Doctor not taking concern seriously

[sodepressed]

I have all the signs of rls. Keep getting up to relieve discomfort. Can't sit still because of feet. But my doctor just tells me my issues are in my head and won't treat my illness. What can I do to alleviate the discomfort without medicine? How do I sleep?

[SueJohnson]

All of the following must be true for a diagnosis of RLS: 1) The urge to move the legs and sometimes the arms 2) The onset or worsening of symptoms during periods of inactivity when lying down and sometimes when sitting 3) Symptoms occur or worsen in the evening or bedtime. They are usually dormant in the morning 4) Symptoms get better when walking or stretching as long as it is continued. 5) Can't be explained by another medical or behavioral condition. If this sounds correct for you. then check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it at

Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a... If s/he won't read it and says it is still in your head then change doctors. When you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements 48 hours before the test and fast after midnight. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation numbers. You want your ferritin to be over 100. Improving it to that helps 60% of RLS patients. If your ferritin is less than 75 then take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Take it every other day at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach. If you have problems with constipation switch to iron bisglycinate If your ferritin is between 75 and 100 or if your transferrin saturation is below 20, you probably need an iron infusion since iron isn't absorbed as well above 75. If you take magnesium take it at least 2 hours apart since it interferes with its absorption. It takes several months for the iron tablets or iron infusion to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months. For other non-medicine relief you can try magnesium which helps some, and moderate exercise and try keeping a food diary to see what triggers your RLS. Many people find sugar is a culprit. For others, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, carbohydrates and of course stress. If you are a female, HRT. But you may find none of these is enough and then you will need medicine. Above all don't let your doctor prescribe a dopamine agonist like ropinirole (requip) or pramipexole (mirapex). They used to be the first line treatment for RLS, but no longer are because of the danger of augmentation. Instead have him prescribe gabapentin. If you get to that point check back here for further advice. What other medicines or over the counter supplements are you taking (as some of them may be exacerbating your RLS symptoms)?

[Retren]

If he is so detached to your problem can you change your doctor to one who will listen .

[waltraud1]

change Doctors ..where do you live?Then get a Test(EMG) done from a Neurologist..I tryed and changed Doctors.Found out have problems with my Blood and now going to a Neurologist.Everyone is different..

[Joolsg]

Where are you? We can send links when you reply.Many ignorant doctors suggest RLS is "in our heads" which is actually true because the dopamine receptors which cause the problem ( and lack of brain iron) are indeed in our heads.

Please respond and we will send the necessary links to show your GP or you should switch as soon as possible to find one who is more up to date.

[Joolsg]

Are you alright? You haven't answered any of the replies to your post.Please let us know you are okay.

[sodepressed in reply to Joolsg]

Hello, I've been really sick with functional neurological disorder for the past few months and been hospitalised with a mini stroke and paralysis. Thank you for messaging and I'm sorry I've taken this long to reply.

[Joolsg in reply to sodepressed]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope you have recovered from your mini stroke.Hopefully you will be under the care of a neurologist who you can now discuss your RLS symptoms with fully.

Just don't let him prescribe Ropinirole or Pramipexole or the Rotigitone patch as they're no longer first line treatment.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

[sodepressed in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you so much for the advice. Will keep that in mind. Really appreciate you taking the time.

[NeuroSeeker]

Seriously, you need a new doctor. Even if it's not RLS, the "it's all in your head" line really means "I don't know and I don't want to figure it out."

Go doctor hunting. It totally sucks, but you have very little chance of fixing it on your own, or we all would have done it already! :).......

[ziggypiggy]

Call or walk in to the local Sleep study clinics in your area. Talk with the receptionist or a friendly technician and ask for any recommendations for doctors who they may know to he RLS "friendly. They send their findings to these doctors on a regular basis and should have some ideas for you.