I was wondering if someone could tell me all the tests that I need done. Of course after I have this baby. The only tests that have been done are: they checked my back with an mri and tested my iron levels, which all came back normal, but I know that there are more tests out there, like a sleep study, checking the nerves in my legs and body? When I had my last child 2 years ago I pulled some muscles upinside me and when I was delivering I had terrible spasms in my legs. Then two months later is when my legs and body started jerking and cramping. I can't help but wonder if there is something wrong with me that they are missing. No dopamine drugs work on me. Only pain meds, but before I got pregnant I was on a bipolar medicine called symbyax. It did not take all of my symptoms away, but I have got to say it eased the symptoms a bit. I have been hearing more and more about something called seurontin, or something like that and I guess that has something to do with that Symbyax. What is that? Thanks to everyone who has been listening to me. This has been the worst time in my life with being pregnant with rls and all and you all are the only ones who kind of understand because you have rls too.
Jamie
P.S. I know that I have asked a lot of questions and I am sorry, but since I cannot sleep at night what can I do to make the time pass? What do you do? I am so tired of watching tv and reading.
Can anyone tell me what all tests I should have done?
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darw
Symbyax = fluoxetine + olanzapine
Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
Together, fluoxetine and olanzapine are used to treat depression associated with bipolar disorder.
One of serious side effects reported by patients treated with SYMBYAX included: Tardive dyskinesia. It causes body uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
http://www.symbyax.com/prescribing/consumer_safety.jsp
http://www.drugs.com/symbyax.html
Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
Together, fluoxetine and olanzapine are used to treat depression associated with bipolar disorder.
One of serious side effects reported by patients treated with SYMBYAX included: Tardive dyskinesia. It causes body uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
http://www.symbyax.com/prescribing/consumer_safety.jsp
http://www.drugs.com/symbyax.html
jamie, first of all i feel for you in these difficult times.
i cant remember if you have said before but what are your symptoms?
you stated in different posts
"my legs are driving me crazy"
"Without my meds my legs and whole body jerks, spasms, and cramps severly."
"Then two months later is when my legs and body started jerking and cramping"......
are these your symptoms or do you get other symptoms too? do you get the irresistable desire to move your legs to try and control the "sensations" and if so does it go a little way to helping the sensations?
im just wondering if your symptoms fit the rls criteria?
im fairly sure they do (particularly reading the "my legs drive me crazy" bit and as youre pregnant and pregnant women do get rls more often than we'd like) but thought it would be good to be safe and check...... the reason why im checking is because the worse thing that could happen is being misdiagnosed with something to put doctors off the right track and treat you incorrectly?
heres a good reference for rls symptoms
http://www.restlesslegs.com/di1.html
and a good sytmptom checklist
http://www.restlesslegs.com/di21.html?x=103&y=7
as ive said im fairly certain that you have rls with what youve said but wanted us to be going in the right direction. the reason why is that you havent described the irrisistable urge to move you limbs.... so i was thinking maybe this is some other nuerological condition??
i hope this post doesnt cause offence? im not doubting you or your doctor at all but just checking the symptoms out a little for your benefit.
i cant remember if you have said before but what are your symptoms?
you stated in different posts
"my legs are driving me crazy"
"Without my meds my legs and whole body jerks, spasms, and cramps severly."
"Then two months later is when my legs and body started jerking and cramping"......
are these your symptoms or do you get other symptoms too? do you get the irresistable desire to move your legs to try and control the "sensations" and if so does it go a little way to helping the sensations?
im just wondering if your symptoms fit the rls criteria?
im fairly sure they do (particularly reading the "my legs drive me crazy" bit and as youre pregnant and pregnant women do get rls more often than we'd like) but thought it would be good to be safe and check...... the reason why im checking is because the worse thing that could happen is being misdiagnosed with something to put doctors off the right track and treat you incorrectly?
heres a good reference for rls symptoms
http://www.restlesslegs.com/di1.html
and a good sytmptom checklist
http://www.restlesslegs.com/di21.html?x=103&y=7
as ive said im fairly certain that you have rls with what youve said but wanted us to be going in the right direction. the reason why is that you havent described the irrisistable urge to move you limbs.... so i was thinking maybe this is some other nuerological condition??
i hope this post doesnt cause offence? im not doubting you or your doctor at all but just checking the symptoms out a little for your benefit.
We move
Here's another good site on movement, rls, etc. www.wemove.org . In fact, I found this website thru that one. I'm new here and spending lots of time roaming around and reading. Nice to meet everyone. 
Jamie, my heart goes out to you. I still remember, vividly, my last pregnancy and dealing with the RLS, nite cramps, etc. Visions of a beach turtle on her back trying to sratch her hind leg comes to mind. I use to fill the tub with hot water and sit on the side soaking my legs, with moist heat packs (the kind you can put in the microwave) on my shoulders. The baby didn't like to be in a hot tub so this worked except for trying not fall off the side of the tub.
I'm 47, diagnosised with Central Nervous System Lupus. Been dx since May 1999 when I collapsed at work. I'd been seeing doctor after doctor beginning with a severe sinus infection. Long story but because of an assault against my immune system, from stress, allergy, multiple chemicals, flu shot, life stress's, all within 4 years, the body said "I give Up." No one could find what all was wrong. Had a hysterectomy because they thought that the endometriosis was the cause. It contributed but it also is an autoimmune disease so there is the common link for me. Autoimmune dysorder. I have had gestational diabetes, otherwise hypoglycemia, and a strong genetic history of autoimmune problems.
Fortunately, being in health care management/public health I was availed the best of the best health care providers. Even then, I had to learn to advocate for myself. It goes with the territory of chronic illness.
Now my son, 10 yo now, has seizures, auto immune dysorder, and weakened immune system. He also suffers from a movement disorder which we're not sure if it's primary RLS or secondary. But those symptoms as well as the movement disorder symtpoms, specifically abnormal paroximal dyskensia have all but disappeared with the proper meds.. Paroximal dyskensia is abnormal movements/contortions, tremor, shaking, that are unexplainable and disabling. He was homebound for a 7 months in 3rd grade but finally a specialist at the movement disorder center along with a neuro came up with the right dose of antiseizure medication that has controlled all of the symptoms. This may not be the answer for everyone but, again, advocation. I had to advocate for him, question for him, and because of this the doctors had to deal with me or get rid of me. The squeaky gate in this case got the oil.
Part of self advocation is researching and reading for oneself, educating one's self at least to a laymans degree. Just stay away from snake oil salesmen touting a "cure" -- NOT. No cure yet. Some home remedies, homeopathic, chiropractic, acupuncturist, work for some but not all. Heat, cold, water, moist heat, ointments, massage, relaxation techniques, physical therapy all have been beneficial for me, some more than others.
Sorry for my rambling
. I promise I won't do this every time I post. It's been a long nite. Hubby too has severe RLS and had a bad nite last nite so....so did I. We are both a little sleepdeprived. Take care of yourself Jamie. I agree with Trev that you sound like you are a rls sufferer. The wemove.org site might help you filter thru your symptoms and prompt some ideas for your ongoing care. Best wishes with your new bundle of joy and love.
Karatemom
aka Sherri
edspathways.blogspot.com
Jamie, my heart goes out to you. I still remember, vividly, my last pregnancy and dealing with the RLS, nite cramps, etc. Visions of a beach turtle on her back trying to sratch her hind leg comes to mind.
I use to fill the tub with hot water and sit on the side soaking my legs, with moist heat packs (the kind you can put in the microwave) on my shoulders. The baby didn't like to be in a hot tub so this worked except for trying not fall off the side of the tub.
I'm 47, diagnosised with Central Nervous System Lupus. Been dx since May 1999 when I collapsed at work. I'd been seeing doctor after doctor beginning with a severe sinus infection. Long story but because of an assault against my immune system, from stress, allergy, multiple chemicals, flu shot, life stress's, all within 4 years, the body said "I give Up." No one could find what all was wrong. Had a hysterectomy because they thought that the endometriosis was the cause. It contributed but it also is an autoimmune disease so there is the common link for me. Autoimmune dysorder. I have had gestational diabetes, otherwise hypoglycemia, and a strong genetic history of autoimmune problems.
Fortunately, being in health care management/public health I was availed the best of the best health care providers. Even then, I had to learn to advocate for myself. It goes with the territory of chronic illness.
Now my son, 10 yo now, has seizures, auto immune dysorder, and weakened immune system. He also suffers from a movement disorder which we're not sure if it's primary RLS or secondary. But those symptoms as well as the movement disorder symtpoms, specifically abnormal paroximal dyskensia have all but disappeared with the proper meds.. Paroximal dyskensia is abnormal movements/contortions, tremor, shaking, that are unexplainable and disabling. He was homebound for a 7 months in 3rd grade but finally a specialist at the movement disorder center along with a neuro came up with the right dose of antiseizure medication that has controlled all of the symptoms. This may not be the answer for everyone but, again, advocation. I had to advocate for him, question for him, and because of this the doctors had to deal with me or get rid of me. The squeaky gate in this case got the oil.
Part of self advocation is researching and reading for oneself, educating one's self at least to a laymans degree. Just stay away from snake oil salesmen touting a "cure" -- NOT. No cure yet. Some home remedies, homeopathic, chiropractic, acupuncturist, work for some but not all. Heat, cold, water, moist heat, ointments, massage, relaxation techniques, physical therapy all have been beneficial for me, some more than others.
Sorry for my rambling
. I promise I won't do this every time I post. It's been a long nite. Hubby too has severe RLS and had a bad nite last nite so....so did I. We are both a little sleepdeprived. Take care of yourself Jamie. I agree with Trev that you sound like you are a rls sufferer. The wemove.org site might help you filter thru your symptoms and prompt some ideas for your ongoing care. Best wishes with your new bundle of joy and love.
Karatemom
aka Sherri
edspathways.blogspot.com
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Lovechild