Dealing with RLS in a hospital setting - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Dealing with RLS in a hospital setting

Luna71 profile image
6 Replies

Hi, I'm new here. My dad's the one with RLS, which is very severe. Affects him from about 10am onwards, and lately into his body and arms too. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever been in his current predicament and can offer any advice. He's in his late 70s and also has Parkinson's and is currently in hospital with pneumonia. The infection has taken its toll and he's lost all mobility. So he's stuck in a hospital bed with bars at the side, with the urgent need to get up and walk around at night that I know you all appreciate, and is unable to do so because he currently can't walk. His only respite is if he can get two nurses to support him so he can stand upright for a few minutes. This is not easy in the middle of the night on a busy hospital ward. As you can imagine, he's finding it completely unbearable and is very distressed. On top of that, he doesn't sleep AT ALL. Normally at home he just shuffles around the house every night until around 6am then collapses into a fitful sleep for an hour or two. Up until he was admitted into hospital a week or so ago, he was only on Sinemet. He's now been given rivastigmine for confusion, iron pills and an IV iron infusion for anaemia (only discovered a week ago) and melatonin, (which doesn't seem to be helping yet in the sleep department). Any ideas for what we might try next? He can't take dopamine agonists. He's been on clonazepam in the past but it caused bad confusion and hallucinations. I was thinking of a low dose anti-depressant that might have a mild sedative effect, but I know so many can trigger RLS. Are there any that don't? Many thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

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Luna71
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6 Replies

Hi,

I'm sorry for your dad's troubles. What about massage or having him soak in warm water? I have an electric massager that I use and it helps a lot. Soaking my legs in warm water helps as well. I know there is word going around about a magnetic pad and a foot wrap; hopefully those who suggested these will see this thread and chime in. Also, what about compression stockings? I have some Jobst knee-highs. The tightness these provide help calm my movements. There is also soaking in an epsom salt bath or rubbing magnesium oil on the affected areas. I use magnesium oil mostly for pain, but it seems to help with the movements as well. There is Restless Leg Cream by Magnilife that does a good job. You can order it off of Amazon or get it at Walgreens if you're in the States.

Take a look at this site: rlshelp.org. It is a very informative site that includes a link to a medical alert card listing medications to avoid and safe alternatives.

Good luck!

Take care,

Hi, the melatonin could be making things worse, we have had a few members who tried it and had to stop it. Sinemet is a dopamine agonist altho a old one. He could be having some withdrawals from not taking the Sinemet. A anti-depressant wont help with his RLS If you look at RLS-UK. website is should say which anti-depressants are more RLS friendly.. :)

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey

Omg bless him. What about an opiate? a lot of people use codeine or tramadol with good effect.x

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Definitely ask for opiates - at his age he is entitled to some peace and pain free comfort. Oxynorm 5mg is often prescribed- tell him to say his pain level is 8 or 9.

lorrinet profile image
lorrinet in reply to Madlegs1

I agree. An opiate would give him some peace, poor man.

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

Sounds like everyone's worst nightmare! CBD Oil might be a help. Here's a discussion quora.com/How-can-I-use-CBD...

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