Get tested for ferritin

Please share your experiences, successes, and failures in using non-drug therapies for RLS/WED (methods of relief that don't involve swallowing or injecting anything), including compression, heat, light, stretches, acupuncture, etc. Also under this heading, medical interventions that don't involve the administration of a medicine to the body (eg. varicose-vein operations, deep-brain stimulation). [This forum contains Topics started prior to 2009 that deal with Non-prescription Medicines, Supplements, & Diet.]
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xzqx
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 2:20 pm

Get tested for ferritin

Post by xzqx »

In a recent Nightwalkers issue (I think, but I can't find it online), there was a suggestion that you get tested for ferritin in addition to a standard iron test. I talked to my doctor about this and he prescribed the test, although he was skeptical, saying my family history of RLS indicated that the problem was more than just iron/ferritin.

The test showed that my iron levels were OK, but my ferritin was slightly low. He prescribed iron supplementation, and my RLS has all but disappeared. (It took a few days to see the results.)

I know that just because it works for me, it may not work for everyone. But I urge you to get tested for ferritin, just in case. It's definitely worth a try. And the standard disclaimer -- don't just start taking massive iron supplements without getting tested; it can be dangerous!
-Anne

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