Rambler 64

[Rambler64]

Hi. I'm have CKD stage 4, possibly 5. My gfr is 13. I'm on the national renal transplant list for a donated kidney. I have opted for peritoneal dialysis when it gets to gfr 9. I get restless legs in bed & sometimes when I'm sitting watching the TV at night. I've put some weights on my legs at night which helps. Anybody else in this situation?

[Elffindoe]

Renal failure can cause RLS so it's not unusual that you have it.

For anybody having dialysis this can be especially true.

Obviously it very much depends on your doctor and your renal function, but in some cases the RLS can be treated with potassium.

Do NOT do this yourself. It can be very dangerous.

Assuming you have not been previously diagnosed before nor been treated for it you may have to consider starting an RLS medicine.

What this is depends on how frequent and severe your RLS symptoms are.

For mild intermittent RLS (less than twice a week) this could be single doses of levodopa only when needed.

This should NOT be taken more than twice a week.

For RLS occurring every day, then the first recommended meds are either gabapentin or pregabalin. You must discuss this with a doctor as these are eliminated through the kidneys.

If, and only if, these meds are contraindicated you may have to try a small dose of a dopamine agonist e.g. a neupro patch.

[Butterflysun1]

Hi, It is well recognised by the kidney physicians that those with CKD often suffer from RLS. I think it sometimes relates to anaemia as the hormone Erythropoietin which is involved in making red blood cells is made in the kidneys.Any standard advice about treating RLS does NOT apply in CKD. The doses the kidneys can handle are much much smaller.

Under no circumstances treat yourself. Extra potassium is very dangerous in CKD and it is likely you will have been given specialist dietary advice.

The kidney physicians are familiar with this though & know what to prescribe & monitor. I knew of someone on dialysis once who was given Pregabalin 25mg at night by them.

Do discuss with your Drs