I am a 33 year old pediatric registered nurse. I am married with a beautiful daughter who will be 4 years old on December 14. In terms of my medical history, I suffer from anxiety/depression for which I take Effexor daily. I also have adult ADD for which I take Adderall XR daily. In addition, I take Percocet daily for severe pain in my wrist, as well as my knee. (Quick background: I have had 2 surgeries on my right wrist with the last surgery in February 2006; I suffer from Keinbock's Disease in which my ulna bone in my forearm was too long. Surgery was performed to shorten the ulna bone [a life-saver size piece of bone was cut out of the bone] and a plate and six screws were put into place. Unfortunately, 8months later I am still casted due to non-union of the ulna bone [it never healed] and will need another surgery [removal of original plate and screws, bone grafting and a new plate and screws installed]. My left knee has tears to the LCL and MCL and damage to the meniscus although extent of injuries will not be determined until a MRI is performed.)
AND, the reason I'm here, I suffer from RLS
I am so used to pacing the house at night, crying sometimes, because I can't sleep thanks to my legs. I have had RLS symptoms as far back into my childhood as I can remember although, of course, at that time I don't believe RLS was even heard of. I think the most difficult aspect was trying to describe the sensations I was having in my legs to my parents and physician. I can't begin to tell you how absolutely thrilled I was to see the commercial for Requip - finally, a way to describe what I was feeling. I can honestly say I don't recall ever even hearing about RLS in nursing school and it was only 12 years ago!
I suffer from RLS symptoms periodically. Sometimes I think it goes into remission. I don't even know if this is possible but it seems like it happens. Anyway, its back with a vengeance and when it returns I become symptomatic @4-5 nights a week. Unfortunately, thanks to my knee pain, it's just that much harder to "walk it off". I've tried Requip for @3months but developed severe side effects causing me to stop taking the medication.
My question is, does anyone know of any other medications I can try? Also, does anyone have any "remedies" or helpful hints that they've tried that seem to help relieve symptoms. Other than walking, I've tried heat (I put one of those beanie heat pillows in the microwave and set it to scorch) then apply it to my leg(s). It just feels better to have a sensation on my leg(s) other than the RLS symptoms. I also sometimes use a massager.
I apologize for the lengthy post. Thanks so much for all of your help. It is so greatly appreciated! ~ Jenn
