Hey, can I just ask, what are ...

[SessieG]

Hey, can I just ask, what are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome because it has been mention that I might have it but I'm not so sure. So if anyone can help me out, that would be great. Xx

[Kaarina Administrator]

Hi SessieG

You will find the Symptom checker for RLS here:

rls-uk.org/#!diagnosis/c98c

You may also like to have a quick look at the RLS-UK website whilst you are there.

Take care

Kaarina

[SessieG in reply to Kaarina]

Thank you. I do have the symptoms. Do you have RLS?

[Kaarina Administrator in reply to SessieG]

Yes I do, SessieG. Luckily for me, the symptoms are relatively mild and not every day. So far I have not had to go down the road of meds to help.

Kaarina

[Windwalker in reply to SessieG]

I think everyone who posts here is afflicted with the disorder, otherwise how would they know so much about it?

[nightdancer]

Another great web site to read for treatments and things to avoid is the treatment page on rlshelp.org Also, the International RLS Study Group, made up of international experts who are the ones who set the diagnostic criteria- irlssg.org I have had RLS since I was 14. Does anyone else in your family have it? Primary RLS is genetic, and then there is secondary RLS, which sometimes means you may be taking a med for another issue that CAN make RLS worse, like a lot of antidepressants, or other meds. Some foods can set it off, alcohol being the WORST one. Alcohol blocks your neurotransmitters, therefore can really set off the RLS, as one example.

[Windwalker]

Hey,

Everyone who has described their symptoms will have some variation in their report. I can only tell you how I feel when it starts. First I feel anxious for no reason. Second I strangle easily if I drink anything. Third I have the same sensation in my hips, legs and feet that you'd feel if you needed to run away. The urge to move is so strong that if I am unable to move freely I'd scream out loud and if I couldn't find a way to stop the sensation, I would go insane.

I have three living brothers who became alcoholics trying to find a way to stop the sensations. My mother had 9 sisters who were all afflicted with this malady and all lived from 85 to 106 yrs of age. All were so miserable they stayed home rather than be in confined places or where moving about was not possible.

Doctors will tell you they never heard of this disease or they will acknowledge it is a symptom of something else or refer you to someone for a sleep disorder and almost never know how to treat it. The cause of the sleep disorder is RLS and when the RLS is controlled the sleep disorder goes away. Treating the sleep problem without treating the RLS disorder is a waste of time and money.

Now let us see how many different stories you get and for the writers they will all be true.

Windwalker

[SessieG in reply to Windwalker]

thank you for responding. I really appreciate that. it is nice to know that im not alone so if you ever want to talk.. I free?!

[cumoneileen]

Legs jerk involuntary. You have no control over them. The only respite is walking around. Very difficult when you are trying to sleep. And of course it is worse when relaxing. No control, so unfortunately have to take prescription tablets.

[SessieG in reply to cumoneileen]

thank you loads!!

[Duckish]

Has anyone heard of Magnesium to help RLS? Try and look it up. I don't want to tell anyone how to treat the illness they are battling because I'm not a dr., but I have read about it and tried it. I have gotten a good outcome. It takes about a week to get it built up in your blood but I am seeing results.

[SessieG]

thats good Duckish. ill be sure to try that!! x