My RLS

[BarbaraMacQ]

I've had rls since childhood, my mum took me to the doctor and he said it was growing pains. I remember lying in bed crying while mum tried to massage my legs to ease the discomfort. It was chronic when I was pregnant going back to occasional, once or twice a month until I hit 40 and it came on with a vengeance. Every night walking the floor and trying to hold down a job while exhausted. I would talk very hot baths or very cold baths to try to numb the sensation. Was given various tablets and sleeping pills but nothing worked. Doctors seem disinterested. One doc told me he "didn't believe in rls and it was in my mind" I've cut out caffeine, alcohol, don't smoke, and recently cut out carbs I.e. Starchy potatoes and bread which I ate a lot of. I was prescribed ropinere in 2008 and it's the only thing that works. I take 3mg at 6pm, if I take it any later it doesn't kick in before I go to bed, about an hour later I feel feel extremely nauseous but know I'll get a really good sleep. I don't have any other side effects and also know that it may stop working but it's my only lifeline. I can't go to the cinema, sit for long car or train journeys and without the ropinere my life is a living nightmare. I've often thought I would happily chop off both my legs if I thought it would cure the problem. Drastic I know but it's how I feel..... I take all the suggested vitamins and avoid fast foods. I am now 59 and worry what will happen If or when the ropinerole stops working but guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

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Your story sounds similar to mine, except when I went to my GP he was understanding. That Quack that you seen should be complained about - a Dr decided whether or not to believe a condition exists!

Personally speaking I'd go back to him with the NICE guidelines and tell him he may tell them he doesn't believe RLS exists! idiot!

Don't panic when that drug stops there are many others that can be used, and there is lots of info on here about diet and the likes of Iron and Magnesium. I thought I had exhausted all routes til I got here and got the help I needed, I am sure you will too.

Stay strong!