Do you have anxiety with RLS? It’s much like the “
where were you when you found out Kennedy or John Lennon had died?” question.
I remember exactly where I was when I had my first full-blown anxiety attack. I was driving on Hwy 90 near New Orleans when suddenly I felt like I couldn’t breathe; no matter how big the breath I took was, I felt oxygen deprived. My heart was pounding and my chest hurt, I felt faint, and had a terrifying feeling of impending doom. “Oh, Lord!” I thought. “Please don’t add any more physical problems to the depression, arthritis, fibromyalgia and RLS I already have.” Too late, it was done.
It is also like the chicken and the egg question … what came first? Depression … fibromyalgia … RLS … arthritis? I don’t know if I can really say what the order was. It was a long time ago - and hard to recall when fibromyalgia brain-fog, lack of sleep and overlapping symptoms are all stirred in the pot to make “goofy gumbo” of my memory. Speaking of that…. I find it interesting that there are so many overlapping symptoms with RLS, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I know you are looking at a specific symptom - anxiety, but I’m adding this info as lagniappe.
Symptom.....................and .............
Who has it
Anxiety ........................................ RLS yes, CFS yes, FMS 48%
Depression ................................... RLS yes, CFS 65%, FMS 55%
Joint pain ...................................... RLS 72%, CFS ? FMS yes
Muscle Fatigue/pain ....................... RLS 72%, CFS 80%, FMS 81%
TMJ .............................................. RLS ?, CFS?, FMS 90%
Migraines/Headaches ..................... RLS yes, CFS 90%, FMS 53%
Cognitive/Memory problems............ RLS ?, CFS 90%, FMS 75%
Sleep disorders ............................. RLS 80%, CFS 70%, FMS 50+ %
(RLS - apnea, etc.)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ............... RLS ?, CFS?, FMS 30%
Increased Environmental Sensitivity.. RLS yes, CFS 55%, FMS 50%
(sound, touch, temperature, etc)
Memory problems .......................... RLS yes, CFS 33%, FMS 75%
Swallowing difficulties ..................... RLS yes, CFS 32%, FMS 22%
FMS sufferers also having RLS #31%
The statistics were gathered at various medical sites online. If no specific percentage was given I just stated
yes to indicate a common complaint for RLS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia.
This may have been stated in past post, but there were so many...I didn't read
all of them!
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
So, please forgive me if I am being redundant.
May God bless and heal you, or at least make it manageable.
Sherry
When despair comes, look to God. Stand in His power. For someday you will be healed for eternity in His love and grace. When you are sick or in pain think about that day, when Jesus returns and makes us totally well in body, mind, and spirit. Hope!