28yrs old and at my wits end

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jaciharper
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 4:32 am

28yrs old and at my wits end

Post by jaciharper »

I was dignosed with rls about two years ago they started me off on sinement and ambien due to the sinement keeping me awake. It worked but then my husband and I started try to have a baby and had to go through fert. treatments and I had to stop sinement and ambien and they started me on Tylenol#3(sorry about spelling so sleepy but hurting so much) and I got three different opinions and i took it through my whole preg when I needed it and I nursed for 7mths. I finally quit nursing because my legs had gotten so bad I was up to 4pills a night and to top it off I felt like the dr thought I was a drugie. Well i tried to go back on sinement and it wouldnt work, but then i took two the other night and it worked well to top things off I called my dr today to get refill and they had a mix up and called me in some kind of sulfa drug that has made my legs 100x worse tonight. I finally ended up crying for about two hours and taking 4 of my tyn #3 i had left over and cried some more and took 2 more and I am still up as you can see. i feel like I am at my wits end because I have to get up every day because I have a very busy 9month old. I do have an apt with a specialist in a month or so it is going to cost me though. I tried to do a study for a new drug but couldn't do the wash out period. Please some one give me some advise before I loose my mind it seams like I am depressed all the time and my daughter brings me such joy I hate for her to see me fell like this. Please help lost in Georgia. :(
jaciharper

jaciharper
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 4:32 am

Post by jaciharper »

sorry for rambling also I wanted to add I am so scared it has been getting worse and if I am like this at 28 what will I be like at 38.

Jaciharper

becat
Posts: 2842
Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:41 pm

Big ((((((((Hugs))))))) for you

Post by becat »

Hi Jaci and welcome to our unfortunate club. I'm a lifer, 40yrs old now.
I'm sending big ((((((hugs))))) and some tear catchers ~-~.
Ok, first off I'd tell you to get on the phone ASAP, you call your Doc. and demand that they do something for you now. If you already has the dianosis of RLS then it's silly and mean to ignore the simple lline of treatment. If the drug they called in was incorrect, that is an easy fix. You can even call the pharmcy and request a correction....They can call the Doc.. I'd call tomorrow for the medication. I'd call back Monday and talk to doc. if you can, but his nurse should be able to help as well. Tell them you will not make it another month without some help.
There are many here that will tell you that doctors that ignore the pain and sleep issues, are not doing the job YOU HIRED THEM FOR. Remember that YOU HIRE THEM, THEY WORK FOR YOU. Jumyowl is one of the finest friends you'll make here. He say's that with what the docs. know about pain NOW and pain medication that is cruel to withhold medication. I would agree and add that you have a right to be treated well. When you go to the specialist take along printed facts from this site. There are other sites for RLS as well. Your best weapon is education and printed material for the docs. You may be the educator, so be prepared. I took my husband with me to the last appt., that was good for him and the doc.. Hubby gave a back to my story and added more than I thought of. It was also a good time for him to learn about this.
Now, you have a young child. That made a difference in my choice of treatments when me kiddos were small. I choose a job out of my home and worked many of the late hours I stayed up, wait I still do that.
I was mild then, HOT BATHS, vitamins, and moving helped. If you read through the non-pharm forum you can find some good things to try.
You thought you rambled on, holy me.
I just want you to know that you are not alone. We have great people here. We'll listen, share with you, and we teach each other here. Mostly we support one another. I know it seems bleak right now. Cry alittle more, give a big sigh, and then get ready to fight with us. You keep us posted, ok?
Try the best you can to sleep.

Rubyslipper
Posts: 992
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:53 am
Location: Missouri

Post by Rubyslipper »

I'm with Becat on this one, big time! Just because it suits your doctor to see you in a month or even next week, if you need help (Which you definately do!) then you have every right to call him and demand that he see you. Keep a diary as much as you can of symptoms and what you take, what does and doesn't work, how much sleep you are not getting, etc. That shows them that it's not just a sometime thing. If he /she doesn't help you, go to someone else and KEEP TRYING. I hate to tell you but sometimes it takes a while to find the right course that works for you. Check the pharmaceutical link here to see what others are taking and take these suggestions to the doctor. Tylenol #3 is not working for you and it is dangerous to take too many. We are here for you and truly care about what happens to you. RLS is a disease (?) that often progessively gets worse as you age but I think that once you get on the meds that will help you, you will see an improvement that lasts for a long time. Then you may have to adjust meds again. but if you have a doctor who will work with you, your RLS probably won't progress for quite a while if ever. Please hang tough and get tough with your doctor. As Becat says, go in well informed, insistant (but not over the top emotional) that he do something and do it now! If he resists or doesn't have a clue what to do, give him suggestions of meds that work for others. If he is willing to do his own research into RLS to find what will help you, great. If not, find another doctor. Please keep us informed as to your journey. We'll help you walk it if we can.

Erik M3
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2004 3:21 am
Location: Jupiter,FL
Contact:

Post by Erik M3 »

Well I am am 37 and I feel like my RLS has been the same for many years, so I would not worry too much about it getting worse. This is just my personal exper. though. It can be progressive, I cant imagine mine getting worse, I already feel like cutting my legs off now at times.
///M The most powerful letter in the alphabet!

sardsy75
Posts: 862
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:56 am
Location: Queensland, Australia

Post by sardsy75 »

Hi Jaci

Welcome to the group :)

I am also 28. My RLS is a secondary condition; my primary condition is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) - better known around some places as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS).

As I mentioned to Becat recently, there's no rule that says you must stick with one doctor, particularly if you are not satisfied with the way they are treating you. A "theoretical expert" ain't always a "practical expert"!

I have also mentioned in various posts around here that I received some advice from a very sick friend (who has now passed) who simply said: "The more doctors, the merrier."

You are the one who needs to find a more comfortable level of living, and if that means finding another specialist, by all means, do so. If you have to stick with your doctor, then he/she needs to know that you're in charge of your own body and if a treatment is not working, then they're the ones you're paying to assist with finding a treatment that will. Take your hubby/partner/another family member with you to your appointments with you. This can often help in getting more response from the doctor.

I have recently emerged relatively unscathed from 10 months of Literal Hell (you can find more of me under the thread "Prescription Medication Side Effects) and it took a sidelong glance and a "second opinions don't always go astray; you make the phone call and i'll write the letter" from my GP for me to get my foot through the door for a second opinion from another Neurologist. I still have an appointment with a Third Neurologist lined up for September if things don't pan out positively between now and then.

The present "top four" treatments for RLS are as follows:

a) dopamine agonist supplementation (various types are available)

b) opioids

c) benzodiazapines

d) anticonvulsants

Of course, there are pro and cons for each. RLS is different for everyone, and we all become our own guinea pigs at one time or another, or even for months on end, until we find that "magic cocktail". Some have pain, some don't. Some have 24/7 symptoms, others don't. Some have found their "magic cocktails", others, like yourself, are still searching". The one common denominator in this group (besides RLS!) is that we're here for each other, day and night, and we stick together.

Sinement is usually one of the first drugs prescribed for RLS patients. However, while it can be very effective, it is the one drug which causes the most problems with rebound and augmentation (i.e. your symptoms get worse so you increase the dose, your symptoms get worse again, and so on).

There is a wonderful gentleman in this group, Jumpyowl, who would more than likely be willing to help with advice on your medications. For us to help you, don't be afraid to tell us whats on your mind.

DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! I can "feel" your stress and it is certainly not doing yourself or you baby any good. I've been to rock bottom....I know what it's like, i've cried for hours and hours and the number of times i've wished we owned a chainsaw just so I could chop the dang things off are too many to count. However, if you give up your family are never going to forgive you Likewise, if you chop off your legs, not only will you never be able to walk again, you will still get phantom RLS, which definitely can't be treated :wink:

sardsy75 wrote:Below are some links to some excellent RLS sites, including medications & treatments:

General RLS Information:
http://www.wemove.org/rls.html
http://www.jmjudson.com/rls.html
http://www.rlshelp.org
http://www.sleepnet.com/disorder.htm
http://www.rls.org

RLS Treatment Information:
http://www.jmjudson.com/medications.html
http://www.rlshelp.org/rlsrx.htm

Fighting RLS with everything else:
http://www.rlsrebel.com

You might find it helpful to print out any information you think is important and put it together in a folder. If you're GP/Neurologist doesn't know much about RLS, they should be open to learning about it and helping you out.

I highly recommend the rlsrebel site. It has very practical information for "combat techniques"!


My top four favourite non-drug remedies are massage, cranio-sacral therapy, long hot spa baths, and gentle leg stretching. Definitely check out the RLS Rebel site listed above as I have tried most of the techniques Jill has suggested, and if you put your mind to it, they will help!

We are here for you Jaci, anytime, day or night. If you just need to vent and get everything off your chest, go right ahead.

In the meantime, take care of you, take it one day at a time and most importantly, Stay Positive!!! You can beat this!!

Sending lots of positive thoughts and cyber ((((((HUGS)))))) your way

Nadia

P.S. You mentioned being from Georgia, so I'm going to assume you mean the State of Georgia USA (i'm in the upsidedown land of Oz!). I did a quick search of the healthcare providers listing (http://beta.restlesslegs.org/provider_d ... ctory.html)on this site for Georgia and have come up with the following listing. Hopefully there is someone on this list near to where you live.

Phoebe Family Care Center
Thomas R Graff MD
2336 Dawson Rd
Albany GA 31707-2442
229-312-8800
Family Medicine

Vein Clinics of America
Danny E Huntley MD
5505 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Ste 545
Atlanta GA 30342-1758
800-660-8346
Phlebology
Internal Med

Emory University School of Medicine
David B. Rye MD PhD
1639 Pierce Dr
6000 WMRB-PO Drawer V
Atlanta GA 30322-0001
770-512-0514 home
Neurology
Sleep Medicine

Emory University School of Medicine
David B. Rye MD PhD
1639 Pierce Dr
6000 WMRB-PO Drawer V
Atlanta GA 30322-0001
770-512-0514 home
Neurology
Sleep Medicine

Mark I Harris MD
Comprehensive Neurology Specialists, PC
4655 North Shallowford Road
Suite 200
Atlanta GA 30338
770-454-4685
Neurology

Emory University School of Medicine
David B. Rye MD PhD
1639 Pierce Dr
6000 WMRB-PO Drawer V
Atlanta GA 30322-0001
770-512-0514 home
Neurology
Sleep Medicine

John A. Goldman MD
555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Suite 293
Atlanta GA 30342
404-252-0230
Rheumatology

APG Center for Sleep Disorders
David Westerman MD
5667 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd #250
Atlanta GA 30342
404-303-1700
Sleep Medicine

Emory University School of Medicine
Charles M. Epstein MD
1365 Clifton Rd NE
Atlanta GA 30322-1013
404-778-3440
Neurology

Leslie Kelman MD
5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Suite 620
Atlanta GA 30342
(404) 843-9958
Neurology

Medical College of Georgia
Kapil D. Sethi MD, FRCP
1120 15th St HB2060
Augusta GA 30912-0004
706-721-4581
Neurology

Jagdish Sidhpura
Professional Tower
700 Center St Ste 304
Columbus GA 31901-1545
706-322-0176
Neurology
Sleep Medicine

Fel Street St Francis
Jack Blalock Jr, MD
Medical Parkway
2300 Manchester Expy
Columbus GA 31904-6802
706-327-4317
Internal Medicine
Endocrinology

North Georgia Neurological Institute
Robert A Pedersen MD, PhD
1505 Professional Ct
Box 604
Dalton GA 30720-2500
706-275-6121
Neurology

Pulmonay and Sleep Specialists, PC
Mark T Pollock
2665 N Decatur Rd Ste 230
Decatur GA 30033-6136
404-499-0533
Sleep Medicine

NE Georgia Diagnostic Clinic
Laena Karnstedt MD
1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway Ste 500
Gainesville GA 30501
770-536-9864
Int Medicine

Joseph Cuccia
715 Jessee JewellPkwy SE
Gainesville GA 30501
770-532-7893
Neurology
Sleep Medicine

East Cobb Medical Center
Todd B. Greer MD
Vein Clinics of America
575 Professional Dr Ste 530
Lawrenceville GA 30045-3336
678-376-7399
Int Medicine

Vein Clinics of America
Dan E Huntley MD
575 Professional Dr Ste 530
Lawrenceville GA 30045-3336
800-660-8346
Phlebology

Susan R. Raybourne MD
380 Hospital Dr Ste 420
Macon GA 31217-8015
(478) 742-2922
Neurology

Fayette Medical Center
John B Abel MD
4000 Shakerag Hl
Peachtree City GA 30269-4047
Internal Medicine

Harbin Clinic
Jay A. Schecter MD
1825 Martha Berry Blvd
Rome GA 30161
706-236-6343
Neurology

North Fulton Neurology
Frank Puhalovich PhD
1285 Hembree Rd Ste 160
Roswell GA 30076-4995
770-751-1589
Neurology

Royston Medical Associates, P.C.
Hoyt Crump MD
819 Church St
Royston GA 30662-4434
706-245-6177
Family Medicine

St. Joseph's Hospital
Anthony M. Costrini MD
11700 Mercy Blvd Plaza D Bldg 5
Savannah GA 31419
912-927-6680
Sleep Medicine

Neurological Institute of Savannah
William T Garrett MD
4 E Jackson Blvd
Savannah GA 31405-5810
912-355-1010
Neurology

Affinity Health Group
Randall C Lanier MD
2225 US Hwy 41 North
Tifton GA 31794
912-391-4250
Internal Medicine
Sleep Medicine
Pulmonary Medicine
Terry M Brown D O
1030 Cherokee St
Valdosta GA 31602
(229) 241-1434
Sleep Medicine

The Neurological Institute of Valdosta
Hernan Posas Jr, MD
4274 N Valdosta Rd
Valdosta GA 31602-6814
229-242-1234
Neurology
Nadia

My philosophy is simply this: Life is too short to be diplomatic. Your friends should not care what you do, or say; and for those who are not your friends ... their loss!!!

jaciharper
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 4:32 am

Post by jaciharper »

I want to thank you all for posting and looking up dr for me. i am going to see one of those drs it dr westerman I am about an hour from atlanta ga and he is supposed to be a specialist. The only problem is that he can't see me until july but i am on a cancellation list. i started taking a vit suplement with mag on here but it doesnt seem to stop it completely, but it does seem to help. I again want to thank you for the advise and hugs I sure do need them. I would be crazy if i didn't have my husband he stayed home saturday and keep emma all day while i slept off and on. i am so greatfull for him. I couldn't get by without him.


Thank You sooo much
and hugs back to everyone
jaciharper

sardsy75
Posts: 862
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:56 am
Location: Queensland, Australia

Hugs available at any time!

Post by sardsy75 »

Hi Jaci

(((((Hugs))))) are available at any time!

Don't be afraid to limit yourself to trying to get in to see just one specialist. A dear friend of mine (who recently passed) gave me some advice which was simply "the more the merrier" and with RLS and it's more than fickle ways, she was right!

If there are any others on that list who are within a reasonable travelling distance of where you live, by all means give them a call and get on their waiting list as well.

Also, if your GP is willing to write a referral for you, this can sometimes "bump you up the line" so to speak.

It sounds like you have found a true soul mate in your husband! I don't know what i'd do without mine either!

You mentioned starting the vitamin supplement.... if you are finding it really hard to relax at night, try the herb Valerian. It is NOT a Sedative, but helps assist in the relief of insomnia by helping to relax the body. It comes in numerous strengths, 100mg - 2000mg and I have found that the stronger the better!

Keep us posted on your journey, take it one step and one day at a time, and Stay Positive!!

Take care of you!

Nadia
Nadia

My philosophy is simply this: Life is too short to be diplomatic. Your friends should not care what you do, or say; and for those who are not your friends ... their loss!!!

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