My asthma doctor (pulmonary) is the one that finally listened to me and sent me to a sleep study for my fatigue. I was diagnosed with PLMD and RLS. I was doing well on Requip for a few months, but now I'm going crazy. I'm going to call tomorrow about the possibility of augmentation.
I wonder if I should see a neurologist for RLS? I checked the RLS list of doctors for my town and the only one is a neurologist. I think it might be worth a try to see what someone else says about treatment options.
I use a sleep doc and really the trick is any doctor willing to be your partner and listen. Help you help yourself. Willing to read and follow persay the RLS algorthim. That is the secret to success.
Lynne
I agree, My Neuro is great, I didn't have to explain to him the pain of having RLS. I did a sleep study and they stopped it after 1 hour and told me to get on Meds. Too bad the meds are now not working and looking for new suggestions.
I go to a neurologist. I've also had two sleep studies done. I think the best thing is to find a doctor you have a good rapport with---someone who will listen to you.
initially some shrinks,a woman who can't sleep must be depressed..Then i finally got a good shrink and she said i wasn't depressed and i saw my primary,then a Neurologist,then Primary and stable for about 7 years,then a flare up and 2 more neurologists,then primary and a RLS specialist who was a Neurologist and finally my primary.WHEW!
We're talking a few decades here,LOL
Finally able to sleep on average 9 hours a night!
Brenda
I had a sleep study done last summer because my ENT thought I might have sleep apnea. Turns out it was RLS! When I lived in Ohio, my PCP took care of me, but now that we've moved to Indiana, my new PCP referred me to a neurologist. That way one doc is taking care of my ADs and my RLS meds. He's been a great help in readjusting when I've had side effects or problems. But I don't like his hair. Not relevant; just thought I'd mention it. He looks like a car salesman, not a neurologist...
I see a family physician. Lynne was right - the key is to find someone who will work with you. I saw a neurologist and he was a total, well, let's say he was neither kind nor helpful. The sleep doctor I went to said I was just depressed and that's why I wasn't sleeping. And both of those were listed on this site as people who treat RLS. (That's to say, don't depend solely on the list here) I went into my family physician with the algorithm and other research and she listened and agreed to work with me until I felt that things were under control. If I wanted to try a particular treatment plan and I showed it to her in the research, she was willing to try it. Her philosophy is that it's my body, my disorder and since I am the one suffering, I can participate in my care. You need a doctor whose ego is not so much that s/he is unwilling to allow you to take an active part in your treatment. Do your homework and maybe ask around for a doctor who would be willing to work with you, be it a neurologist or a sleep doctor or a general practicioner.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer
what i've found is some of the drugs we need the primary doc's feel like they need back-up to keep giving them to you. So they might send you to a specialist,get the documentation and then keep treating you.Problem is when you go through a crisis period then they don't know what to do all over again.
Finally able to sleep on average 9 hours a night!
Brenda
OK for anyone that uses a doctor from the list on this site, READ THIS!
If you have found a doctor listed here and had a bad experience with that doctor, please! PLEASE! write to the foundation and let them know. It's the only way we get bad docs off the list and keep the good docs.
Just a simply email with the details and doctor's contact info is fine. No cuissing , be nice, but blunt is fine. We have to let them know and if they find more than enough about a doc, I'm certain they will help us out and that doc off the list. It's just fair and simple, we have to work this together.
Lynne
On the home page, when you go to www.rls.org, there are drop down menus. Click on the one titled "All About Restless Leg Syndrome" and you'll see, in the drop down menu, "Find a Healthcare Provider". Click on that and it takes you to the healthcare provider page. Scroll down and it will ask you for a city and state. Enter the city and state you want and hit search. If there's an RLS doc in that area, you'll get names, etc. I think there used to be a "list", but now this is what you need to do to find a doctor.
This is probably "clear as mud" (LOL). Hope I helped. Have a good night and hope you get some sleep.
My asthma doctor (pulmonary) is the one that finally listened to me and sent me to a sleep study for my fatigue. I was diagnosed with PLMD and RLS. I was doing well on Requip for a few months, but now I'm going crazy. I'm going to call tomorrow about the possibility of augmentation.
