Operation for RLS?

[RCHD]

Has anyone had the operation for the legs to stop RLS? I’ve been recently hearing about it. Apparently, it works.

[LotteM]

As far as I understand, it may help for certain -secondary- types of RLS that are caused by specific problems with the veins or in the lower back. I don't know enough to be more specific.

If you ( or your husband - right?) has primary or idiopathic RLS, this is caused by as far as we now know too few dopamine receptors in a specific brain area. Unoperable, I would think. It is also not about nerves in the legs firing and that if you silence those the urge to move will have gone.

Inform yourself thoroughly and critically. As every operation carries a risk.

Oh, how we all search for tue silver bullet and cling at straws! This is a serious remark and not at all intended to ridicule, as I as well as most people on this forum are well acquainted with the feelings of desperateness (is that a word?) that badly controlled RLS brings along.

[RCHD in reply to LotteM]

Ok good points. Although the guy online that just did the video about it had restless leg from his teenage years. He definitely feels it was a dopamine issue hence why he Also has gotten addicted to dopaminic drugs. So it’s worked for him. Anyways, just sharing, 🤗

[Madlegs1]

It seems a bit drastic, but amputation of the legs does not end RLS.Ghost restlessness is a well documented issue for amputees.

Despite my feelings at 2am , I think I'll stay with the offending limbs!😝😎

[RCHD in reply to Madlegs1]

It’s not amputation… it’s an operation on the nerves….. :)))

[Madlegs1 in reply to RCHD]

Ah - I obviously misunderstood!

The most common method of fixing rls , referred to on this site ,is probably total amputation.

However, I can't really recommend it, for the reason mentioned before!!

😉

[RCHD in reply to Madlegs1]

Yes as I said it’s nothing to do with amputation … that seems a bit ridiculous. Here is the guy that had it done and says it’s been successful…

youtu.be/h5ej_vok2Ps(Not working as expected?)

[Tanker1 in reply to RCHD]

Thanks for the video referral. This seems like pretty good general advice and of course good advice for those of us that suffer from RLS/PLMD, with the exception of the surgery. From what I've read RLS/PLMD is a neurological problem so unless you have a specifically diagnosed problem with your nerves I recommend significant caution.

[RCHD in reply to Tanker1]

Yes sure agree… only sharing as this guy believes he’s had this neurological problem from youth. Anyways agree it’s tricky. But a last resort as it can help… who knows?

[Tanker1 in reply to RCHD]

I watched a video of the surgery at the Anderson website and it was done on the lower leg. For me its mostly my quads so it doesn't seem like this would help. Perhaps there are variations for higher up on the leg. Reasonably skeptical it would help me but its going on the list for my next discussion with the sleep doc. thanks.

youtube.com/watch?v=yHzVSFV...(Not working as expected?)

[Marky1017]

There is a surgeon in Colorado USA who swears it helps. I would have seriously looked into that if my RLS was still a major problem. I found a specialist who prescribed methadone and it has pretty much stopped my RLS completely. I am actually hopeful for my future for the first time in years. Just my opinion there's nothing wrong with looking into this surgical option but if you are lucky enough to get an RLS specialist I would run the idea by them first.

[RCHD in reply to Marky1017]

Hi Mark great to hear you are having success with methadone! My husband just started too. Let me know if you are willing to share more info about your experience with it. What were you in prior?

[Marky1017 in reply to RCHD]

for me methadone has only 2 main drawbacks. 1st is some mild insomnia but that tends to get better after a week or so. The biggest problem I have is constipation. Im currently taking a special opiod constipation medicine called Movantik. It is manageable now but you must drink a lot of water. As far as any type of impairment for driving ect. I havent noticed any issues. I take methadone 10mg they make a 5mg tablet and they are scored so you can cut in half if needed and start with a small dose. It is naturally extended release and can take 2-3 days to get full effect and 2-3 days to get out of your system. I was told it has less withdrawl symptoms than other opiods.

[RCHD in reply to Marky1017]

Great to hear. Psyllium husk can also be used for constipation as well as keeping a lot of fiberous vegetables in your diet. Thank you for sharing.

[WelbyB in reply to Marky1017]

Do you know what the surgeon’s name is ?

[Marky1017 in reply to WelbyB]

No im sorry i dont. My wife had found it on youtube and I checked out his website he looks like a legit surgical specialist. I did not follow up at all though please research carefully.

[WelbyB in reply to Marky1017]

It’s probably Dr Anderson with Anderson Podiatry- we found him on You Tube too- and was in the neighborhood- It’s mostly if you have RLS /neuropathy- He did the tests and said I was not a candidate for the surgery

[charlie1234567890]

I would definitely have the surgery done immediately if it was available!! RLS had made my life unbearable!!

[RCHD in reply to charlie1234567890]

Look into it…. Some are doing it !

[SueJohnson in reply to charlie1234567890]

What have you tried?

[TheDoDahMan in reply to charlie1234567890]

But would you have it done if you thought it was only 5-10% likely to work?