Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Eric,

While I can't say whether or not you have RLS, I do know that my RLS, which I've had my entire life, is worse in my left leg and has gotten progressively worse after each knee surgery (9, now). I believe trauma/surgery can definately impact RLS, and I think there are others here who have had ...

I know that surgeries can influence RLS, it has certainly been the case for me. I've had multiple surgeries on my left knee over the last 20 years and the RLS has always been worse in that leg. I had a knee replacement in August and since then the RLS in that leg has increased.

It would not ...

I get it in my arms as well, although not nearly as frequently as my legs. Pushups until I've exhausted the muscles helps generally. You're not crazy!

Heron

Stretching also worked for me for years, but as my RLS got worse it now only provides very temporary relief. It's great for general health though, way to go! Best,

Heron

CES,

My suggestion is to do a lot of research/reading on the treatment options for RLS and decide which one(s) you want to try. We must be very proactive with this disease, and not depend on doctors to know much about it - most don't.

Since each of us repond differently to the treatments, you ...

I've had the same experience with aspertame worsening my daytime RLS. I never have used it much, but some days I'll have a diet coke in the afternoon to stay awake. Bad news, symptoms will start almost immediately. Sometimes even gum with aspertame will trigger symptoms. Ahh, but if only that were ...

Yes, sugar is a trigger for me. I avoid it in the evening, but manage to do ok if I have it during the day - for the most part. Best,

Heron

I also had a very low ferritin level and tried taking iron supplements to take care of the RLS. No luck, I'm now on Mirapex and doing well at the moment.

Give the iron a try before adding Mirapex, it would be wonderful if you could get relief from that alone. Best,

Heron

It's a great day because I slept last night with no RLS and woke refreshed and able to do my job without falling asleep! Gratefully,

Heron

Janet,

Yes, sugar is a trigger for many people, me included. Ice cream & chocolate in particular make for some bad times.

Regarding Mirapex, I've been using it for well over a year now, lowest dose, and have had no related compulsive behaviours, thankfully. Hope you find relief without sacrificing ...

Nothing sad about taking care of our own needs - our partners are not always available. I've also had success with this 'therapy', by the way. Best,

Heron

Hazel,

It's such a huge relief to know we're not alone and that we're not crazy. I'm glad you found the forum and so pleased your husband is involved - it's a family thing, for sure, affecting all our loved ones.

Read all you can here, you'll find a wealth of info and experience. No two people ...

Ruby,

I am so sorry for your struggles, and then depression on top of it all. I understand the feeling of not caring, of wanting to stay in bed and hide from it all, of thinking you should be feeling something and there just isn't any emotion there. It sucks, it really does.

You're doing the right ...

Yup, another one who gets RAS...

It's rarely as bad as my legs, but when it happens it's a crappy night. It never occurs by itself either, it's always in conjunction with my legs. Often I can get rid of the arm symptoms by doing pushups until I've exhausted my muscles, a technique that used to work ...

Oh yeah! Alcohol, sugar (chocolate & ice cream are specific triggers for me) can make RLS worse. Thankfully, alcohol isn't a problem for me, as I do love wine. Avoiding sugar is difficult, but I can usually get away with having dessert if it's early in the evening. Best,

Heron