Search found 112 matches

by TimG
Mon Jul 08, 2013 3:40 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Blood Donation
Replies: 2
Views: 527

Blood Donation

I've decided that because my ferritin still runs low (28) and I am now supplementing with iron tablets, it is time to give up whole blood donation. This is something I've done my whole adult life (I'm 64) and is a difficult decision for me. The last time I donated was six months ago. I know how esse...
by TimG
Mon Jul 08, 2013 3:32 pm
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: Foam Rollers
Replies: 8
Views: 4077

Foam Rollers

I'm an exercise geek, and am often trying out new exercise equipment. I recently picked up a foam roller, which is touted as a good way to exercise and stretch leg and back muscles. I purchased a good quality foam roller from Trigger Point Therapy, which has various sections on the roller that have ...
by TimG
Sat Jun 29, 2013 1:23 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: How to Read When Legs are Restless
Replies: 27
Views: 8371

Re: How to Read When Legs are Restless

I have a very sturdy stationary bike ( a Tunturi F300), which I've had for 15 years. I got a metal reading stand that is designed to fit on a table and modified it to fit on the center of the bike handlebars. It works great for reading and doesn't move excessively.
by TimG
Thu Jun 27, 2013 12:32 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: How do you deal with restless legs during the day?
Replies: 8
Views: 4418

Re: How do you deal with restless legs during the day?

I don't get restless legs during the day, but do get restless and fidgety. As a result, I move around a lot. I teach school, so am on my feet a lot for that, which helps. At night, when the restless legs symptoms are apparent, riding a stationary bike while reading or watching television helps.
by TimG
Tue Jun 25, 2013 6:21 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Pramipexole
Replies: 71
Views: 12580

Re: Pramipexole

I'm still experimenting with trying to substracting pramipexole and use it as needed, that is to say, when symptoms are causing problems that can't be alleviated by other means. I am lucky that my WED is still mild to moderate, unlike the severe WED that many of you experience. I've been taking Cita...
by TimG
Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:30 pm
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: How to Read When Legs are Restless
Replies: 27
Views: 8371

Re: How to Read When Legs are Restless

Thanks for your replies everyone. I have had some success with doing progressive relaxation exercises while sitting and reading, especially the legs and feet, tensing and relaxing them. I've also tried a foot soak while sitting in the evening, but it has a neutral effect on restless legs--neither he...
by TimG
Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:46 am
Forum: Physical Treatments
Topic: How to Read When Legs are Restless
Replies: 27
Views: 8371

How to Read When Legs are Restless

I enjoy reading in the evening, but often get restless legs, which of course causes problems sitting still. I've read some of the strategies that others use, including positional changes, reading more quickly, and distractions. Some things I do when WED is active and interfering with my ability to s...
by TimG
Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:26 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Pramipexole
Replies: 71
Views: 12580

Re: Pramipexole

Tracy,

How much iron did you take daily over the 9-month period? Getting tested frequently sounds like a good idea.
by TimG
Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:11 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Sleep Study
Replies: 18
Views: 3559

Re: Sleep Study

Thanks for your comments, everyone, and suggestions about iron supplements. I think I'll start on one 325 mg ferrous salt/65 mg elemental iron tablet a day, see how it goes, then work up to more.
by TimG
Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:22 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Pramipexole
Replies: 71
Views: 12580

Re: Pramipexole

Thanks for your replies. I may try to experiment first with not taking it every night, then see the effect, if any, on daytime sleepiness. I'm not averse to trying another WED med, but I want to make sure that it is a better alternative first. I posted elsewhere today that my current ferritin level ...
by TimG
Thu Jun 06, 2013 12:57 am
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Sleep Study
Replies: 18
Views: 3559

Re: Sleep Study

badnights wrote:Just keep your ferritin up there, above 75 or 100 if possible. And be aware of the signs of augmentation.


I had my ferritin level tested this week as part of other lab testing. It's 38. Any suggestions to improve it? Iron supplements? If so, how much and what type of iron?
by TimG
Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:04 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Pramipexole
Replies: 71
Views: 12580

Pramipexole

This question and its possible answer is probably embedded in another thread, but I'm going to start a new one so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. I have been taking pramipexole for WED about a year and a half. It works well and I haven't had any augmentation or serious side effects. The dosage i...
by TimG
Fri May 24, 2013 7:33 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Sleep Study
Replies: 18
Views: 3559

Re: Sleep Study

I had a Sleep Study follow-up visit with the sleep doctor this morning. No sleep apnea. I took another pramipexole tablet after kicking off the electrodes on my legs and showed no further episodes of periodic leg movement during the rest of the night. That tells me that the pramipexole is doing its ...
by TimG
Fri May 24, 2013 7:30 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Genetic Testing
Replies: 4
Views: 803

Re: Genetic Testing

Barrie--I don't know who does the testing for 23andme, but you can get more information at their website, 23andmedotcom
by TimG
Fri May 24, 2013 1:06 am
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Genetic Testing
Replies: 4
Views: 803

Genetic Testing

My wife and I had genetic testing done with the popular 23 and Me group. It was very interesting for us to do and had what I thought was some useful information. Nothing shocking. The testing, when we got it last year, was $300, but is now $100. One of the genetic risk factors I had was for--you gue...