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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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CarolWR
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 4:42 am

New to the group

Post by CarolWR »

This is an amazing discussion group! I've just signed on and have spent some time reading the huge variety of posts. So many people take their time to comment and try to help fellow sufferers...

As I look back, I think I've had real low level symptoms of RLS for years that I didn't recognize, but the condition didn't really "blossom" until about 5 years ago. During this time, I've tried gabapentin (which worked pretty well for almost a year and then augmented), requip (bad side effects and didn't work well anyway), and mirapex (worse side effects and didn't work well either). Now, I'm managing without any meds and hope to stay that way for awhile. Like everyone, I've tried so many possible "solutions", and nothing really helped until I started using a heating pad at night (I posted this on the non-pharmacological string last week).

I've recently had more pain running up and down my legs - during the day, which is new for me. Sometimes it occurs after walking, sometimes not. I hate the unpredictability of rls! I took a walk early this morning, and now my legs have been hurting/squirming all day. Coincidence or not? I just hope this is temporary and is not going to be a regular symptom.

I just left an "RLS specialist" because he treats patients like they're on an assembly line - in and out in 15 minutes no matter what. I've combatted that routine with having my questions in hand during the appt., but he'd be practically walking out the door as he answered them. The last time I even emailed him the questions ahead of time to see if that would make a difference. So I switched to a regular neurologist whose bio and his staff said he had experience with rls....and discovered that he WAS willing to give me time to talk and discuss but was not that well informed. Finding a doctor with a good combination of both patient time and knowledge would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance for any comments or helpful hints...

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