rls medical card

[Bettyboop45]

hello ... can anyone tell me were I can get the rls uk medical card from as I'm going on holiday soon and the seats on the plane have separated me and my husband and I have severe rls legs for now 12 years and need him next to me as I move around a lot and he understands why so I was hoping the airline will put us next to each other if I show them the card that was on here .Thank you x

[Kaarina Administrator]

Hi Bettyboop45

The card is available to members of RLS-UK. To become a member, please visit rls-uk.org from where you can download and complete a membership form.

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Kaarina]

Hi Kaarina, Can I get an rls medical card if I live in the US? I am happy to join RLS-UK. Though I live in the US I travel frequently-not as much as when I was younger-more difficult to get around. Especially to the UK. My sister at one time was married to a Scotsman and lived in Cumbria so I love to travel there. Thanks, irina1975

[Kaarina Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Hi irina, I asked the Chair of RLS-UK and he thought it unlikely that the UK RLS medical card would be recognised abroad. Does that answer your question?

[Hidden in reply to Kaarina]

Yes. Thanks Kaarina. Maybe there is something similar here (US);

[Kaarina Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Hi irini, it would probably be best contacting your own national group.

[Hidden]

Would it be possible to contact the airlines and ask for an aisle seat? Failing that ask the people around you on the plane.

On my last flight my kids were separated from us, (6/7 years old kids looking very worried sitting beside huge strangers!) and we had asked to get them beside one of us parents but the people swapped to allow us all to sit together, there are still good people out there! Unfortunately on that flight we had bad turbulence and I had to remain in my seat for most of the journey which was close to torture.

If you are not adverse to drugs take all you can before the flight - I take all my drugs and add in some extra maybe even a sleeping tablet - I don't always get an easy flight but it is easier!

Good luck and I hope its not long haul safe travels and enjoy your trip.

[Hidden]

The Quicker way if you are short of time would be to get a letter signed by you doctor

[Vonnies_girl]

Hi Bettyboop - I arrange for aisle seats, as well I try and have a bag I can rest my feet on (I have short legs too!!). I then stretch gently. I find just rolling my ankles is a huge help when travelling - or just sitting for any length of time.

[Hidden in reply to Vonnies_girl]

Interesting re 'ankle rolling'. I find if I flex my feet and ankle roll when sitting in my recliner it helps my circulation and sometimes helps me sleep a little longer before having to get up. (maybe adds to my daily quota of 'moving my legs' time!) I don't know. It also keeps ankle edema to a minimum. My recliner is electric but I rarely sit with my legs up. I exercise my ankles sitting up with feet touching the floor.. I also just move my lower legs/flex knees/ and make other movements while sitting watching tv or posting on my forums. Seems to help other things besides my rls. Anybody else do leg and anklemovements? I even move my toes around. I also take off my shoes when I sit to allow my feet a rest from being immobilized in shoes-esp "well-made" sneakers which sometimes feel like foot casts. And sometimes I'll wear knee-high compression stockings which lessens rls pain I feel on just getting out of bed. My stockings can't be too tight or they make things worse. I have quite a few pair as I keep the old ones around because they are stretched out enough to be comfortable. Hope this helps somebody. I usually have a 'stretched out pair on my bedside table as the faster I can get them on when I wake up with rls pain the less pain I have getting up. Probably strange but for me it works (sometimes but more often than not.) irina1975