RLS

H everyone, I am new to all this. I was diagnosed with RA, march last year, and am still trying to understand it all now. At first I couldn't do much, due to the pain, but since starting treatment it has eased a bit. I have had insomnia for years, even before this all started. But I have had problems with my legs, which seem to have a mind of their own when I am trying to sleep. I have done some research and have learnt that this problem is connected with RA and insomnia, along with lack of iron intake. I was wondering if anyone else has this problem and has any advice. I am wondering whether to go to the doctors, but worried his going to laugh at me, (i know my partner did). Please help.

[Hidden]

The name of this problem is Restless Leg Syndrome.

[sylvi]

I have no knowledge of it myself,but the doctor won't laugh at you promise. I do know that there is such a thing as rls. Look it up on the nhs website and see what they say. Best og luck, sylvi.x

[Hidden]

Thank you,

[Hidden]

Well I'm not laughing Shaznay - I think it might have had the same thing as you actually. I don't know about the iron deficiency - except that it is common with RA and the medicines we have to take. But I've suffered from insomnia for years too and my legs always seem to be twitching or cramping or locking over the past year. Recently the problem has left my legs and become more of an issue in my hands, wrists and elbows which seem to have a mind of their own and quite often will move about in little spasms or refuse to go where i tell them to. Is this what you mean? Ive found that this has lessened a lot since I got my night time recipe of Amitriptyline (10-20mgs), Co-codimol (15/500) and a 400mg Ibuprofen sorted out. In fact if it wasn't for teenagers I'd be sleeping pretty well just now I think. Hope this helps. TTx

[Beth58 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I'm pretty much the same as you Tilda, it's spread to the rest of my body even my lower back/hips jerk and spasm, it's not pain but soooo very uncomfortable and annoying, I bang my feet off the floor and arms off the arms of the chair.

I often end up getting up and having a glass of hot milk and honey (a natural sedative) then trying to sleep again .

100mg Tramadol, 20mg Amytriptyline, usually does it for me (washed down with a glass of wine) "shhhhh I didn't say that" because it doesn't always work.

Beth xxx

[Hidden in reply to Beth58]

naughty!!

[jaqi1]

hiya i woz diagnosed in march last year too. i have had restless legs most of my life, it is so frustrating, i to am trying to understand everything tht is happening to us too x

[Hidden]

Restless syndrome is a common medical problem and your gp wont laugh at you ! x

[Hidden]

Thankyou to all of you that replied. Its nice to know that I'm not alone. I will be seeing my nurse soon, so I shall ask her for advice.