Do I have RLS?: I think I may have RLS... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Do I have RLS?

Fraggle74 profile image
3 Replies

I think I may have RLS. It occurs regularly in an evening although I have not yet noticed a pattern to when it happens. Symptoms usually occur in my left leg when relaxing. I get a strange impulse to move my leg which, no matter how much I try to, I cannot ignore. The only thing that seems to cause temporary relief is to lie on my left side putting as much weight/pressure in my left leg as possible. I haven't been to my GP yet as I actually thought I was imagining things...until I found this forum. I have been anaemic on and off since I was about 16 (I'm now 42). Does it sounds like RLS to you lovely people and if so what have you found relieves it? Thanks in advance.

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Fraggle74 profile image
Fraggle74
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Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Hi Fraggie74

The following should answer your question as to whether you are suffering from RLS or not. Taken from the RLS-UK website: rls-uk.org

QUESTION FOR RAPID SCREENING

The European journal or neurology reported a new single question for the rapid screening of RLS in the neurological clinical practice - "When you try to relax in the evening or sleep at night, do you ever have unpleasant, restless feelings in your legs that can be relieved by walking or movement?“.

This question has 100% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity for the diagnosis of RLS.

It is recommended that patients with RLS are given the following tests by their medical practitioner, as a minimum:

•Serum ferritin: RLS is frequently associated with iron deficiency.

•Renal function: RLS may be associated with renal failure.

•Other investigations for underlying possible cause include fasting blood glucose, magnesium, TSH, vitamin B12 and folate.

•If the neurological examination suggests an associated peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy, electromyography and nerve conduction studies should be undertaken.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Yes- sounds like rls. As Kaarina says- get a ferritin test ( not same as blood iron)

Educate yourself on all the options before you talk to a doctor. Check out rlsuk site , and rlshelp.org site. Both excellent and full of information.

Especially note the medications to take and to avoid (print the UK one and bring to doctor) the US site is good on the hierarchy of medication.

You have started well. And you will get it sorted. Everyone is different and has different experiences, so you will have to sort out your own path.

Good luck.

johannasuar profile image
johannasuar

Hi Fraggle, it most definitely sounds like you have RLS. The only relief that works for everyone without meds is moving, walking, standing. If putting pressure on it like you do, and it works, than do that. When you do go to a doctor and he/she acknowledges the RLS, be cautious and well instructed on what medications will be suggested. Most opiates work very well but some are addictive. I take TRAMADOL , 50 mg tab, one at 5:30 pm and another at 11:30 pm. Of course I'm more advanced than you as well as others here, but I have only had RLS for six years and that's little compared to others here. Be careful for certain meds, some will make you gain a tremendous amount of weight, ex. Gabapentin , aside from the wight gain it didn't work for me. Also, you must understand that what works for some does not for others. People here will be very helpful in telling you more about medications, some I am not familiar with because I've been doing so well with the TRAMADOL that I haven't had the need for anything else. I also use , sometimes, magnesium oil, someone suggested it and though it doesn't completely take away the moving feeling, it does give relief, it works well for me. Study and listen to people here before you go to a doctor, most doctors aren't very familiar with RLS and don't know how to medicate. Medications can ether help you or brake you with other side effects. Good luck.

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