How I cope with RLS

[Silax20110]

Hi I have just joined only now finding the ap, I have RLS and have suffered from the age of 11 years. But unfortunately I didn’t get a diagnosis until I was 35 years old, at 30 I found myself pregnant the last few months with RLS was unbearable being struck with that horrid creeping feeling all day and night, I suffer with RLS in my legs, arms and spine it’s unbearable it takes over your life and haveing to cope then with a newborn baby and c section was too much, my mother in law was visiting I explained how much I was tormented by my RLS she offered me a name of her painkiller for her sore back I immediately confirmed an appointment with my GP I asked for the painkiller as I felt it was my last option all else tried and failed they gave me the prescription for Dihydrocodine I take 2 3 times a day as long as I do that I do not suffer RLS at all and I have it everywhere other than my extremities I even go to bed and sleep! I am so greatful !!

[Madlegs1]

I'm glad you've found relief at last.

My reply is as a caution to others who may go straight for the 'big gun', rather than go through a logical series of testing, to see what may be causing their version of rls.

In your case, because the rls was much worse during pregnancy, I would first look at serum ferritin ( the baby was stealing all your iron- rls is quite common in third trimester, but often disappears after birth- but sadly, not in your case)

You need to get a fasting serum ferritin test, and get the actual number from the lab. It needs to be above 100 , and preferably up to 300. Iron supplements or infusion may be in order, in consultation with your medical team.

Otherwise, look at your food intake, medications and lifestyle. All of these impinge as triggers for rls.

Only then, after these show no clear causative factor, should you go down the medication route. It is a last resort, and at your age ,you don't need heavy long term meds which will inevitably lead to serious consequences, such as addiction, side effects and possible legal/ political interference- such as is happening with opioids currently.

I wish you well and I do understand how difficult it is with a little one and lack of sleep. But you do need to think out very carefully, your strategies for the rest of your long life.

Cheers.