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Post by A££Y "Cuddles" Magoo on Jan 28, 2014 22:23:47 GMT -5
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Post by AlrightyAphrodite on Jan 28, 2014 23:16:21 GMT -5
I did see that, it came across my Facebook feed. It would obviously only be functional for low to mid paras, I don't think quads or anyone a with a condition that affects their upper body or global balance could really use it. I also wonder if someone who has been in a chair a long time would have the bone density to support being in a standing position. On the other hand, I am sure the height advantage would be great and it would also solve a lot of accessibility problems created by having to lower things. I did do some preliminary research, they were supposed to start shipping those in late 2013 (don't know if they actually did) and I believe they retail for about $15,000 USD, which doesn't strike me as all that expensive compared to a regular power chair. |
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Post by Inigo Montoya on Jan 28, 2014 23:22:35 GMT -5
I honestly hate that video. Mainly because it says that it's going to make wheelchairs obsolete. I think the video is full of fail and I consider the doctor sketchy.
Feet get pressure sores too.
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Post by A££Y "Cuddles" Magoo on Jan 29, 2014 0:13:17 GMT -5
I did see that, it came across my Facebook feed. It would obviously only be functional for low to mid paras, I don't think quads or anyone a with a condition that affects their upper body or global balance could really use it. I also wonder if someone who has been in a chair a long time would have the bone density to support being in a standing position. On the other hand, I am sure the height advantage would be great and it would also solve a lot of accessibility problems created by having to lower things. I did do some preliminary research, they were supposed to start shipping those in late 2013 (don't know if they actually did) and I believe they retail for about $15,000 USD, which doesn't strike me as all that expensive compared to a regular power chair. Ok good it's not just me then, a friend asked me if I thought I could use it and I said possibly but it might be painful do to my quadyness. I used a stander when I was young and that wasn't comfortable at all, by the end of each session my legs would be numb, and this was 20yrs ago... 15 grand isn't alot considering but I sure as hell won't be buying it anytime soon.  |
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Post by darthoso on Jan 29, 2014 2:00:23 GMT -5
I did see that, it came across my Facebook feed. It would obviously only be functional for low to mid paras, I don't think quads or anyone a with a condition that affects their upper body or global balance could really use it. I also wonder if someone who has been in a chair a long time would have the bone density to support being in a standing position. On the other hand, I am sure the height advantage would be great and it would also solve a lot of accessibility problems created by having to lower things. I did do some preliminary research, they were supposed to start shipping those in late 2013 (don't know if they actually did) and I believe they retail for about $15,000 USD, which doesn't strike me as all that expensive compared to a regular power chair. Bone density would improve over time, when I stopped using a Stander in elementary school (God I hated that fucking thing) I was told my bone density would suffer. I've only broken 2 bones though (possibly 3, was never xrayed for the 3rd) so its hasn't been a big deal. The height is a big deal though and really makes the world is difference. My chair has a seat elevator which brings me up 9 inches, which is great for high tables in restaurants (which they showed in the video). But yeah this thing would be useless for me in about 4 different ways I can think of off the top of my head: 1. Lulz I can't pull myself up like that. 2. I can't straighten out like that. 3. My balance would be gone after 1 bump. 4. My feet would hate me. I'm curious though how this thing handles on surfaces that aren't baby ass smooth, you go off a 1 inch curb accidently are you going to face plant it? $15k is too cheap, that probably means its not FDA approved and therefore insurance won't cover it (anything covered by insurance will have artificially inflated prices). I didn't watch the whole video so I dunno if that was mentioned. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2014 20:42:39 GMT -5
This may just be a quad thing but walking is VERY low on my list of physical capabilities I would like back. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to walk again but I feel that it would have the least impact on my life and ease of daily living and independence. I get around just fine right now. Bladder, bowel and sexual function, the ability to actually grasp things I want, getting up and getting into bed myself - these are the things that would greatly enhance my life. Get to work, science.
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Post by mike on Jan 29, 2014 22:22:34 GMT -5
AlrightyAphrodite,
When you said: I think that's not too likely. I have no idea what chairs cost, but here is a bit of comparison: For conventional leg braces, the price ranges from $1,500 to (more commonly) $5,000 each. When you go a bit higher tech (like mine) they are $10,000 each. For really sophisticated braces using hydraulics, the current asking price is $75,000 EACH! If you want to know more, I can provide sources for those numbers. The device shown is not likely to sell in any volume for many years, and the manufacturer will need to eat a lot of R&D cost. The issue is (believe it or not) Medicare. Most people aren't on Medicare, but virtually all insurance companies index off Medicare reimbursement rates, and if Medicare doesn't establish an 'L' code, insurance won't pay for it either. There is also the (unfortunate) factor of politics. For example, if company A makes something different, company B will lobby against the assignment of an 'L' code until they have their competitive model ready for production. Once 'stance control' braces hit the market it took almost 10 years before appropriate codes were established. Stance control is way cool, and far better than traditional braces, but still not all insurance companies will pay for them, and Medicare doesn't differentiate between mechanical and computer controlled, so the vastly better computer controlled braces are quite rare.
Often new companies invent something really cool in the medical field, then are disappointed by the initial slow sales. If you wanted the coolest braces (OttoBock 'C' brace), you would need to cough up $150,000 out of your own pocket, because Medicare (and thus virtually all insurance companies) refuse to pay for them. How many people do you know who could afford that?
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greenbean
Full Member
That's not me, just a chick with a pigeon poopin on her head.
Posts: 219
Gender: Female
Dev Status: Devotee
Relationship Status: In a relationship
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Post by greenbean on Jan 30, 2014 2:24:16 GMT -5
My very informed opinion: does not look sexy to me.
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