Knitting and RLS

[Elaniemarie]

Well here is something which might interest you; I have taken up knitting again after a long absence, and noticed that while knitting I am free of symptoms. Being on the computer does not work though, even though I am concentrating and using my hands. Knitting however, somehow has an interesting effect on my RLS. I 'googled' knitting effect on stress, because stress affects RLS, and research shows it has a profound effect on the brain, better even than meditation! Anyone else had this experience?

[Kaarina Administrator]

I do like to have some knitting on the go but it is not at all taxing and I only tend to make scarves lol I must admit that I had not noticed that it helped my RLS but perhaps you follow complicated knitting patterns that really need concentration and may be this helps to keep your RLS at bay.

[Elaniemarie in reply to Kaarina]

I am making scarves which require quite a bit of concentration, and are fiddly to do; each time I feel the urges starting up, I start knitting, and it seems to relieve me! I cannot believe it either, and will continue on just to see what happen. Of course, I have other things t do, and cannot knit all night long,Lol! I do have to rely on Ropinerole to get me through the night, but would rather not take it in the day if possible. This may well be anecdotal, but every little helps in a crisis!

[Kaarina Administrator in reply to Elaniemarie]

Keep calm and knit, Elaniemarie!

[Madlegs1]

You do realise that you are on a slippery slope!!!?????

Next you will be knitting while doing the Times Crossword. Then the Sudoko at the same time. It then progresses to playing competitive Bridge on the Internet as well.

Who knows where this will end???

Good luck.

😅😈😢😴😴😴😴😴😴😴

[Hidden in reply to Madlegs1]

I'd be more worried about the jumpers. My mother started with scarfs but by the end it was Aron jumpers took over, very hard to watch, even harder to wear

Glad it works for Elainemarie, distraction is a great tool in the fight against RLS. Long may it last.

[Elaniemarie in reply to Hidden]

Well at the moment it appears to; I am taking notes, so watch this space. I am looking for my lacy knitting patterns now!!!

[Elaniemarie in reply to Madlegs1]

I will keep you in the loop,lol.

[Elaniemarie in reply to Madlegs1]

Well I can knit while watching TV, I have words with friends on at the same time sometimes, but no....... it seems to be just the knitting part. Being on my computer can be dangerous while writhing, because you never know where that will end up!Lol. I think this needs researching !!!

[Crazyleggs]

That's really interesting. I am an artist and find that painting is very relaxing and meditative. I teach workshops and find that preparing for them causes me stress. I've been turning down workshop requests of late and trying to phase out that part of my life. I only have one workshop left and it's in September. I sorta ignored the fact that teaching workshops had an adverse effect on my RLS symptoms. (Pretty hard to keep ignoring when you are walking the floor all night with the heebie jeebies and crying out fir relief). Trying to change my lifestyle with diet too. I got a lot from this group and put an appointment in motion with Dr MF from Stanford. My daughter and grandson also suffer from RLS. There must be a gene being passed on to next generation.

[Elaniemarie in reply to Crazyleggs]

Yes it seems to run in families, my mother suffers with it , as do my brothers, I have always had it as far back as can remember, now aged 64. I am trying diet as well, cutting out certain products, refined carbs etc. I also play the piano, which frees me for a while from the curse of RLS. My neurologist put me on Ropinerole years ago, and I have been on various doses, as well as going without( not doing that again). All these drugs are powerful, and have an affect, both good and bad; I take Dihydrocodeine as a back up at times. Antihistamines by mouth are also bad for RLS in some people, that includes cough meds etc which contain it. I used to be on Amitriptyline, worse days ever!!! Trial & error at times eh. Hooray for this forum! Sharing also helps.

[lorrinet in reply to Elaniemarie]

Dihydrocodeine alone has literally saved my life. Before that I used Cannabis for a while but it augments quite soon. Other than that it's just been the Dihydrocodeine for around 15 years. It's not been working so well recently (I had to increase it), but since I've been taking Magnesium Malate (and now B12) I'm back to my usual dose. The only side-effect can be constipation, but I eat one or two Panda Liquorice bars every day, drink enough water, and I'm fine.

Have you tried Dihydrocodeine as a complete medication and not just as a 'back-up'? I realise that Ropinerole is hard to get off though (that's why the pack my GP prescribed a few months ago has remained in the medicine cabinet).

[Elaniemarie in reply to lorrinet]

Hi Lorrinet, yes I started on just Dihydrocodeine, but need more and more. I was referred to a neurologist who diagnosed me with RLS and started me on Ropinerol. I have been on it for many years, in fact since it was first recognised as a possible treatment for RLS. I have cut down on the dose in the last year; from 6mg per day, to only 3-4 at bedtime. I manage during the day as far as my energy will allow ( I also have M.E.) Knitting is a useful ally I must say, because when I need to rest , I can knit instead. Anyway, so far, so promising!

[Madlegs1 in reply to Crazyleggs]

It is genetic in some cases.

[20west]

Yes, I too have noticed exactly the same. We have a new great grandchild and have started knitting again and because my mind is occupied following the pattern my RLS stops temporarily. The child's mother I am sure, is now fed up with all these hand knitted cardigans etc.

[Kaarina Administrator in reply to 20west]

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the birth of your new great grandchild. Also I am happy for you that knitting is helping to keep your RLS at bay.

Do continue with the knitting. if you make too many things, there are numerous charities, hospitals that would love to receive knitted items from you.

I knit basic scarves, add a fringe at each end when complete and donate them to Knit For Peace.

I read there is evidence to suggest that creative activities like knitting, crocheting, and colouring can help people reduce stress, quit smoking, lower their heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol (stress hormone), cope with bad news, improve their cognitive function, and boost self-esteem.

Keep calm and carry on knitting.

[Hidden]

Hello, yes, I found the same when I took up knitting when a granddaughter was due.

I also find that playing the piano flicks the 'off switch' if you understand what I mean ( i expect most will! ) and also codeword puzzles.

But these might let you get back to bed a bit sooner or turn it off in the evening before bed but they don;t off course stop the original wake ups that keep occurring and sometimes you're just too tired to do them.

Also whatever the activity is, once it becomes easy it seems to stop working and then you have to find another I find

[Elaniemarie in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alison, that is not a problem at the moment, as I have ripped out the same bit of knitting 12 times due to mistakes in the pattern; my concentration is not what it was, and I forget where I am in the knitting pattern, or what I just knitted!!!lol. A sense of humour is a good thing. I use to knit these patterns with ease once upon a time. Time for bed now! Where is my knitting?

[Kaarina Administrator in reply to Elaniemarie]

LOL that sounds a little like me, Elaniemarie, continual undoing of rows and the knitting I am doing atm is only plain but I am using two balls of wool at the same time to make it thicker and that appears to be causing me and the knitting some distress every now and again when I am not concentrating and I do not notice my error until I have done quite a bit.

Knit well.

[Missiskyedogs]

I too suffer with rls and find the only thing that relieves it when it comes on is knitting. Have tried crosswords, reading but apart from walking knitting is the thing that works.