"Restless Legs" driving me crazy.

[giddyup]

I have suffered with "restless legs" for a number of years, but lately it seems to have got a lot worse. As I am about to drop off to sleep, my legs, and in some instances, my whole body, has a spasm which causes me to jolt awake again. This can keep on repeating itself, which causes me to have very little, or no sleep at all. I did see a doctor at the Pattaya/Bkk hospital, but he only prescribed a type of sleeping pill that does give me a decent nights sleep, but causes me to feel like a zombie all the next day. Not sure what my next step should be.

[chopin2]

Has other possible causes been ruled out, such as diabetes, Parkinson, iron deficiency, renal dysfunction,b12 deficiency? And Peripheral vascular disease? Are you on some medication like antidepressants?

 

Have you tried dopamine agonists like Pramipexole or Ropinirole?

Edited August 4, 2016 by chopin2

[giddyup]

13 minutes ago, chopin2 said:

Has other possible causes been ruled out, such as diabetes, Parkinson, iron deficiency, renal dysfunction, vascular disease, b12 deficiency? Are you on some medication like antidepressants?

 

Have you tried dopamine agonists like Pramipexole or Ropinirole?

I have regular health checks, including X rays and blood tests every 6 months or so, as I'm in my early 70's, but other than high blood pressure and gout, both of which I take medication for, everything else is normal AFAIK.

[chopin2]

4 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I have regular health checks, including X rays and blood tests every 6 months or so, as I'm in my early 70's, but other than high blood pressure and gout, both of which I take medication for, everything else is normal AFAIK.

You should see a neurologist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss proper treatment, like dopamine agonists.

Perhaps Sheryl know a neurologist that has special interest/knowledge in RLS?

[Sheryl]

I do not know of any with specific interest in RLS but this doctor specializes in neuro-motor issues and is very well qualified:

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Weeraworn-Nakarawat

 

Do you by any chance have varicose veins? Because if so, treatinggthem may help alleviate or reduce RLS.

[JAS21]

Is it RLS or a hypnic jerk ... my wife says that I used to have the odd one every night ...but now they have stopped ... not sure if that is good or bad .....

 

Have you tried a sleep clinic ...

Edited August 4, 2016 by JAS21

[giddyup]

54 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I do not know of any with specific interest in RLS but this doctor specializes in neuro-motor issues and is very well qualified:

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Weeraworn-Nakarawat

 

Do you by any chance have varicose veins? Because if so, treatinggthem may help alleviate or reduce RLS.

No, no varicose veins. I'm in Pattaya, so I'd prefer to see a specialist here if possible. Thanks.

[dddave]

A friend who had RLS was prescribed METHYCOBAL (a form of V. B12) by a Doctor and his symptoms went away within a month.

I'm not suggesting you try this without consulting a Doctor but you may want to bring it up as a possibility.

[Seismic]

I have had RLS for 35 years and my mother before me. I have read lots of literature and basically found out that there is no consensus on why people get it or how to treat it.

Myself, I take a brisk 20 minute walk and a couple of glasses of water and basically hope it goes away.

However for me it is certainly not a jerk or spasm, more like a gradual feeling that becomes more and more unbearable until i am forced to move around to try and alleviate it., Eventually I am usually forced to get up and walk around.

[kkerry]

I was diagnosed with RLS. My symptoms which I've had for years are exactly the same as Seismic. Walking around and drinking water can work for me also, but if it gets really bad or if I'm going to be flying economy then I take Lyrica 75mg as prescribed for me. I don't take it on a regular basis, just for a few days to get me through the worst of it.