PD and stress

[Dora86]

I have being doing CAPD for about 18months now, it has really helped to keep me going whilst I wait for my transplant. I just worry constantly between getting the balance of exercise diet and laxative. When I get stressed I get constipated, when I get constipated I get even more stressed so I end up going round in circles. In the summer months when it's hot I struggle to drain which makes me stressed. 6 months ago I noticed that I had started getting anxious legs at night. I get a strange feeling in my knees and my legs are fidgety and don't stop moving. This has become so bad now I'm struggling to sleep. I know this due to anxiety. Does anyone else suffer with this and if so can you are give me advice on how to control my legs. Advice would be very much appreciated.

[alport45]

Hey Dora, restless legs syndrome is not due to anxiety. It's a known side effect of kidney disease. Just today, I had a long discussion with my nephrologist about it. I have been on PD for about 4 months'. I started getting restless leg and restless arms about a month ago. The doc says the most common cause is iron deficiency anemia. I'm getting intravenous iron once a month so we're hoping it will go away. In the meantime I'm taking a medication. It's not eliminating the feelings but they have been lessened. It's just the most creepy crawly sensation and you really can't resist the urge to move your legs. I feel for you. The lack of sleep is the worst.

[RhenDutchess123 in reply to alport45]

I wonder how a weighted blanket might help...My Grandson has Sensory...and it really helps him

[alport45 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

Good idea. I grew up with those heavy home made cotton filled quilts and they're really comforting. I just read a study that said combo aerobic & resistance exercise improved restless legs. I know we have to be careful about the catheter but we should be able to do the resistance ones for arms and legs plus walking for aerobic effects. Exercise is one thing my nephrologist and PD nurse are being really conservative about. They just say "WALK". What do you do to exercise?

[RhenDutchess123 in reply to alport45]

I walk...but I also ride a stationary bike at least once a day...really helps my hips and gives me energy

[Topazz1167]

Not sure if you can take this but it does help and it's homeopathic. smile.amazon.com/dp/B00DQK9...