Search found 104 matches

by sleepdancer
Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:34 am
Forum: Just Joined?
Topic: Hello
Replies: 2
Views: 793

Welcome

Sounds like you've had your share of challenges and are finding ways to address them. Would you care to share with us some of what you've found helpful? I'm not clear the difference between primary and secondary Parkinson's, but I wish you well in your journey.
by sleepdancer
Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:24 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: P.S.
Replies: 2
Views: 736

leg cramps

Your description of a giant wringing your legs out sounds suspiciously like cramping. I didn't go back and read you history, just wondering if you've been evaluated for things like potassium level. I have a cramping sensation with my PLMD movements, but also a different and more acute cramping when ...
by sleepdancer
Fri Dec 16, 2011 2:42 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Mirapex and Vision/Balance Problems
Replies: 23
Views: 4717

Vision Problems with Mirapex

Does the literature you've read describe exactly what type of vision problems might be expected? While I was on Mirapex I developed very high eyes pressures and vision changes, but I also took Prednisone for a few months so I blamed the symptoms on it. When I was on Sinemet, which is a replacement d...
by sleepdancer
Fri Dec 16, 2011 2:23 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Iron??
Replies: 26
Views: 5660

Iron

Julie, I take iron but I admit it is haphazard. Couldn't even tell you which kind I take or the amount. Between that and the Vit D and magnesium, I do feel my daytime RLS is much more tolerable. I am still doing well most nights just using the TENS Unit and no meds for the PLMD. I will occasionally ...
by sleepdancer
Thu Dec 01, 2011 6:56 am
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: pain, getting worse, rls or something else?
Replies: 11
Views: 2207

Pain

When my pain kept worsening it turned out to be my PLMD. My muscles and joints never had a chance to really rest and be restored. As the movements increased, I developed chronic low back pain. The better my movements have been controlled, the better my joints, muscles & back feel. What did your ...
by sleepdancer
Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:32 am
Forum: Just Joined?
Topic: To new member
Replies: 0
Views: 2094

To new member

Welcome to the board. If you've been reading around, you'll see a lot of people have to deal with this, so there's lots of experiences to read and glean what might be applicable to your own situation. I have RLS and PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder). I've used several meds over the years, and f...
by sleepdancer
Fri Nov 11, 2011 5:43 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Latest on TENS Unit Use for Nighttime Symptoms
Replies: 52
Views: 26950

Tens Use

I am referring to the sticky pads that I get 3 uses out of. I hadn't heard the fridge trick to extent their usability. I have talked to one person who gets only two uses out of theirs. I have pushed it to 4 or 6 uses and found them to be less effective if the seal wasn't tight. I'm just amazed at th...
by sleepdancer
Fri Nov 11, 2011 5:28 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: WED MEDS: LIST OF ALL YOUR WED MEDS FROM DAY 1 TO PRESENT
Replies: 22
Views: 6899

RLS/WED Meds

1. Sinemet 3-4 years Augmentation & side effects 2. Mirapex 5 years Augmentation & decreasing effectiveness 3. Neurontin 3 years Concurrent with Mirapex, ineffective 4. Ropinerole 2-3 years Severe augmentation & side effects Off all meds for RLS/WED & PLMD for 1 year. Now use a TENS ...
by sleepdancer
Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:52 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Our Medical History
Replies: 25
Views: 6649

Medical Diagnoses

RLS/WED Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Sleep disorders run in family. Father had sleep apnea before anyone knew what is was. He also had REM Behavioral Disorder. Brothers have sleep apnea, probably due to familial jaw structure, which is a common cause in the non-ob...
by sleepdancer
Fri Nov 04, 2011 5:59 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Latest on TENS Unit Use for Nighttime Symptoms
Replies: 52
Views: 26950

Supplements

I'm afraid I'm not very discriminating about my supplements. Maybe I'd see even better results if I were more in tune with the different formulations etc. But I just take an OTC multivitamin + minerals, Vit D, & CoQ-10 in the morning and a Calcium-Magnesium-Zinc Combo & Melatonin at night. A...
by sleepdancer
Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:43 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Latest on TENS Unit Use for Nighttime Symptoms
Replies: 52
Views: 26950

TENS Use

Forgot to add that I would love to hear of any experiences with using the TENS. Also, I am taking nutritional supplements that I feel help my symptoms.
by sleepdancer
Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:39 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Latest on TENS Unit Use for Nighttime Symptoms
Replies: 52
Views: 26950

TENS Unit Use

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. My particular TENS Unit has icons for different positions, and I select the one for the lower back. It is set to pulse, although I don't know if that matters as far as effectiveness. I try to dial it up to 55, and keep it on about 20-30 minutes before bedtime. As far ...
by sleepdancer
Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:56 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Latest on TENS Unit Use for Nighttime Symptoms
Replies: 52
Views: 26950

Latest on TENS Unit Use for Nighttime Symptoms

Just a bit of an update since I haven't been around for a while due to relocating across country. Living on the west coast in the USA has given me 3 more hours before bedtime, and going to bed at a decent time was a struggle for me. Seemed to sleep better the later I went to bed, so this works for m...
by sleepdancer
Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:17 am
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: The Breaking Point with WED/rls
Replies: 19
Views: 2422

Breaking point

My heart is touched by your suffering. I remember the years of misery and the toll it took on every aspect of my well being. Hoping you find some relief so that you can enjoy the activities of your days and restorative sleep at night. I'm not against whatever means helps, just personally grateful fo...
by sleepdancer
Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:06 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Deciding when it is time to start doing drug therapy
Replies: 36
Views: 8334

Dr. B

I just realized that I'm visiting in the same town where Dr. B. is! Wow. I really needed him a few years sooner. Julie, I get the idea he's "the man" for pharmaceutical management of RLS/WED. Do you know if he has any experience treating RLS/PLMD with a TENS Unit? By trial and error I'm do...