Over time my main symptom which was EDS got worse to the point that my fiance (now husband) sent me to his doctor (I had already seen 4 different doctors in 4 years). At first they thought it was Narcolepsy, but the Provigil didn't help. So I went to a sleep study where the RLS was finally diagnosed. My doc put me on medication (1 small pill before I go to sleep) and I've noticed a huge improvement already.
I guess I just wanted to say to anyone else who had EDS to not give up and go get a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th opinion if that is what it takes to get a doc to listen. No one should be able to sleep 18 hours out of 24 because they are so exhausted. All of my previous docs would test my thyroid (which would come back fine) and then tell me my problem was that I wasn't getting enough exercise. Like other posts on this site, I was the kid always bouncing my leg and irritating everyone. I had no idea that it was linked to something that was causing my EDS.
Being new to this, is there anything else I can do other than the meds to help? Adjust my diet? etc.?
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Just got diagnosed - Finally!
Welcome, PK!
I am not good with abbreviations, what is EDS?
Actually the only thing the sleep test can do is to rule out other problems such as sleep apnea. It can also diagnose PLMD, periodic limb movement disorder and its severity. Over 80% of RLS sufferers have PLMD but it does not work the other way around (most of PLMD sufferes do not have RLS).
What is the magic pill your doctor gave you? This would be useful for all of us to know.
They they test your ferritin level? This would be important.
Are you taking an antidepressant? That is also important.
Actually the only thing the sleep test can do is to rule out other problems such as sleep apnea. It can also diagnose PLMD, periodic limb movement disorder and its severity. Over 80% of RLS sufferers have PLMD but it does not work the other way around (most of PLMD sufferes do not have RLS).
What is the magic pill your doctor gave you? This would be useful for all of us to know.
They they test your ferritin level? This would be important.
Are you taking an antidepressant? That is also important.
Jumpy Owl
RE: EDS Query
EDS is a common term used to describe a symptom of many sleep disorders, such as: Narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA), Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
EDS is an overwhelming need to sleep during the day when the person has had an apparent normal sleep during the night. EDS may last for minutes or even an hour or more and occurs with no warning. EDS may occur many times during the day, so causing great disruption in the quality of life of the sufferer.
Sleep Specialists may use a variety of tests to evaluate whether it is in fact true EDS, or "tiredness" or "sleepiness" from some other cause, such as sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can occur in insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders (refer to individual headings), or from not allowing enough time during the night for ample sleep required for normal daytime function and alertness.
EDS is an overwhelming need to sleep during the day when the person has had an apparent normal sleep during the night. EDS may last for minutes or even an hour or more and occurs with no warning. EDS may occur many times during the day, so causing great disruption in the quality of life of the sufferer.
Sleep Specialists may use a variety of tests to evaluate whether it is in fact true EDS, or "tiredness" or "sleepiness" from some other cause, such as sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can occur in insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders (refer to individual headings), or from not allowing enough time during the night for ample sleep required for normal daytime function and alertness.
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!!!
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!!!