Physical helps for managing symptoms
Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2023 6:43 pm
I'm an infrequent contributor here but frequent visitor.
This site has kept me sane and hopeful for the last 6 years since
I discovered it. Now I am seeking some help.
I'm interested in what exercises, stretches,, baths, etc. that others have found helpful for controlling symptoms. I've had RLS for over 30 years that was controlled by walking until about 6 years ago when I had a heart attack. Shortly after that I was prescribed Requip which managed symptoms for about 2 years. I then went to a neurologist who added gabapentin which also helped for a few years. I became concerned about my long term use of Requip, fearing augmentation. I was taking levothyroxine at the time and had read that that drug can precipitate out RLS symptoms so got my primary to switch me to Cytomel and increase my iron. I have successfully weaned myself off the Requip and my ferritin was 154 on the last check. I am now taking gabapentin, 400 mg at 8pm and 11pm but cannot get the late night symptoms under control. I can fall asleep but wake after 1 1/2 hrs and struggle until 4 or 5am. I already walk 7000 steps per day, take a hot shower every night, use compression stockings and do a set of Pilates exercises prescribed by my physical therapist for chronic knee pain due to arthritis. I don't want to take any more medicine if I can help it.
Thanks for any ideas!
This site has kept me sane and hopeful for the last 6 years since
I discovered it. Now I am seeking some help.
I'm interested in what exercises, stretches,, baths, etc. that others have found helpful for controlling symptoms. I've had RLS for over 30 years that was controlled by walking until about 6 years ago when I had a heart attack. Shortly after that I was prescribed Requip which managed symptoms for about 2 years. I then went to a neurologist who added gabapentin which also helped for a few years. I became concerned about my long term use of Requip, fearing augmentation. I was taking levothyroxine at the time and had read that that drug can precipitate out RLS symptoms so got my primary to switch me to Cytomel and increase my iron. I have successfully weaned myself off the Requip and my ferritin was 154 on the last check. I am now taking gabapentin, 400 mg at 8pm and 11pm but cannot get the late night symptoms under control. I can fall asleep but wake after 1 1/2 hrs and struggle until 4 or 5am. I already walk 7000 steps per day, take a hot shower every night, use compression stockings and do a set of Pilates exercises prescribed by my physical therapist for chronic knee pain due to arthritis. I don't want to take any more medicine if I can help it.
Thanks for any ideas!