Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Hi everyone, I feel bad that I only write when I have problems, but.., I have had a couple of back fusions, now its time for another back surgery. The last fusion didn't take very well and towards thoracic the spinal canal is really pinched off. My question is can this restriction be causing the RLS to act up again? I am taking additional hydrocodone and gabapentin which usually helps the RLS. I had a pamphlet on what to give for surgical anesthetic and other suggestions for surgery, but I cant find it. Anyone have a suggestion as to where I can find it again?

I have restriction in the lumbar area caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal and thus compression on the exiting nerves. This causes me pain through the hip and into the thigh, it's always there but at times can be very severe and becomes non weight bearing. I have the same issue in the cervical area.

My Movement Disorder Consultant (for my RLS) believes that the compression of these nerves and the general narrowing of my spinal column, together with osteoprosis in the spine, will aggravate, if not cause, RLS. I have had back pain since my 30s, I've also had RLS since my 30s. No connection was ever previously made.
That's a rather long winded response to your question ...... my Movement Disorder Doctor would say Yes, there is a connection.

Following an MRI on my lumbar 2 years ago i was told that neither surgery or a steroid injection would be of benefit for my pain and so was referrred to the Pain Clinic. Following a 2.5 year wait I now have an appointment with the Pain Clinic mid May and have no idea what to hope for regarding my back/hip/thigh pain. My MD/RLS doctor has put herself on hold to see if the Pain Doctor will find any easement for me and thus reduce my RLS.

I am sorry that your last fusion did not work well and hope things go better for you.

There is a pamphlet available on the RLS Foundation web site rls.org but I think you have to be a paid up member to access these. The pamphlet is called Surgery & RLS: Patient Guide and is listed in the Publications section.

As Polar Bear has said, there are pamphlets in the Members Only section of the Foundation's website. There are at least two of these that deal specifically with surgical procedures and one of them addresses issues with anesthesia and the drugs that the anesthesiologist needs to avoid. I have provided a copy of the pamphlet to my anesthesiologist when he came by immediately before my last three surgeries. In each case, the anesthesiologist quickly read through the pamphlet and assured me that there would not be a problem with the meds that he would be giving me. But each one of them thanked me and asked to keep the pamphlet for future reference.

Membership in the Foundation does not cost very much, but if the membership fee is too much for your budget, contact the Foundation and explain your situation. They have "scholarships" that they can provide for individuals who have a need but not the income to be able to join on their own accord.

Absolutely it can cause RLS. That's what causes mine.

I have had the back surgery a couple of weeks ago and doing pretty good I think. Things have been real strange, I walked out of the hospital AMA, and haven't talked to anyone, and there are no medical records any where. As far as the anesthesia, I talked to the Dr before surgery about the RLS , and could tell she didn't know squat and didn't give it any consideration, I came out of recovery and had one pain IV shot, and only hydrocodone since then. I have really bad leg RLS. I have been taking a muscle relaxer and codeine which has been hit and miss. I will post more as soon as I know more. I had both Decompression and Fusion L2-4 REVISION LATERAL POSTERIOR LUMBAR FUSION, more nuts bolts and screws. The sharp leg nerve pain seems gone.

Mountain Woman wrote: Wed Jun 05, 2024 6:44 pm I have had the back surgery a couple of weeks ago and doing pretty good I think. Things have been real strange, I walked out of the hospital AMA, and haven't talked to anyone, and there are no medical records any where. As far as the anesthesia, I talked to the Dr before surgery about the RLS , and could tell she didn't know squat and didn't give it any consideration, I came out of recovery and had one pain IV shot, and only hydrocodone since then. I have really bad leg RLS. I have been taking a muscle relaxer and codeine which has been hit and miss. I will post more as soon as I know more. I had both Decompression and Fusion L2-4 REVISION LATERAL POSTERIOR LUMBAR FUSION, more nuts bolts and screws. The sharp leg nerve pain seems gone.

Glad you are healing and home. Codeine simply may not be enough for the increased symptoms that surgery can cause. Glad the sharp pain is gone - that must be a relief.

Thank you all, your support means so very much!!

Mountain Woman wrote: Wed Jun 05, 2024 6:44 pm I have had the back surgery a couple of weeks ago and doing pretty good I think. Things have been real strange, I walked out of the hospital AMA, and haven't talked to anyone, and there are no medical records any where. As far as the anesthesia, I talked to the Dr before surgery about the RLS , and could tell she didn't know squat and didn't give it any consideration, I came out of recovery and had one pain IV shot, and only hydrocodone since then. I have really bad leg RLS. I have been taking a muscle relaxer and codeine which has been hit and miss. I will post more as soon as I know more. I had both Decompression and Fusion L2-4 REVISION LATERAL POSTERIOR LUMBAR FUSION, more nuts bolts and screws. The sharp leg nerve pain seems gone.

Glad to hear you're doing okay after the surgery! Sorry to hear the anesthesiologist didn't take your RLS into account. Hope the meds help with the leg pain. Keep us posted on your progress!

Can I swap Pregabalin for Gabapentin? I am having RLS before I get out of bed till I go to bed.

You should be able to switch between these two meds. However, pregabalin is usually a bit stronger and is more consistently adsorbed than gabapentin. The advantage of gabapentin is that it is cheaper.