'nother noob...

Whether new to RLS or new to the site, we welcome you and invite you to share your history and experiences with RLS/WED, introduce yourself, and ask questions. Successful treatment starts with a solid understanding of this disease.
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d4est
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 3:29 pm

'nother noob...

Post by d4est »

Hi. I was researching RLS and found this place. I have never been diagnosed, but am fairly certain that I have it. For as long as I can remember I have had symptoms...I describe it as a tickling feeling that is only relieved by jerking my leg (usually my right). Of course, the sensation returns minutes later. I don't have it every night, but at the very least 3x week. Over the past 6-12 months it has started in my arms(ususally my left)and it is quicker, more intense. My arm/shoulder seem to jerk almost involuntarially. I wouldn't call it painful, but extremely annoying...making if difficult to relax and lay still. It is most apparent as I get sleepy. The more tired I am, the worse it is.

Should I contact my Dr.? Is there anything I can do to make it go away?

jumpyowl
Posts: 774
Joined: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:59 pm
Location: Yantis, TX
Contact:

Welcome d4est:

Post by jumpyowl »

Your post is similar to the other newby's post. Except it appears that you are more certain to have RLS.

I assume that you do not get much restorative sleep.

I do not know your location so I cannot give you the names of doctors who understand and treat this affliction. On this website there is a whole list of such names for every state.

You sound like you have severe enough symptoms that warrants to see a doctor and try some medications. Make sure you do not take anything that exacerbate the symptoms.
Jumpy Owl

Guest

Post by Guest »

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am in central NY (near Cooperstown, [Baseball Hall of Fame] and Oneonta). I don't know if there are any Drs around that will understand or listen to me. I doubt that my primary care Dr will. He is not very pro-active or aggressive about most complaints I have. (for example, I have plantar faceitous (sp??), a problem with my foot with extreme heel pain. He told me to go to Payless shoes and buy a sneaker with a good arch!! That was it!! I also have a bad shoulder, suspected rotator cuff injury---he said to take it easy, it will "take care of itself!!)

I will try to find that list of doc's you mentioned.

Thanks again!

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

quicklink for healthcare provider listing

Post by sardsy75 »

Hiya

The link for the healthcare provider listing on this site is as follows:

http://beta.restlesslegs.org/find_a_provider/

Take care of you!
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!!!

Guest

Post by Guest »

Thanks very much! I found a Dr in my area. Will I need a referal from my pcp?

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

RE: Referrals

Post by sardsy75 »

Hi again

You're most welcome!

As for referrals, if your pcp is willing to write/give you one, they definitely come in handy, particularly if you are seeking an appointment fairly quickly.

When you contact the doctor you have just found, explain to them that you have come to them through this site and that you would like a consultation on RLS. If you're like me, ask them straight out "do you do consults on RLS?".

By all means take the first appointment they can give you, even if it's six months away, but at the same time, ask if you can be put on a waiting/cancellation list. If someone else cancels, you may be able to slot in instead.

Don't think that you have to limit yourself to just the one specialist either. If you are not confidant with their treatment of you, you don't have to stick with them. As a close friend (who has now passed) said to me earlier this year, "the more the merrier". My own Neuro is based 600kms away and I had to travel to see him for my first appointment; however I am lucky in that HE travels too. He visits a couple of the major regional cities within Queensland a couple of times a month, giving all of his patients a chance to see him personally. If there is someone else on the provider list who is nearby, keep them in mind. A theoretical expert ain't always a practical expert :wink:

Take care and keep us posted on your journey!
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!!!

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

By the way...

Post by sardsy75 »

Make sure you check out the "Useful Websites" topic, which is a few topics down from this one in this forum (New to RLS).

There are a lot of links to a lot of information which you and your pcp/neuro may find useful.
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!!!

d4est
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 3:29 pm

Post by d4est »

Thanks again. There is only 1 Dr listed that is close to me. Other choices are more than an hrs drive. I have an appt with my pcp on Sept. 1st. I will talk to him and HOPEFULLY get a referral.

Thanks again!

jumpyowl
Posts: 774
Joined: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:59 pm
Location: Yantis, TX
Contact:

I am late but still...

Post by jumpyowl »

Thanks Nadia for being on the ball. I can add only a few bits of info. (I lived for five years in upper New York Sate; Ithaca, NY).

I assume that you found the following doctor:

Bassett Healthcare
Lee C Edmonds MD
One Atwell Road
Cooperstown NY 13326
607-547-3283
Sleep Medicine
Pulmonary Medicine


It would be nice to have a selection but it is also nice to have at least one in your town. Utica, Schenectady,and even Albany, the state capital is not too far (to a Texan), but your traffic may be heavier. :)

I am not well informed how much you need the referal by your gate keeper. In my case I thought I needed it (have MediCare and Blue Cross) but turned out to be unnecessary for me. It mostly depends on your insurance. I am no expert but I think PPO is better than HMO. So check with your insurance first.

Be assertive to a nice degree. First let him know that you are fairly certain that you have this affliction. Ask him how familiar is he with this disease. (actually you could do it the other way around). Then tell him that you want him to refer you to Dr. Edmonds. You could actually set up an appointment with Dr. E. And if your doctor says NO! then tell him: "I guess then I have to cancel my appointment with Dr. E. telling him the reason why." If one thing these doctors do not want the other one to know that they denied a referral. 8)

If he still refuses, tell him that you need help, and since he is not very supportive you will have to find another gatekeeper. And then do it! It is easier than you think. And clearly he will be no great loss.

Let me know what happens!
Jumpy Owl

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