What kind of doctor do I see?

[Yellowcake]

What kind of doctor do I see to address RLS or whatever this is?

I'm diagnosed by my PCP who thinks that, given the leg/arm pain and leg spasms, it might be something else. She's not well-versed and has just been Googling stuff.

[Kaarina Administrator]

Hi Yellowcake,

Here is a link that may be of some help to you in diagnosing whether you are suffering from RLS: rls-uk.org/diagnosis

[Yellowcake in reply to Kaarina]

Thanks

[Yellowcake in reply to Kaarina]

Yup, that's it to a T.

Painful RLS I guess

Thanks again, going to have to have my doctor run those tests 👍

[Hidden]

It's good that your PCP recognoses their limitations in coming up with a diagnosis.

Kaarina has given you a link to the diagnostic ctiteria which you can discuss with your PCP.

There are non-medical remedies for RLS which you can find out about in this forum. Even if your PCP confirms the diagnosis, medication shouldn't be the first option unless your symptoms are distressing.

If your PCP is not confident with the diagnosis or unsure how to treat it, the next step would be to consult a specialist. This is usually a neurologist, or it could be a sleep specialist. If it is RLS then eother might do, but it would be good if you can find pout if they have any expertise in RLS, many simply don't have it.

There are a few very expert RLS specialists in the US, depending where you live.

I'd say if it's not certain it's RLS, then a neurologist might be more appropriate.

From your description of your symptoms it's not possible to say you have RLS. Look at the criteria and see what you think.

[Yellowcake in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[RestlessDebbie]

I think you just need a doctor willing to research a terrible problem you are facing. They don't seem to take it seriously, and considering that one out of ten people suffer from it, it is hardly an uncommon problem. So far, I have had success with an opiate (oxycodone) and also Gabapentin seems to help. I take both 4 times a day.

[suesweda]

I would start with a sleep specialist and i would ask for a sleep study. That will provide a definitive diagnosis, and may identify other problems like sleep apnea which can aggravate RLS. If that isn't possible, try to see a neurologist or a rheumatologist.