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Restless Legs Syndrome

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IrishInLondon profile image
51 Replies

Hi everyone,

I'm having a bit of a tough time right now - and I'm not even sure I have RLS, but I just feel I really need some support right now. I have hardly slept the past 3 nights and i've feeling really down. I have had anxiety problems for the past 5 years and i'm currently on an anti-depressant, so it may well be anxiety that is causing these symptoms.

But for the past week, i have developed very strange sensations in my legs which i have never had before. Mostly it is a burning, aching feeling in the muscles at the front of my thigh, a prickling, electric-shock type feeling throughout my leg and pins and needles in both my feet. My legs get uncomfortable with all these feelings and I feel like i have to move them - the urge to move them isn't always there but is quite frequent.

These feelings are worst when i'm on my own in my flat, either on the sofa or in bed - and this is when my anxiety is at its worst too. I'm a 32 year old man, and there has been a lot of tears over the past few days. But my symptoms are not just in the evening, I have them nearly all through the day, whether i'm sitting or standing, and i also feel the prickly feelings even when i'm walking.

The anxiety got so bad last night that I had to go to my doctor this morning - I told her what i was feeling and she prescribed me Pregabalin saying it would help with the burning nerve pain. But i'm even too anxious to take those now!

I'm sorry to vent like this as i know i've only had these symptoms for a week - but it's had such an impact on me and I don't even know what I have. Does it sound like RLS? Or is it my anxiety causing symptoms as it has done so many times in the past?

Thank you, i just needed to tell someone

Ryan, 32, London

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IrishInLondon
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51 Replies

Hi Ryan, Welcome to the forum sorry you are feeling so down.I dont know if the symptoms you are having are restless legs, neuropothy, anxiety or something else.What is obvious from your post is you are suffering .If you look up the RLS-UK website it gives the criteria fot restless legs and this may help you decide if this is what is you have.Did your GP not give any opinion as to the cause?

Anxiety can do lots of things to the body and produce physical symptoms which are very real.I remember once during a particularly anxious time many years ago getting pins and needles in my arms and it became painful , it was due to over breathing which people tend to do when very anxious. There is a healthunlocked anxiety forum where I am sure you would get some support for this.

Pregablin is a medication that I take, never had any problems with it and if the GP has prescribed it for you he/she must think it would help.Dont be afraid of it.

I notice you are taking an antidepressant and this can trigger restless legs in some people but DONT stop taking them without your doctors advice.If your pain dosnt improve after you have tried the medication go back andcsee your GP.It sounds like Neuropathy to me but only the doctor can really diagnose what it is,

I hope things improve for you soon and you have some support from family and friends you sound like you need some. Good luck ..pipps x

beady3 profile image
beady3

Welcome to the site,I hope someone an help you a little,but it will help you if you write to us when you get low,someone will reply. It doesn't sound like rls ,do you get urge to move legs and walk about? I used to have panic attacks when my sister passed away they were nasty but after 3yrs they went. Maybe the tabs will help you I hope so,have you got some good friends as they help. Just write in we all try to help Take care beady 3

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Hi Pipps and Beady,

Thanks so much for your replies - it just helps to know people are out there.

I live on my own in London but i'm from Ireland. I've good family and friends but hate to burden them and i don't think they'd really understand. The GP said it sounded like neuropathy to her - so i did some blood tests and she prescribed the pregabalin to help with the symptoms and then i go back to her next week. She also gave me a sick note for a week - basically because i started to cry in her office, it's something that happens to me when my anxiety is bad. I'm not sure i'll use the sick note but it's good to have it just in case things are bad come Monday.

You're right Pipps I shouldn't be scared of the medicine, the GP must have thought it would help.

Thank you both again - and I hope you are both well?

Ryan

in reply to IrishInLondon

Hi , glad your GP has done blood tests and asked you to go back to see her at least she is doing her job properly! Also glad you have family and friends and I am sure they would want to know if you are unwell.

As for crying in the surgery I have done that many times over the years. See how you feel on Monday and use the sicknote if you need it because of the pain.For the anxiety I felt better around people sort of took my mind off worrying for a while.You say its worse when alone in your flat so if you feel able it might help to work.You will have all weekend to try the tablets before Monday to see if they help.I really hope they at least take the edge off for you.

Do you get any sort of counselling/help with your anxiety?

I am ok thankyou, restless legs playing up a bit as I have been to a Halloween party tonight so been out of my usual routine which meant I was late taking my tablets . Hopefully they will settle down soon.

You take care now, sending a hug ...pipps x

Hi Ryan, i am thinking the same as p1pp1ns, that you have neuropathy rather than RLS. Look up the criteria for RLS as suggested to you, that will give you a better idea on whether your symptoms and feelings are really RLS.

The Pregabalin will help with the burning nerve pain, dont be afraid to take it.

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Hi Ryan, I am sorry you are going through a bad time and there is no need to apologise. Pipps has given you very good advice. I too would advise you to take the med prescribed by your GP. Pregabalin is a medicine which is used in neuropathic pain. Sometimes it does help to write down how one is feeling and I hope you feel a little better for having done so. I am sure others will reply to you soon. Even if we have no direct answers for you we can offer support, which we all need from time to time.

Kaarina

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

I see now that already others in this group have replied. I was busy writing to you so did not notice until I pressed the submit button.

You look after yourself, it sounds like you have a caring GP.

Kaarina

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you all very much indeed. Just to know there are people there to talk to does help. As I type the bottoms of my feet have really bad pins and needles. Already worried it will be another rough night....so i think i will be taking the Pregabalin.

Thanks again everyone

in reply to IrishInLondon

Ryan I am taking my Pregablin now so we will do it together ok x

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Good idea, take the Pregabalin as prescribed by your doctor. Sleep well. Let us know how you go on.

Kaarina

annakalia profile image
annakalia

this is what i found out about Neuropathy inces you didnt know

Welcome to the MNT Knowledge Center, your source for our most detailed content on specific conditions and subjects. Click through to Knowledge Center Home to read more.

What is neuropathy? Neuropathy causes and treatments

Last updated: 28 August 2014

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Neurology / Neuroscience

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Neuropathy is not a single disease - instead, it is a complication found in a number of different underlying medical conditions. It can also be seen without the cause being diagnosed, when doctors called it "idiopathic."

The term neuropathy is short for peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Only nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are involved, so peripheral neuropathy does not include nerve damage in the central nervous system.

Contents of this article:

What is neuropathy?

What causes neuropathy?

Signs and symptoms of neuropathy

Tests and diagnosis

Neuropathy treatment and prevention

More information

You will also see introductions at the end of some sections to any recent developments that have been covered by MNT's news stories. Also look out for links to information about related conditions.

Fast facts on neuropathy

Here are some key points about neuropathy. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Neuropathy is a complication found in a number of different underlying medical conditions.

Neuropathy is short for peripheral neuropathy.

Three types of nerve can be involved; autonomic nerves, motor nerves and sensory nerves.

Physical trauma, repetitive injury, infection, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins and some drugs can all lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Most cases of neuropathy are found in people who have diabetes2 (diabetic neuropathy).

With neuropathy as a complication of diabetes, up to 50% of people affected may be completely asymptomatic.4,9

People commonly describe the pain of neuropathy as being a tingling or burning sensation.2

Being tested for neuropathy is routine for diabetes sufferers.

Whether single or multiple nerves are affected, the underlying cause can, in many cases, be targeted for treatment.2,7

For toxic causes, removing exposure to a toxin, or stopping a culprit drug, will halt further nerve damage.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy - also known as peripheral neuropathy, polyneuropathy (to signify that it typically affects more than one nerve) and also simply as nerve pain - is a complication found in a number of different underlying conditions. When the underlying cause has not been diagnosed, doctors call it idiopathic neuropathy.

Neuropathy means damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system, and so affects nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord - it does not include nerve damage in the central nervous system.1

Three main types of nerve can be involved in peripheral neuropathy:1

Autonomic nerves (not under conscious control, "automatic" or "involuntary" nerves)

Motor nerves

Sensory nerves.

Autonomic nerves regulate the automatic functions of the body - for example, heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, and so on. Motor nerves control the muscles of the body and are under our conscious control. And sensory nerves pass sensations from a part of the body to the brain, including information about cold, heat and pain.1

People often describe the pain of neuropathy as being a tingling or burning sensation. They also often describe a loss of sensation similar to what it would be like wearing a thin stocking or glove.2 There is more detail under Signs and symptoms below.

What causes neuropathy?

Physical trauma, repetitive injury, infection, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins and some drugs can all lead to peripheral neuropathy.

copied from this site

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

Rubylane25 profile image
Rubylane25

Sorry to hear you are having such a bad night. It does sound like RLS. It is typical that it is worse when you lay down. Typically RLS gets better when moving or standing but it is a very odd feeling that makes a person feel restless and have the urge to move. I take a drug called mirapex but typically the drug works if you take it on a regular basis before the urge sets in.

Good luck and I hope things improve.

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you for all your comments.

It's now 6.45am and I'm still awake...my anxiety is raging and I'm at a loss, not sure what to do.

I can't believe that 6 days ago I was absolutely fine, with no symptoms - and now i have burning, aching and prickling in my legs that has me wide awake for the last 48 hours.

I'm sorry to rant, i just needed to let it out.

Thank you all again.

Ryan

in reply to IrishInLondon

Irish your symptoms sound common to people who decrease or withdraw from SSRIs. Although I've had people tell me that they get those symptoms when starting SSRIs as well but the literature will point to your symptoms as being strictly from withdrawal of SSRIs or lowering of dose. But like I said, some people report those in reaction to taking the SSRIs.

Too early to even consider neuropathy. Is it unbearable nerve pain (ie dentist drilling tooth with no novacaine)? Or is it a different kind of sensation that you're unfamiliar with and confused by? When you are less anxious does the sensation dissipate a little? Anxiety and panic are strange manifestations aren't they? They almost overtake you? Some people believe that this is an important aspect of life. That personal and spiritual growth would be impossible without this most humbling of experiences. Do you want to medicate it away?

Life would be oppressive if we went through it flat-lining don't you think? The minute you're able to step back away from the panic and observe it and pay attention to it as you would some amazing night sky filled with an infinite number of stars is the minute it will loosen it's grip. It's one of life's many challenges and tests that the vast majority of us must endure. Do you want a safe easy ride or do you want to soar with the wind? Anxiety wants your full attention, it does not want to be classified as a mental illness and dismissed. It will keep hounding you until you acknowledge it as you would an old friend bearing gifts. Your anxiety has been with you for five years now, you know it well and when you stop being afraid of it then it will leave you, for now, because you will have passed its test. The boy has to become a man.

You're young, you have many challenges coming your way and many strange physical and mental sensations. When your mind and soul are at peace, but your legs are not, then you will be able to discern what is going on physically and treat your symptoms accordingly. I'm a big believer in emergency meds - the benzodiazepines - for if and when you are in the grips of a severe anxiety attack and can't step back. I am not a fan of daily meds just because life changes day to day. I smile now as I look back on the darkness. I know now that I placed an order for it long before I was born. It will return to me, hopefully, bringing yet more lessons with it.

Congratulations my friend, your sacred journey has begun. I envy you!

in reply to

Oh, i see you have come back to us again. You just disappeared, i wondered where you went to.

in reply to

Oh I wondered where you had got to the other day and here you are back with us

nightdancer profile image
nightdancer in reply to

Tcho, excuse me, (terraverde) but haven't you "left" at least 5 times, and come back with a different screen name every time? That is neither here nor there at this moment, for NOW. I am replying because you are giving out info that reflects your opinion on meds, and not what is scientifically proven in big clinical trials about SSRI's and how they affect RLS. 99% of all people with RLS that went thru years of trials, have reported extremely worsened RLS when taking that class of antdepressants, it is not just how "some people" feel. The International RLS Study Group, which is made up of RLS experts from all over the world, say SSRI's will worsen or even cause RLS, the RLS-UK says so, the US RLS foundation says so, my sleep doctor says so, the Sleep Foundation, and on and on, and they would all know if anyone does. SSRI's and tricyclic antidepressants are the #1 drugs for RLSer's to avoid. So it is not just someone's opinion, as you are insinuating, it is a fact, and everyone with RLS needs to know this.

Morning Ryan, sorry you had such a bad night again. Your anxiety isnt helping, that will stop your from trying to relax. Have you ever had any meds for that or found out why you get so anxious. Unfortunately being the weekend now, you cant contact your doctor until Monday to say how bad your anxiety is. You have only taken one pill so far, it may take a few days til you feel any benefit from them. I am almost sure you just have neuropathy from the sensations you are describing. For RLS, you need to have that urge to move your legs. Your legs will jump, it stops you from sleeping, pacing will help relief it, then relaxing or laying down to sleep only lasts for a little while then your legs start jumping again, if you fell asleep it will wake you up.

Someone is nearly always on here, so you can talk and hopefully that will help with your anxiety, distraction can help with alot of conditions.

Pat9 profile image
Pat9

Hi Ryan, I am on Pregabalin, I find they help. also found out that Amytryptiline can cause RLS to be worse as I have to take it for pain but cut it down to 25mg instead of 50mg and it has helped a lot.. have suffered with anxiety all of my life.. awful thing to have .. I cured it with books.. read read read.. get as many as you can as they are brilliant.. two I would sy saved my life literally are by Dr Claire Weekes.. Self Help for your nerves and Peace from nervous suffering, I could not go out before I read her books and was about to give up that was many many years ago now but still I have them and I treasure them.. I also found they helped me with RLS as they made me see life is not bad and things are just ''there'' if we deal with them calmly and accept them like anxiety they ease and then when they are not so important to us any more they go away or lessen in intensity.. good luck with your life.. and please get the books :) X

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you all again. I know i'm in a deep spiral of anxiety right now. And i know i just have to ride it out. But it's so tough. All my family are in Ireland and I'm in London - and all I want to do is jump on a plane and be with them. But then even the though of travelling right now causes me to panic and I don't want to burden them either. I have Claire Weekes here and just reading it to give myself some comfort. I'm sorry that i'm so down - I know it's frustrating to have someone posting like this but I just feel the need to talk about it. This time last week I was at a wedding enjoying myself - and now this week i'm just a complete mess.

Thanks so much to all of you for your kind words, I can't tell you how much it means - it really does.

Ryan

in reply to IrishInLondon

Hi Ryan, Glad you are keeping in touch with us, please don't apologise for feeling down its not frustrating at all.We are all glad we can helo you a little even if its just knowing someone is listening. Did the Pregablin help the burning pain at all last night? I really hope your anxiety calms down a little for you.Did a particular event start it off? ( if so I am not asking what the event was).Just wondering if some sort of counselling might help you.

Its hard when family are far away, do you have friends in London? Hope we both have a better night I was up all night too.Be kindvto yourself and take care..pipps x

Ryan keep talking to us, thats what a support group is all about. We can give some advice and tell our own experience, but support is very important. We still dont know if you have RLS or not for certain. But we do not mind at the moment whether you have or not. You needed people to talk to and give you support right now, so thats what we will do.

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you so much Pipps and Elisse. My mind is already worrying about how I am going to handle work next week.

If i'm honest i'm feeling so scared right now. About half an hour ago I was very close to calling the on call doctor. I didn't as i'm not even sure what I would say to them - i don't even know what I have. All I know is that my the burning pain in my thighs has been there all day and is there now. It's like how my thighs would feel after i've been working out really hard at the gym....but more intense. It could well be that the anxiety is causing me to tighten up my leg muscles when i'm lying down, or it could be RLS or neuropathy.

But i'm just really really scared right now. But very grateful that you are there supporting me.

in reply to IrishInLondon

Ryan all the on call doctor if you need to, the doctor on call might not be able to help much, but could give you some advise over the phone. Just say the same as you have to us, you are in pain describe the pain, say you suffer with extreme anxiety, you cant relax. You have been given pregabalin by your doctor. Say you are feeling scared and desperate. I always say use what ever there is out there available if you need it. Your anxiety isnt helping that we know. Keep talking to us. Someone is usually awake in the night, if not anyone in the UK, but there could be people from the USA who could be on here. If you get desperate and no one is on here, then phone the samaritans, just so you have a voice to hear. I suffered with acute anxiety a few years ago, only suffered it once, it took my very good doctor and trying a few meds to get it under control. I didnt sleep for 36 hrs straight, i was in a fight or flight mode, i couldnt relax, sleep, eat. But i didnt have anything else to deal with like you have with your pain right now. x

in reply to

I absolutely agree with Elisse that is why we have out of hours doctors.If you are in so much pain ring them , at the very least they will be able to advise/reassure you x

Eileenk profile image
Eileenk in reply to IrishInLondon

Hi Irishinlondon

If it's any help, the burning pain in your thighs is exactly what I had last week along with aching pain in my legs, so you're not alone in your symptoms. It finally lessened and tonight there not bad at all. I've had a terrible time the last 10 days or so but it has got much better. I didn't do anything to make it come on (as far as I know) and apart from taking paracetamol I didn't take much else and today it's not so bad. Hang in there! you are definitely not alone.

Ryan 08457 909090 is the number of the Samaritans if you get desperate in the night if there is nobody around on here.They are there 24/7 for anyone feeling afraid or desperate whatever the cause.Its just another support network to have if you need it. X

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you Pipps. I actually did call the samaritans earlier this evening - i just needed someone to talk to and had a good cry to them on the phone. It was my first time ever calling them, and they were so good. I know there's not much they can do but it's just important to have someone to listen. Thank you so much for being there - I hope i can do the same for you sometime. Ryan

in reply to IrishInLondon

It majes all the difference having someone there just listening, do you have a bath so you can go and have a lovely long soak to help you relax a llittle. Glad the Samaritans helped a bit they are very good well done for thinking of them.Do you thinkmit is the burning pain itself that is worrying you as in are you scared about what is causing it? X

beady3 profile image
beady3

Hi there Ryan,well you have all these great ladies looking out for you,we are all worried about you,you sound so desperate,not long ago about 4 weeks I fact I wasn't sleeping I wanted to get in the car and just drive you get desperate for sleep and no pain. It sounds like the nerve endings that cause the pain,a doctors job is to help his patients and your one of them,my daughter has M E and she has all that prickly burning under the skin she has Amatriptoline,but I don't know what you have. Please if you get so low tonight phone Samaritans and just chat have you spoken to anybody today. We re here in the night don't for get Lots of us xx

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you Beady - I do feel really lucky to have all you ladies looking out for me. At times like this, I think thank goodness for the internet and that we live in a country like the UK where this forum exists.

I am still finding it hard to believe how quickly my symptoms have come on and how severe they are.

Take care

Ryan

beady3 profile image
beady3 in reply to IrishInLondon

Hi Ryan it's 12.45thinking about you,if prob still the same go have a bath. Do your legs have the fidgets and. You can't keep them still,making it that you just keep walking about because you havn't mentioned that and that's what rls is like hope you get a bit of shut eye x

kelene profile image
kelene

Unfortunately, a good nights sleep helps heal the body, but it is difficult to sleep if you feel anxious. Kind of a catch 22. Having experienced insomnia, I know that if you don't sleep properly your nerves are shot, and hence you can feel anxious and depressed just because of the lack of sleep. My suggestion to anyone is process of elimination. First, follow good sleep habits religiously (this you can google, especially info. on how light can effect your sleep.) Melatonin is over the counter, cheap and relatively harmless. It can really help. Second, eliminate the obvious stress that you can as stress can contribute to muscle pain and inflammation. Third, daily moderate cardio exercise. I go for a 15 minute walk and 5 minute jog every morning which hugely contributes to my sense of well being, not to mention increasing blood flow for circulation. Fourth stop smoking and drinking coffee if you do. Fifth, if you need to at this point seek out a good naturopath for nutritional advice. Finally, seek a doctors advice once you have tried all of the natural and obvious things as mentioned. Meds should be your last choice as they usually simply mask the problem not to mention the side effects and kidney damage. Sometimes meds are necessary, however. Most people I know with anxiety issues find that marijuana really helps. That's a personal choice though. Good Luck!

nightdancer profile image
nightdancer

Welcome , Ryan. The fact that you say you feel like you have to move your legs DOES sound like RLS. RLS can lay "dormant" for a long time, and can start at any age. Pregabalin is surely used for nerve pain, and is also approved for RLS (although not too popular yet) in the USA. When we are anxious and we don't know what is going on, f course, we are going to feel awful. It is rare to meet someone who has only had these symptoms for a week ,so you did some fast research, which is GREAT. Also, I read the comments below, and I do not see where you mention that you decreased your SSRI's, correct? Whether you have had RLS for a week, or a decade, it is still a confusing condition in many ways for all of us. I have had it since I was 14 so have had it for over 40 yrs like a lot of us here. There are many different levels of RLS, from mild to refractory (hard to treat) and what works for one person does not necessarily mean it will work for the next person. It sounds much more like RLS , to me, than nerve pain, but see how the Pregabalin does for you. Once that "RLS feeling" gets going, it is hard to stop an attack, Some people like hot baths, some people like cold. rlshelp.org is a US based web site, but is owned by one of the most knowledgeable experts in the field. See the treatment page and scroll down to the list of Drugs and Foods to avoid. For anxiety, deep breathing helps calm me down, with a good focal point, no talking and just feel your breaths as they go in thru your nose and out thru your mouth. Stretching is a good thing for the legs, too. Can I ask which SSRI you are on? They are high on the list of meds to avoid, even though you have been on them for a while, and you have only felt the RLS "feeling" for a week or so. Something my have triggered off the RLS, and of course ALWAYS talk to your doctor, but if you really do have RLS, they will do you no favors, or I will say they will do you no favors 99% of the time. I am glad you found us so quickly. We sure do understand what you are going thru. It really does not sound neuropathy, although you could have both RLS and the nerve pain. I have both. So, good luck with the Pregabalin and let us know how you get on. ;)

Hi Ryan, How are you this morning? Did you manage to get any sleep, I do hope so! Has the burning eased any?..pipps x

beady3 profile image
beady3 in reply to

Kim how did you get on with Tramodol hope all ok. I am going to get intouch with doc because I still have a job not dropping of to sleep. I will just carry on with 2x 50mg if there is not less dose ,let you know xx

in reply to beady3

Beady I did very well with Tramadol! Was surprised as it didn't work when I tried it before. Probably was combination of Neupro patch and Tramadol.Hope you get sorted at docs.The only way I know of to get a lower dose is when it is mixed with paracetamol x

beady3 profile image
beady3 in reply to

Well done keep it up,Kim if it's got paracetamol in tab does that mean it's not so strong x

in reply to beady3

I think Elisse said hers contain 37 mg of Tramadol rather than your 50mg ones you are on so not as strong.

beady3 profile image
beady3

Come on Ryan we are all thinking about you ,please let us know how you are xx

Afternoon Ryan, let us know how you are. x

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Hi everyone. Thanks so much for checking in on me. So I was basically at my wits end last night and really needed to sleep so I took two antihistamines. They did the trick, after an hour they relaxed me and I stopped feeling the awful burning in my thighs, it was as if my muscles had relaxed or something. That was around half 9, then before I knew it it was 5.30 in the morning. I was so happy. My legs felt fine when I woke up but then as I started to think about it again the tingling started. I did fall asleep again and then woke about 10am. So I'm feeling better today as the lack of sleep was killing me. I've been out meeting friends today and my legs are tingling and prickling...I even feel it when I'm walking around!!! Anyway things aren't as bad as they were yesterday. Thanks so much for checking in. Ryan

Hi Ryan, so pleased you got some well deserved sleep, makes a difference to how our mood is. What i am puzzled about is the antihistamines you took, i know they can knock you out. But for most people with RLS, antihistamines are one of the worse things to take for RLS. Usually sends people's RLS nuts. I know with RLS what can make things worse for some can be ok for others. So, i am taking it as you are in the minority for taking those pills and it was ok for you.

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Hi Elissa - thanks for you message. I did read that about antihistamines as well - so I am maybe thinking what I have is perhaps not RLS, because they certainly did help me last night. What also confuses me that within the space of a week, I have these feelings in my legs all day, all the time - even when i'm walking or standing up. I know some people with RLS can develop feelings throughout the day - but I've read having it all the time like this is normally develops over time, it doesn't start like this - unless i've developed a really severe form of it in a really short time. It's a prickly, tingling feeling with sometimes pins and needles in my feet. Thankfully the burning in my thighs is much less today, so I've maybe attributed that to maybe bad muscle tension caused by the anxiety. One night of sleep has thankfully reduced my anxiousness and I definitely don't feel as desperate as I was over the last few days but I know I need to get to the bottom of this and find out what is really going on. Thanks again to you all for you kindness, not sure what i would have done without it over the past few days.

in reply to IrishInLondon

Hi Ryan, Great news to hear you have had a long sleep and feeling a bit better today.I thought from the start it was most likely not restless legs and now you have had such a good reaction to the antihistamines that to me almost confims it although exceptions do occur. Pins and needles and burning that continues when you are walking doesn't fit in to usual restless legs pattern. Sounds mire like Neuropathy. Let us know how you go on at GPs.Glad you have been out with friends it is company you need.Take care and bear in mind it is possible to have Neuropathy and RLS together...pipps x

in reply to IrishInLondon

Glad to have helped in some way Ryan. Only your doctor will be able to decide what really is wrong with you and it does sound like neuropathy or something else going on. Please keep in touch, let us know what the outcome is once your doctor works it out.

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Hey Pipps - i will definitely keep in touch and let you know. Despite the good sleep - i'm already anxious that i won't sleep tonight. But I guess that's how anxiety works though and I'm trying to distract myself by watching Jurassic Park on TV!! haha.

How are things with you today? Did you sleep better last night? I just want to say a big massive THANK YOU to you again for being there for me - and to everyone else.

in reply to IrishInLondon

Yes I did sleep much better thankyou.I tried Tramadol painkillers last night as I was starting to build up a bit of a tolerance to my usual ones.Tramadol did the trick I dropped off on the sofa and slept for hours.Feel much better for it.I sleep well majority of the time now just an occasional bad night.Distraction I find is a great tool thats why I love looking after my young grandchildren !.Hope tonight is good too.?.pipps x

beady3 profile image
beady3

Well Ryan at last I know you are ok well so so. I don't think its rls either but your anxiety is your big problem,don't leave it to long if you need doc as if you get so low it's hard getting up espesily if you are on your own. Hope you go to work as you will be with folks have you told them your prob, xx

IrishInLondon profile image
IrishInLondon

Thank you Beady! I think i will go to work tomorrow - the doctor did give me a sick note for this week, but I feel i should go in and be around people. I agree, my anxiety is huge problem - it has been for the past 5 years. My leg symptoms are definitely there - but my know my anxiety is making them hundred times worse. Need to have a good talk through with my doctor about all this. Thanks again for your support - i hope you are feeling ok today? Ryan

beady3 profile image
beady3

Ryan I think your anxiety wants sorting out then you wouldn't get into a low state ,I have had the anxietyattacks couldn't do so many things,do you breath into a paper bag when you can't get your breath that's what I had to do. Have you been on meds befor as you say it's 5yrs since it all started. I think you are on the wrong road about rls I think it's like nerve endings in your legs. Please get yourself sorted tell the doc all or the prob will just go on and on and what a thought that will be sleep well xx

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