Dreading the flight to Cyprus

[Oscarsaurus]

I am due to fly to Cyprus from Birmingham in just over a week but am obviously dreading my rls driving me mad. Last year was a nightmare to and from Malta. I have tried Ted stockings which didnt help plus i have paid for the extra leg room . I have the same problem during long car journeys which everyone on here gave me wonderful advice. However i know i need to take something to help lessen my rls symptoms. My gp has suggested diazepam and said he will willingly write me a prescription . I have told him i will get some advice first from this wonderful site

[Jen1966]

Hi, we went to Maldives last year which is 13 hour flights, I took one of my leg tablets before I got on the plane and it seemed to work

[Oscarsaurus in reply to Jen1966]

It would mean me having to take it at lunchtime and then obviously i would be worried about my legs driving me mad during the night . Cant win really can we . On our way from Malta last year i only sat down during the take off and landing ...the joys if rls

[pilateskid in reply to Oscarsaurus]

Long flights and car journey get me tense before we go , wonder if that helps bring rsl on . I hope not ! It was our golden wedding this year had planned a cruise.....hubby says let's get your legs sorted first.

[Oscarsaurus in reply to pilateskid]

Dont let rls stop you both from having a well deserved cruise

[pilateskid in reply to Oscarsaurus]

Thanks

[pilateskid in reply to pilateskid]

It was our golden wedding in March and like you a cruise was on the cards....hubby said...you've guessed ....let's get your legs sorted first. 2wks ago 4nights without sleep....came downstairs 6.00 went sit on sofa , missed and landed flat on my back......now got badly sprained back !! Frightened to tempt fate...neupro 3mg , started on Saturday, so far so good.

[Draughtsman in reply to pilateskid]

Hi did you try the 1mg Neupro to patch first or start straight on the 3mg ? The lower the dose the better so if you haven't already I suggest you try to drop the dose

[pilateskid in reply to Draughtsman]

Dr started me on 1mg.....2mg....now 3mg that was Saturday...yesterday was mixed , legs starting but not as bad as they have been.......possibly slightly more sugar in diet than previous days. I'm going to keep a diary to see what my triggers are ,have already cut chocolate and diet fizzy drinks.

[LotteM]

What is your usual medication for RLS? And is it generally effective? If so, ask some extra. Diazepam may make you sleepy and dizzy, but if it isn’t enough to overrule the legs, then you’ll be worse off. Maybe explain that to your doctor. Applies to all sleeping meds.

[Oscarsaurus in reply to LotteM]

I take pramipexole lowest dose for my RLS but do take gabapentin 1800mg a day plus Co codamol 30mg however these were prescribed for chronic back pain not the RLS but they help with my symptoms. I have my iron levels checked regular as my B12 levels become low but take folic acid for this and i also take gentle iron . I watch everything i eat especially my sugar intake as this worsens my condition. I recently started taking citrapran 10mg daily for depression even tho i know it can worsen my condition but in fact it has helped because i am alot more chilled out and therefore less stressed

[Hidden]

Just a couple of thoughts on this.

Anxiety exacerbates RLS as you know and there is a phenomenon known as "anticipatory anxiety". You are already "dreading" this flight and that is typical of anticipatory anxiety. You are anticipating your RLS being bad on the flight and this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I think you got some good advice previously about your RLS whilst travelling by car. If any of that worked, then the same applies to flying. The issue is not whether you're in a car or a plane, the issue is that movement is restricted. In fact, more so in a car than in a plane.

Another factor is that RLS is a circadian related disorder, depending on dopamine levels as it varies over 24 hours and in sync with your sleep-wake cycle.

Cyprus is in a different time zone BST + 2 hours. So, although not a big difference, you are going to adjust to the 2 hour difference. If you take your RLS medication at normal BST time in Cryprus, it will actually be 2 hours later.

I hope you can think.of some way of managing that.

Maybe it would help if you adjusted when you take all your medication

around the timing of the flight, i.e. about 2 hours before take off.

If you're on the lowest dose of Pramipexole, an extra one would probably do no harm, as well as your evening one.

[wairoa36]

I can empathise with the difficulties of long flights.

I have been on Pramipexole for decades and have travelled a lot, with many long flights eg 13/14 hours. My normal dose was taken at 5 0r 6 pm, but when travelling I took extra doses as needed, with my GP's blessing and it worked very well for me.

I had a small dose , usually 0.25 mg with Sinemet 100/25 mg after 2 hours in the air, then repeated the same dose approx every 4 to 6 hours. Then whenever it was bedtime, in the air or on land, I took the regular dose.

I had so many wonderful trips using that method, and no ill effects.

I also do the same if going to a concert, movie,or the dentist!

I can live a pretty normal life.

However that is about to change, as due to augmentation, I am just beginning to reduce my current dose of pramipexole, 0.75 mg Extended release.

I have a new GP who knows nothing about RLS .I took him my Clinician's Manual and he simply handed it back to me.

I asked for some Tramadol and or some lyrica to help with the withdrawal and he expounded on the dangers thereof, and refused. Fortunately I have a little stockpiled and will use it sensibly if necessary.

I am sure you do not need to worry about your flights. Check with your Doctor , use an extra dose and resolve to have a wonderful holiday!

[Oscarsaurus in reply to wairoa36]

I had an awful gp before the one im seeing now and i left her room in tears ! My gp is brilliant because he listens so you must find another gp ...fingers crossed for you . Think i will try the extra tablet . Many thanks to you

[Jumpey]

I think that diazepam could help along with your other meds. It could put you to sleep but won't stop the legs.I used to take it when my RLS wasn't so bad.

Just a note on the B12. Folic acid won't increase it.It"s a totally different. You need to take B12. I have 3 monthly injections on the NHS.x

[Oscarsaurus in reply to Jumpey]

Thank you i will look into it

[CindyPatt]

Kratom works for me when we travel.....3-5 grams

[Oscarsaurus in reply to CindyPatt]

Its illegal , so im afraid it cannot be taken on planes . Thanks anyway