RLS savvy doctor in Western Canada?

[welschrispy]

I have been taking Pramipexole for thirty years. Wen I first visited this web site I was taking 6mg per day. The doctor who prescribed that has retired. His first replacement doctor prescribed 150 mg tramadol to help me cut down and with his support I have managed to reduce the pramipexole dose by half and i am currently taking only 100 mg tramadol.

I was almost ready to continue cutting back the Prami. BUT then a new doctor took over and she wants me off the tramadol! She confesses to knowing little about RLS but will not listen to me. She has issued a "controlled prescription" which is what they give junkies around here. I would rather kill myself than relapse back into taking more Premipexole. Her plan is that I cut out the Tramadol and then cut out the Pramipexole... just like that!

Typing is very difficult, this has taken me several hours to write. I sleep walk I fall, I can no longer function, can't read a book can't watch a movie can't relax can't drive.I have been hospitalized for drinking bleach, (in my sleep) . I was beginning to feel better.

I therefore need to find a doctor , preferably a Neurologist or someone with clout to take my side. She said she would get me a referral but says she can't find anyone. (!!)

She is contemptuous about this wonderful web site without whose help I would probably be dead. I have given her the references for the current European and UK approved treatment for RLS but she will have none of it. She is young, she is inexperienced, she is probably very overworked> I have every sympathy. It probably doesn't help that I am a British ex pat.

Does anyone know of a RLS savvy medical professional in Canada? Pefererably in Western Canada/Vancouver Island/ Victoria or Vancouver. But really anyone in Canada.

Thank you all so much for all the support and advice you have given me.

[Elffindoe]

I am very sorry to hear this. This doctor sounds appalling and very ignorant.

I'm afraid it sounds as if you will have to find another doctor and I really can't help you there.

You could try referring her to the latest recommendations, (July 2021) issued by the Mayo Clinic in the US

Here's a link

mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

I'm sure you're aware that you have to stop taking the pramipexole altogether and try replacing it with an alpha 2 delta ligand.

This can be combined with a low potency opioid such as trmadol. It's all in the recommendations which are evidence.

I don't know about Canada, but in the UK if a doctor doesn't know about a condition a patient is suffering from, then theyt are OBLIGED to inform themselves about it.

It sounds as if this doctor is going to remain ignorant about many things during her career.

My sympathy to you.

[Joolsg]

So sorry to hear this. If you can get cannabis- that will give a little respite from the Pramipexole withdrawals. It's clear we have a long,long way to go in getting RLS on the curriculum in every part of the world.The US foundation has Canadian support groups and if you email them, they may know of a knowledgeable doctor.

Karen Norvell

Chilliwack, BC

604-997-5499

[e-mail]

Keep reducing very slowly and if you can't get more tramadol to help withdrawal, can you buy paracetamol with codeine in pharmacies like in the UK? Not much help, but better than nothing.