Could I have RLS?

[alexis02]

I'm 18 years old and not on any kind of medication. Recently, I've been having some trouble with my legs. When I'm sitting down or trying to sleep I get a feeling like there are bugs running all over my legs and really bad cramps in my thighs and sometimes a pulse-like feeling in my thighs. It also feels really uncomfortable not to move my legs when this happens. It makes it really hard to fall asleep and I usually wake up 2 to 4 times a night for no apparent reason. Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you have some similar experiences and if this could be RLS? Thank you.

[Hidden]

Some info here:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Restless-...

and here:

rlshelp.org

and here:

rls-uk.org

Check out the diagnosis part. When you get the uncomfortable feeling in your legs if you get uo and walk around does it ease at all? That's a big indicator right there.

If you hang on others will be along soon.

Take care.

[alexis02 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. Walking eases it significantly, but if I stand in the same position for even a few minutes without moving my legs it gradually returns.

[Kaarina Administrator]

Hi alexis02

If you are in the UK and have not visited the RLS-UK website, this is the link: rls-uk.org

You may find this helpful. This may be a good link for you to look at from the website: rls-uk.org/diagnosis

[sparker3003]

The more ypu thibk about it the worse it can seem. Id suggest that you learn how to go to bed tired, not past tired, destressed and relaxed. You have explained textbook symptoms so change the textbook. Im not being confrontational just offering a constructive comment.

[Joolsg]

Hi Alexis,

Welcome to the site. The links posted by Raffs and Kaarina will really help you.

Try avoiding alcohol for a few days to see if that makes a difference. Alcohol can be a trigger for a lot of us. I know that's a pain for an 18 year old but if it eases the jumpy legs it may be worth a go. Other triggers can be too much sugar or being overtired.

You can read so many posts on here to find what helps. Little changes might help without having to try medications.

Take care,

Jools

[John_naylor]

If some nights are worse than others try making a food/ event diary to try to identify triggers. Potatoes are a trigger for me and that took a while to discover!

[Zappa]

It does sound it could be RLS , I hope it is not! I understand some pregnant ladies also have bout of RLS, but I am sure you would have mentioned this

Good luck

[Suckerbeagle]

Do you have a good doctor. It's best to start getting professional help right away. You're young and you've got RLS and you will be dealing with this disease for the rest of your life. In most cases it can be managed. You will likely be put on a dopamine agonist which works completely for almost everyone. You will likely be symptom free for some time. However, at some point the dopamine will stop working. Be extremely careful about any increases in the dopamine, it can cause augmentation. There are other medications such as Gabapentin. If you go on the dopamine be aware that about 17% of people on dopamine develop an Inpulse Control Disorder. If you find yourself unable to control something in your life, food, gambling, sexual behavior, that it's probably the dopamine. I had to find this out the hard way.

Read and research every thing you can find on reliable websites about your condition. Chances are you will end up knowing more about RLS than your doctor. At some point you will need a really good neurologist. Not all of them understand RLS or how to treat it. You are on a lifelong journey where managing your symptoms will become a daily part of your life.

I feel for you in my heart because I've been there, and still am. But I can manage my symptoms with proper medication.

Some people choose not to use medication and that is a personal choice which we should all support. But if you do choose medication do not let people shame you for this. Those of us who choose medication should be supported too.

Good luck, and please let us know how you are doing.

[Graham3196 in reply to Suckerbeagle]

Using medication is not necessarily a personal choice. Many people find the medication about as bad as the disease. Others see people addicted to the drugs and decide that the risk is too big.

[Suckerbeagle in reply to Graham3196]

These are exactly the kinds of things that make it a personal choice. I think what you're saying is that some people haven't much choice. What I am getting at is that we shouldn't try to tell another person what to do.

[siany175]

It defs sounds like it, it is impossible to ignore and I feel I have to tense the muscle, stretch or hit it. It is horrendous. The fact that it wakes me up then results in it being worse if I am tired. I defs have a link to tiredness and RLS and also find that drinking more fluid helps. Good luck