Gabapentin/Iron/Sleep

[Maximus01]

I have seen a sleep doctor yesterday. We talked about Gabapentin, iron, and some other items. He reminded me of things we have all talked about regarding PLMD or RLS: To take Magnesium and Calcium several hours away from the Gabapentin. To take iron tablets with Vitamin C. He said it would be better to take double dose of iron every other day--that it was more effective that way. Before blood work in the morning, not to take iron for about 48 hours. I am taking 65 mg iron (325 Ferrous Sulfate). I mentioned the iron infusion to get closer to 100, but he said the insurance company would be reluctant to pay for an infusion. Anyway, I will be going to have my blood drawn on Tuesday morning. He will order a sleep study. The last one I did was in October of 2017. We shall see what the legs are doing during the night and anything else that would explain why I am so tired all the time. The last thing he suggested was taking a low dose of Melatonin. I will try it, even though I have already given it a chance some time in the past. Perhaps it will help, now that I am also taking Gabapentin. I will report again. Thank you all. Due to this web site, I have been able to ask some relevant questions.

[Hidden]

You have RLS and PLMD? My sincerest condolences. So do I. I can share natural remedies I've used in the past if you are interested. Mine is controlled with the Neupro patch. I still get breakthrough symptoms every so often, but that is a 95% improvement from where it was at a few years ago!

[Maximus01 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Norw, I have PLMD only. My doctor and I suspect that it may have something to do with the difficulties I have with sleep. I think the Gabapentin helps a little. However, I feel tired a lot still. There are some side effects. I would be interested in the natural remedies that you have used. Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Maximus01]

Being tired all the time is how my diagnosis of PLMD came about. I was actually being tested for sleep apnea (which I also have and use a CPAP) when the surprise diagnosis of PLMD came about. I didn't even know what it was! I remember the doctor reading me the results and asking what's that when he said PLMD. ( That's my way of saying that I am glad you are being tested for it😁).

I am glad that the Gabapentin works for you; that is great! I was put on it for awhile, but got too impatient when it still wasn't getting much after 4 weeks, so I had my doctor put me on something that would work faster.

The remedies are geared towards calming an RLS attack. Who knows if they work for PLMD since it's unconscious, but here goes:

-knee-high compression stockings

-magnesium oil

-freezing gel

-hand massage

-electric massage

-soaking in Epsom salts

-pounding cold water against the legs using a jet-sprayer

-a shower right before bed

I hope, if you do decide to use any of these, that they are of help. Again, who knows if they work for PLMD, but anything and everything is worth a try, right?

My latest polysomnography a few years ago showed a much improved PLMD. No idea why, but I'm not asking questions.

I hope you get everything sorted out. Being tired all the time is the worst.