Would love some input from people who use home remedies.

[bethany92014]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here and I have (self diagnosed) RLS. My mother has had it for years and I am experiencing the exact same symptoms she talks about. Lately however I have noticed it all over my body. Just last night I had to have my husband check my entire body (scalp included) because I would have sworn that I had bugs crawling all over me. This almost exclusively affects me at nighttime and I've noticed it more when I am extra tired. I have a Dr's appt scheduled after the first of the year to discuss it with her but I am wondering if anyone has had any luck with OTC type products (lotions, vitamins, etc). I do not drink much caffeine (maybe 3-4 cups of coffee a week) and I get a decent amount of sleep (usually 8-9 hours, but I constantly feel tired)

[Pippins2]

Hi, it would seem you have Primary RLS which is the genetic type and accounts for around 70%of cases(2 of the genes have now been identified).Unfortunately RLS is progressive and most people manage without meds until it ramps up a little and then severe cases often require. medication.

Lots of sufferers say they little tricks that help and they are worth a try but I will be honest and say none of them have ever worked for me(mine is genetic too) Some say rubbing magnesium oil into legs helpful, heat pads, cooling pads, hot baths and showers, compression socks and magnesium supplements.

You see the problem is in the brain chemistry , it is Neurological not in the legs themselves so its difficult to see how those things can work really.

When it comes to meds many of the experts are moving away from the dopamine agonists (Parkinson meds) due to something called augmentation which these meds can cause(basically augmentation is worsening).Alot depends on how often your RLS is happening and hoe severe it is.If you are getting such great sleeps I would keep away from the dopamine meds.Most sufferers only average a few hours sleep due to having to keep getting out of bed to pace to try to relieve the urge to move.Maybe a painkiller would be more suitable for you, many find Codeine or Tramadol helpful.

Many meds for other conditions can make RLS much worse.Particularly antidepressant, antihistamines, anti sickness and OTC sleep aids.

Lastly get your GP to check your ferratin iron levels it needs to be around 70 which is much higher than for a non sufferer, good luck!..Pipps

[bethany92014 in reply to Pippins2]

Wow, you're a wealth of knowledge! Thank you so much for the information. I'll definitely talk with my dr about it.

[Pippins2]

Oh meant to add , you probably still feel tired after a long sleep due to PLMD-Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.Many RLS sufferers have this aswell and it causes you to kick your legs and sometimes arms around during sleep