Holistic approach needed for complex medical issues

[ptabbner]

Awake after 2 hours sleep has become my regular pattern. I am now so desperate for sleep and am becoming quite scared about my very low mood. I have just read that taking Pramipexole for RLS could be the cause for my insomnia but I feel unable to cope with the symptoms of RLS without this medication. I am also taking insulin as have had Type 1 Diabetes for 40+ years. Various other medical complications and medications maybe impacting on my low mood (coronary heart disease/hypothyroidism/oesteoarthritis/carpal tunnel).

Living in France since August last year and now seeing a local GP, but feel I need better communication skills with a medical advisor for a holistic overview and review of my medications.

Any ideas or suggestions of where I can seek advice please please please.

[Hidden]

Hi ptabbner,

First of all my commiserations at your inability to sleep. I'm interpreting RLS as restless leg syndrome. I hope that's right. And I do understand how difficult and frustrating that is to cope with on its own, without all of your other health issues.

I'd say you've self identified what your problem is, and you do need a holistic approach to all of your health issues, but I think the only way to do that is to find a medical professional you can communicate with on a deeper level. Your difficulty may partly be caused by having to communicate at two levels of understanding in language, by both yourself and your current doctor.

This probably isn't the right forum on HealthUnlocked to help you. Our area of expertise in the Care Community is in the practical problems in the day to day care of those we are looking after.

But there is at least a forum dedicated to RLS on HealthUnlocked.

You can access it from the My Hub button (next to the Home button) at the top of the home page of HealthUnlocked. If you click on My Hub it will give you a drop down menu of options, one of which is 'Find a Community' next to a + sign. Clicking on that will bring up a search box in which to type Restless Leg Syndrome and from there the community should become available to you.

I hope that will help you a little bit, but I'd think your only real remedy is to seek help perhaps from a health professional with access to your previous medical records, and who can discuss, in depth, all the medical issues you are having.

Very best of luck with this. You sound really desperate for a good night's sleep. At the very least, and as a priority, please do consult a doctor about your low mood, as that can contribute to a vicious cycle of insomnia. Best wishes.

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

A very helpful, kind and caring reply Callendersgal. Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Thanks sassy59 x