FAMILY SUPPORT

My entire family have RLS but not to the degree that I have. My 3 siblings and my 2 children suffer approx 4/5 nights per year and only when over tired or over drunk. As most of you already know, I have suffered every night for every year for 50 years.

It is totally inexpIicable to me that they have absolutely no sympathy, empathy or understanding for what I've been going thru my whole life.

They're only advice to me is basically 'Get over it ... you can't continue to blame RLS for the issues you continue to experience'. They have also lost all patience with the amount of medication that I require to live as normal a life as possible.

Do others have family that suffer and therefore have an understanding of this disease but for some unknown reason show absolutely no compassion whatsoever.

[Jumpey]

Yes I do. Like you , a couple of by brothers have it- but very mildly and it doesn't affect their sleep. You need to get friends around you that will understand and support you. It's sad when family isn't there for you isn't it? My empathy.x

[Hidden in reply to Jumpey]

But unless one sufferers by the degree that we all do, I find it virtually impossible to explain this disease in an understanding format.

Eg: My best friend of over 20 years worked with me as well, and when I was finally diagnosed at 48, she was so apologetic and explained that when she'd sometimes see me in the morning at work and comment, 'You look like crap . . . what did you get up to last night'? And when I'd answer, 'No sleep'. She'd say, 'I had no idea you meant no sleep at all'.

[Hidden]

Oh shoot, Phogan! Am SO sorry. The suffering we go through is indescribable and to have people 'play it down' is inexcusable!! No one can possibly know the suffering we go through unless they go through the exact same thing (and to the exact same degree of severity). Since you're not getting it where you need to (from family), please come here as often as yu need for love and support.

Take care,