… says Blue Cross.

So that’s the end for my dream of getting the Bioness foot drop system. Of course I can always purchase it without insurance, but it costs $6,000 bucks. AGH!!!

The letter arrived a few days ago, but I couldn’t collect my thoughts well enough to write about it. I really thought they might pay for it because they do cover DME (durable medical equipment). Nevertheless they won’t this time. I already appealed the decision and was turned down. I managed to console and convince myself that life with Thelma (my scooter) isn’t that bad. That is, as long as a ramp is provided.

I would also like to share that I was approved for the drug AMPYRA®. It is a medication developed as a treatment to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis. It’s actually the first pill of its kind. To be honest I don’t know if that’s good or bad. Maybe this will be my best option now. I’ve had few friends comment that I seemed to be getting around better with my walker, so I’m going to count that as a postive result so far.

Despite my set back my spirit is not broken. Oh, don’t get me wrong I was devastated after seeing the rejection. Reading that letter was like being slapped in the face. I had put so much hope in it. But still I’m moving on. At least, that is…Thelma and I.