Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

I just flew to San Diego. Going out there (2 hour trip), I talked to the flight attendants and they were nice. But I went nuts standing back there, feeling stupid. On the return trip, one attendant suggested I just walk up and down the aisle. It was late, and lots of people were sleeping, so I didn't feel so conspicuous. I even met a guy in first class who was standing because....you know! I was glad he told me he had RLS -- I appreciate it so much when people do that. Helps educate us all.
I had sworn I'd never fly again when I took my daughter a couple of years ago on a vacation. It was 3 1/2 hours and the plane was tiny -- 2 seats on each side. I took every pill I had, I tried to play with a hand-held game, I walked and hopped and felt like everyone was watching the strange lady. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY TRICKS THEY USE? I'd like to travel a little, but it feels like these airplane rides are torture and I don't know if I can do it again.

I guess I'm lucky. If I take my regular meds, I'm fine. I get a little now and then, but it's tolerable. I flew back from a business trip to Florida a couple weeks ago. It was a later flight, so I had a bit. But ten to fifteen minutes of walking and stretching and I was fine back in my seat.

For me, taking earlier flights helps a lot. You might get your doc to give you a different/additional drug for the flight. Some people use a small pillow on the floor - that doesn't work too well for me. I also always get an aisle seat and get a emergency row exit seat when possible.

There have been some other posts about it in the last few months. You could see if you could find them - they might help.

I definitely always take the earliest flight; that does seem to help. I'm afraid a lot of it is in my head -- I feel trapped, and when I do, my legs go nuts (like at the symphony or in a boring meeting, which thankfully I don't have to attend anymore). I've never known what to do about the psychological part; it seems to be a vicious circle.

Maybe a Valium would help - it would reduce the concern about it and it does slightly help the RLS. I have to take them when I go to the dentist - otherwise all my teeth would have fallen out by now

Hi Doety
I did a post yesterday about my long airplane journey and about what worked. My outward bound flight was a nightmare, 9 hours with me in tears for a lot of the time thru discomfort and frustration, I had taken valium and codeine without much success. On the return flight I took 2mg requip, which is my usual nightly dose, I did not care that it was an extra dose of medication!! I also took 4 mg of diazepam/valium and also 30 mg codeine. I believe it was the requip that made the difference. Oh, and I also used a blow-up neck support as a cushion for my feet to tread, with my shoes off. I wouldn't take all that medication together as a rule but I was desperate and it did give me a 4 hour flight, and a 6 hour flight, both rls free. I thought I had gone to heaven. good luck, Betty

Try a 14-hour flight between the US & Australia!

I usually double everything that I normally take & hope for the best.

I also try to fly early in the day if possible, but on one of those, it's going to be "late" at one end or the other.

Rodney.