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byers1 · Post by **byers1** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:56 am

Hi gang,
I'm 24 yr old dealing with RLS.

As of 3 years ago or more.. just never really was able to dechiecher it. I've come to realize that I have RLS. I've been to the doctor, and unfortunately he doesn't think it's a problem, his a doctor from the stone age. So I've not been able to seek any treatment medically, I've been just toughing the nights out. Should I go back and demand to see a specialist, if so who?
Back in April of this year i was told to put soap under my sheets, I swear it has been a blessing. I have no idea what it does... but it works. Some nights my legs get real bad and then nothing helps but getting up and just walking and keeping myself busy, wishing i could sleep...
I really just can't describe the feeling that I get at night to people that don't know what im dealing with.. Well i wish I joined sooner.. If there are any tips let me know! And if you haven't tried the soap yourself, try it out..The only problem with the soap thing is when I go away for the night I take a bar of soap with me feeling rather foolish. .

Laurachrissy · Post by **Laurachrissy** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:22 am

Why don't you print out the Mayo Clinic algorithm, you can find it on some of the posters' signature. Take that and go to a walk in clinic. I'd probably try the old geezer again, maybe you can get a referral to a Rheumatologist or Neurologist. Good luck with that.

Post by **Polar Bear** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:51 am

You will find a link to the Mayo Clinic Algorithm in my signature.

If your own GP is not willing to help you medically after seeing the Algorithm then he is not likely to ever be of any help with this condition and perhaps another doc in the practice may be more forward thinking.

I wish the soap would work for me. My own feeling is that the soap acts like a placebo for some.

You really need a GP who is understanding and if he doesn't know much about the condition, is willing to learn.

Post by **ViewsAskew** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:52 pm

There is a link to the "soap method" in the Non-pharm section. It hasn't worked for most of us, but some people feel their RLS is better. If that is enough for you, then you're in good shape.

My guess is that you wouldn't be here if it was working all the time. Might help to keep a diary of the times it bothers you and the degree.

Things that bother people can be mediation (antihistamines, cold medicine with antihistamines, antidepressants, and others), alcohol, caffeine, sugar, ice cream, and other things. Read in the non-pharm section to find ideas of what's helped others.

Oddly enough, having hydrated skin is essential for me. If my skin is the least bit dry, I am more likely to have problems. I also can't stand tight clothing.

Some people find relief with medical grade stockings. Again, check the non-pharm section.

This is a good way to start.
1. Get ferritin level checked.
2. Find out if you are doing/taking anything that makes it worse - medication, alcohol, caffeine, etc.
3. Get regular exercise - moderate. At least one study, maybe two, and a lot of anecdotal evidence that this helps.
4. Find your triggers and avoid them - there may not be any. But, if there are, a diary may help you find them.