Advice on Iron Level Test Please

[Wiggler]

Hi everyone,

Would this pinprick home test from Let’s Get Checked test the correct type of iron level for RLS? ‘ Iron Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) Ferritin Transferrin Saturation’

Have had RLS for as long as I can remember. Doing everything wrong before finding you guys!! On SSRI’s Sertraline for PTSD which work well for that (for 3 years now).

GP has put me on Ropinerole but managed to get the dose down to .75mg since reading all your advice. But very hit and miss with dealing with the RLS. I get it badly when tired in legs and arms to the point of wanting to self harm when really bad. Never had iron tested, GP says Ropinerole is not known to augment and I’m also on naproxen 1000mg due to lower back historical injury. Want to test iron and also read about medical cannabis from someone on here which I’m exploring to see if I could get off all this?!!

Thoughts, comments, advice appreciated as I seem to be going round in circles... thanks and a Merry Restful Christmas

[Roxy20]

I'm not sure about the iron test. I am new here as well. I get some comfort out of knowing there are other people that understand what I go through. I get wanting to self harm, feeling like I am going to go crazy and just wanting some peace.

I finally found a strain of Cannabis that works for calming my legs and my mind. I tried all kinds and I was just about to give up when I tried Grand Daddy Purple, it's an indica. It usually stops the RLS right away.

I am also learning to meditate. When the RLS is bad its so easy to get upset, angry and annoyed. I believe this makes it even worse. Meditation can help keep you calm. Take care

[Joolsg]

I can’t comment on the reliability of a home pin prick blood test. Just ask your GP for a full iron panel blood test. It’s mentioned in the NICE guidelines and is the first test your GP should carry out.

Sertraline causes (& worsens) RLS as do all anti depressants except Trazodone and Wellbutrin (& one other I can’t remember).

If you can switch anti depressants that would probably resolve the RLS.

Perhaps you can ask for therapy treatment for the PTSD or a benzodiazepine like clonazepam which also helps RLS.

Your doctor is completely wrong about Ropinirole. It DEFINITELY causes augmentation, even at low doses and after a short time.

I suggest you discuss your meds again with the GP and switch from Sertraline and get a full panel blood test.

If you experience any symptoms of Augmentation, slowly reducing the Ropinirole and consider alternative meds like pregabalin & Gabapentin.

[dali76]

In regards to the Sertraline, I had RLS long before I took it. I wouldn't say its worsened it. I've actually just had some tests done in regards to it. If you're on sertraline and it works for your PTSD then stay with it. Not all studies are conclusive and not all drugs will effect the same people the same ways. I've heard the arguments against it and I've experienced the symptoms despite it. There are many many factors that can attribute to the worsening of your RLS. I've been on Sertraline 5 years for Bipolar disorder and its one of the few drugs that made me sick, or gain weight or any of the other nasty side effects it can cause. Have a chat with your Dr about the actualities of the medication. As you said you've been on it 3 years but RLS as long as you can remember!I'm also iron deficient aenemic and I would suggest getting a full iron count done through your GP because those pin prick type tests can give false readings. And don't ever take iron supplements unless a physician advises you too. 🙂