I have had RLS since I can remember. The first symptoms in early childhood years. Now I am 39 and the pain that my RLS causes me is unbearable. I think I am one of the few males that suffer, too.
I have tried all meds under the sun with no relief. Most doctors do not want to prescribe anything other than the usual dopamine related drugs. It does not help that I have over 10 years in a 12-step program, most doctors I see only tell me sorry there is not much help for you because of my past.
I have been through 3 Neurologist and am about to go and see my 2nd "Pain Specialist." The first one i saw was willing to give me T#3 but only 1 at bedtime. My PAIN is ALL DAY and EVERYDAY and night for that matter. I work as an RN in an Emergency Room, (guess this goes against me too). Anyway, enough of the tangent, My next choice according to the last pain specialist, is the implantation of a SPS at cost of about $15,000.00. My insurance will cover all but about $3,000.
Has any one heard of this as an effective treatment? My pain and sensations also run in my arms as well.
Looking for some relief in SC.
Spinal Cord Stimulator and RLS Pain
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becattx
Glad your here
Well ems2rn, I'm a lifer like you, and in pain most of the time, like you. It's become a way of life. You've come to the right place. We have many wonderful people here that will support, listen, and one very special man that will research us all. Jumpyowl will be all over this one, I bet.
Pain is a newish part of the RlS diagnostic guidelines. Even though many of us seem to suffer.
I personally have never heard of using the implant. In fact, was told by a foot doc. that they ran with a high rate of infection and for him simply worked poorly. If your only on T3, there are other med. options out there.
Your very best bet is to get educated here. Print out information to take to your appt., there tons of docs. in the dark about RLS. If you go in armed with information about RLS, knowledge of treatments and the sheer will to force a change, it will happen for you. You can make them listen and respond.
Jumyowl says that this (RLS) has a thousand handles, he's so right.
There is no cure, But there is hope. It takes some tweaking, maybe with medications or lifestyle.
Congrats on the ten years, thats just awesome.
Keep in touch and let us know how it's going.
Pain is a newish part of the RlS diagnostic guidelines. Even though many of us seem to suffer.
I personally have never heard of using the implant. In fact, was told by a foot doc. that they ran with a high rate of infection and for him simply worked poorly. If your only on T3, there are other med. options out there.
Your very best bet is to get educated here. Print out information to take to your appt., there tons of docs. in the dark about RLS. If you go in armed with information about RLS, knowledge of treatments and the sheer will to force a change, it will happen for you. You can make them listen and respond.
Jumyowl says that this (RLS) has a thousand handles, he's so right.
There is no cure, But there is hope. It takes some tweaking, maybe with medications or lifestyle.
Congrats on the ten years, thats just awesome.
Keep in touch and let us know how it's going.
Those stimulators generally do not work for everyone. I have read where it helps only about 30% of the pts. That is not good enough to warrent the costs and the depth of the procedure. The infection rate is also very high, then they have to be pulled out. I did see where Jerry Lewis has one and loves it but it was his last resort cuz he has a hx of substance abuse.
///M The most powerful letter in the alphabet!
Buyer be aware!
Well, Eric beat me to it as I do not often stray to this forum. 
I agree with him completely.
I wondered if this stimulator is guaranteed to work? I have a friend who founded one of the first pain clinics in the U.S. and he also invented an epidural catheter. Infection sure can be a problem in all cases where the skin is penetrated chronically.
However, this is a decision only you can make. Just make sure that you research all the alternatives and have some consultation (second and even third opinion) with regard to solutions to your problem.
I am humbled when see brave people handle great adversities courageously.
I agree with him completely.
I wondered if this stimulator is guaranteed to work? I have a friend who founded one of the first pain clinics in the U.S. and he also invented an epidural catheter. Infection sure can be a problem in all cases where the skin is penetrated chronically.
However, this is a decision only you can make. Just make sure that you research all the alternatives and have some consultation (second and even third opinion) with regard to solutions to your problem.
I am humbled when see brave people handle great adversities courageously.
Jumpy Owl