Bowel movements

[Memmy]

I feel more and more convinced that rls is something to do with nerves or muscles in the bowel. When I feel my legs start up I go to the loo. Im lucky and can go whenever I want. Also magnesium which helps rls helps you go to the loo. Ive noticed this a lot Has anyone else had similar experiece

[frank1942]

hi guys often had the same idea I have as very large bladder that has lost its elasticity and I am forced to use a catherter 3 or 4 times a day to empty the bladder( the other option is to wear a catherter bag) if I dont monitor what my intake is my bladder can hold over one litre and there is no sensation of wanting to go to the toilet its then sometimes the restless legs start until I drain the bladder ,I am on pamaprixal 20 mg once a day not sure if that is helping but I do watch all my bowel movements especialy if I am on antibiotics that tend to bung you up, my docter tends to disbelieve the idea as your docter to do an ultrasound on your bladder to check its size good luck frank

[RLSgirl]

I've noticed the same things. I'm sure there is a connection between the bowel/digestive system and RLS. It seems there are many RLS triggers that are connected to the digestive system. eating can stimulate my RLS; not eating for too long will also stimulate my RLS. eating too much; eating certain foods, (sugar is definitely one of them. and we know that it is inflammatory.) and yes at night I think my bladder also will awaken me and start and RLS attack. I also wonder what role hormones play. many of our hormones originate in the bowels.

[OxonOsteo]

I definitely think there’s a connection between the digestive system, diet and

rls. When I’m lying in bed and my legs are keeping me awake, and I‘ve tried the usual stretching etc. I find that 5mins of deep massage to my tummy (especially the area above my belly button) can make a big difference. I’ve also found

lying on my tummy with my feet hanging just off the end of the bed seems to really help as well.

Having said that, the two best things I’ve found that has help me was getting my ferritin level up above 100 (took me about 3mths of taking a 200mg tablet of Ferrous Sulphate a day), which made a massive difference. And secondly, using a foam roller on my thighs and glutes for about 10mins before heading to bed. Hope the above helps someone get a decent nights sleep..

[Hidden]

I'm seriously envious of your ability to have bowel movements at will.

I've always tended to be a bit on the "reluctant" side.

There does seem to be connections between RLS and

the digestive system

the bladder

diet.

The first two, not diet, are associated with each other and parts of the autonomic nervous system, some say particulzrly the vagus nerve.

There also seems to be sone relationship between bowel inflammation and/or IBS and RLS.

Spart from some dietary elements causing inflammation in some people sensitised to them diet is an independent factor in RLS.

You may have stumbled on a novel remedy for RLS.

I'm not so sure where that leads folk like me who have "stubborn" bowels.

Regular use of laxatives is counter productive

I believe there is a yoga technique however.

Mind over - - - hmmm!

[silkyreg in reply to Hidden]

I have a very active bowel, 3-5 times per day is normal to me. But I haven't noticed any difference with my RLS symptoms before or after loo.

[involuntarydancer in reply to Hidden]

There is a yoga technique that involves drinking lots of salty water and adopting specific yoga poses. It is quite dramatic- and urgent - in effect and leads to a significant degree of 'inner cleanliness' but would not be a procedure to be undertaken too frequently. Once in a lifetime will probably suffice for me!

[Hidden in reply to involuntarydancer]

Thanks.

My bowels are suffiiciently mobile without aid, but my bodily mobility might not be up to adopting certain positions or any urgent demand to find a loo!

My yoga is confined to the muscle between my two ears.

[restlessstoz]

I find occasionally that i'll notice the urge to go to the loo and I'll notice my legs have triggered a bit before. Going to the toilet relieves the symptoms! This is only one aspect though and 9/10 times it has no effect at all and i sit on the look writhing in agony! I would say, in my experience it's ONE trigger for stimulating RLS but only on occasions does 'going' relieve them. I think there are different mechanisms happening at different times. You'll also find Memmy that a lot of people on here have back issues. That may be a contributing factor as well, but then, a lot of older people have back issues anyway so it may not have a bearing- or if it does, only on some people! Oh dear! I think the complexity of this syndrome will blow my mind one day! At least I won't have to worry about legs then!

[6220]

There is a brain gut connection, when ever i go on antibiotics my RL

Stops for the duration of my antibiotics course..

[Hidden]

I think the relationship is not with the bowel, digestion or the bladder as such but with the VAGUS NERVE which does control those systems.

Many have found that emptying their bowels and/or bladder decreases symptoms which makes me veer away from the inflammation side of it all.

I wonder is a damaged/diseased nerve responsible.

[Seaux]

If you are a member of RLS.org, listen to the 45 minute presentation by Dr. Weinstock.He is a gastroenterologist in St. Louis MO and feels there is a connection between SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) and RLS. Operating on this connection, he has helped many RLS patients

[involuntarydancer]

I absolutely find this and it is raised on this forum intermittently. My first action at the onset of symptoms is to empty my bladder. If bowels require it - that too. Often that alleviates symptoms. However, I suspect that Raffs may be correct and it's not the digestive tract but a more mechanical issue - quite possibly the vagus nerve. Having said that, I do also find that some foods will trigger/exacerbate symptoms.

[Memmy in reply to involuntarydancer]

Have they conducted any tests with the vagus nerve. I would like to find a pain killer suppository to try when the symptoms start. Although saying that my rls is not painful just vile feelings and usually in the right leg. Of course wine aggravates it but maybe the researchers should check it out