Search found 13 matches

by BarryO
Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:49 pm
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: A home TENS unit that works! Ahhh!
Replies: 7
Views: 12336

Re: A home TENS unit that works! Ahhh!

I have that same unit! Sadly, doesn't help my RLS, but it does help with pain. Glad it is helping you and hope it continues to! Is your RLS what you describe as painful? I always wonder if there is a specific "type" of symptoms that are more likely to be helped by certain treatments. Short answer i...
by BarryO
Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:38 pm
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: research on use of TENS for PLMs and query
Replies: 11
Views: 12180

Re: research on use of TENS for PLMs and query

I have had success with TENS therapy, and use it now. I have bad RLS. I first learned of it when a Physical Therapist used it for relief of some broken bones. I made a passing comment about my RLS and he suggest we try it on my calfs before leaving. It was heaven! I subsequently bought a simple inex...
by BarryO
Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:57 am
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: 54 years Dealing with RLS
Replies: 11
Views: 6203

Re: 54 years Dealing with RLS

I can relate to your story. After decades of this, dozens of generalist and specialist doctors, and dozens of different prescription meds, I too finally found a doctor that really understands RLS. I am currently taking one Pregabalin early evening (regular gabapentin didn't do much, and worsened my ...
by BarryO
Sat Jan 25, 2020 12:19 am
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: How to find a RLS Psychiatrist?
Replies: 7
Views: 1688

Re: How to find a RLS Psychiatrist?

Yep badnights, that's the point. At my worst, after a couple months of sleepless nights, depression was setting in and really making it hard to cope. I'm surprised how many doctors of all ilks claim to know RLS but really don't. If we wait until desperation sets in to wish for psychiatric therapy, w...
by BarryO
Thu Dec 12, 2019 7:33 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: How to find a RLS Psychiatrist?
Replies: 7
Views: 1688

How to find a RLS Psychiatrist?

Does anybody know of an easy way to find a psychiatrist that specializes in RLS, maybe even by locale? For example, is there some sort of psychiatrist registry or directory that lists specialties? I struck out using a basic Google search. Insights appreciated!
by BarryO
Tue Sep 03, 2019 3:50 pm
Forum: Just Joined?
Topic: Tightening in calf
Replies: 10
Views: 2376

Re: Tightening in calf

Yes! And yes, I have RLS. It has evolved over the past 30 years, and become quite bad over the past 5 years. Having gone through a wide variety of nutritional, physical and medical therapies (including Pramipexole, which worked immediately but had to end due to augmentation) I'm now on evening opioi...
by BarryO
Thu Apr 04, 2019 12:37 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: A home TENS unit that works! Ahhh!
Replies: 7
Views: 12336

A home TENS unit that works! Ahhh!

Finally, relief! It's called the "TENS 7000, 2nd edition" available from Amazon for $26.99. And it works ... at least for me. And my RLS has been quite severe. If I sound surprised, it's because I am. I'd purchased a $80 private label home unit from a national drug store chain and it was a bust. I f...
by BarryO
Mon Feb 11, 2019 3:38 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Is bromine causal?
Replies: 7
Views: 912

Re: Is bromine causal?

Thank you Holland and Steve for the great information!!
by BarryO
Sat Feb 09, 2019 5:36 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Is bromine causal?
Replies: 7
Views: 912

Re: Is bromine causal?

Barry, The research is pretty clear, RLS is caused by Brain Iron Deficiency. As far as I know, there is no evidence this can be caused by bromine. Most cases have a genetic basis, predisposing people with a certain genetic make-up to be more susceptible to low iron in their diet, or other iron prob...
by BarryO
Fri Feb 08, 2019 9:38 pm
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Any luck with a sleep study?
Replies: 23
Views: 9002

Re: Any luck with a sleep study?

It happens that my RLS specialist was a sleep specialist first; an MD/PhD. I was biased against sleep studies and related specialists, but was swayed by the simple logic she gave: RLS isn't the primary issue, sleep is. RLS is one of the things we need to get rid of to get you to a good night sleep....
by BarryO
Fri Feb 08, 2019 5:18 pm
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Any luck with a sleep study?
Replies: 23
Views: 9002

Re: Any luck with a sleep study?

It happens that my RLS specialist was a sleep specialist first; an MD/PhD. I was biased against sleep studies and related specialists, but was swayed by the simple logic she gave: RLS isn't the primary issue, sleep is. RLS is one of the things we need to get rid of to get you to a good night sleep. ...
by BarryO
Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:48 pm
Forum: Augmentation
Topic: Vibration helped me through the drug holiday
Replies: 5
Views: 6955

Vibration helped me through the drug holiday

So, I had an advantage that many people don't have, but there's still a moral to the story. When I had increased my Rx dosage a few times, and benefits were declining, my specialist said I was augmenting, and we agreed it was time to wean from Pramipexole. Timing was bad because my wife and I were t...
by BarryO
Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:21 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Is bromine causal?
Replies: 7
Views: 912

Is bromine causal?

Bromine has long been used in hot tubs as an alternative to chlorine. After some reflection and basic "internet research," I'm wondering if there is a connection between bromine and RLS. Here's the context: I've had RLS for nearly three decades, with frequency and severity worsening rapidl...