Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

It is interesting to read some of the new posts since I last logged in. Have had great success for at least 2 years on my 1.5 ropinirol 3x/da -- plus 2 hydrocodone (7.5/325) with each ropinirol dose. I am of the firm conviction that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

However, within the past few months I have had some new symptoms -- most prevalent, an intermittent extreme itching on feet, between my toes, and lower legs that I could only describe in discussion with my neuro as "systemic;" as distinct from a surface itch. At neuro's suggestion, I tried replacing my hydrocodone dose with tramadol, formerly not so well tolerated. The itching diminished, but didn't stop.

Always had slim ankles, but they have been showing signs of swelling for a few months. A few days ago my left leg ballooned so significantly it worried me that it might be a blood clot. Wore TED hose until I could get to a vascular surgeon. Just had a venous doppler on both legs today so I still don't have the results. However, the doctor gave me some new insight toward my RLS.

He asked if my symptoms have gotten worse lately. At first I said no, but almost immediately I recanted upon reconsideration that I have been getting jumpy just before some of my pill times and have been going into my "stash" to alleviate symptoms; also taking an extra .5 at night just to get through to morning with undisturbed sleep. When I told him all that, he said that the swelling contributed to exacerbation of the RLS, and also contributed to the itching. He said many doctors miss that relationship, but that his experience with RLS patients is that they get worsening symptoms with introduction of vascular issues.

I am a 68-yr old female, 40-50 pounds overweight and more sedentary since my TJR surgeries of the past 3 years, but I am now motivated to start moving again. Need to walk in order to exercise my veins, wear my TED hose or compression stockings, lose some weight, and hopefully the itching, swelling, and increasing RLS symptoms will decrease.

UPDATE MAY 18: I don't know if I made my point that vascular insufficiency can lead to swelling/varicose veins. That's my problem, not enough exercise, so valves in veins whose job it is to push blood back to the heart have gotten weak, so I guess I'm in early stages of problems associated with varicose veins. The swelling is from blood pooling at the lower extremities causing swelling, which in turn, may be exacerbating the RLS. Sorry for any confusion on tying the two together. Getting old is SUCH fun!

Good information! I would like to see it posted in the pharmaceutical section as well!

Huh. I'd not heard that before. But, many of the vein doctors think there is something vascular going on in some cases. Could be that that the vascular issues do not trigger it, but simply exacerbate it.

Really interesting.

Paridoxically, some of the drugs to treat WED cause swelling. Such a vicious circle we live in.

Just short of a year later, another update. Have no idea what prompted the itching but seems to have gone through its cycle, reappearing only every few months on single occasions. Mostly wear TEDs now (because I can't afford the high cost of compression stockings) but give myself breaks every now and then. If I wake up with lower leg pains, I put them on. Swelling persists. No weight loss and still need to exercise Unfortunately, there's no magic potion!