One sided RLS

[Yecam1949]

Is it possible to have RLS only on one side?

[SueJohnson]

Yes.

[SueJohnson]

I assume you met the diagnostic criteria for RLS, so I will give you my standard spiels: 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. Have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your ferritin to be over 100 as improving it to that helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their RLS and you want your transferrin saturation to be between 20 and 45. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is not between 20 and 45 post back here and we can give you some advice. 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 ask your doctor to prescribe gabapentin or pregabalin. (Pregabalin is more expensive than gabapentin in the US.) Beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin). It will take 3 weeks before it is fully effective. After that increase it by 100 mg (25 mg pregabalin) every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. (You don't need to split the doses with pregabalin) Most of the side effects of gabapentin and pregabalin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin (200 to 300 mg pregabalin) daily." If you take magnesium don't take it within 3 hours of taking gabapentin or pregabalin as it will interfere with the absorption of them. 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 if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[Yecam1949 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank u for the great info. After listening to Mayo I do not think I have restless leg. The only time I get relief is at night when I am able to relax in bed or completely reclined in a chair. Movement is all day everyday. I have done research and can not figure it out. I do have wave activity in the frontal temporal lobe according to my EEG. I see the neurologist again in two weeks . It is exhausting and affects my quality of life.

[SueJohnson]

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

[Yecam1949 in reply to SueJohnson]

Although I am still confused about my condition I do find stress and all the things u mention that are aggrevating to be so for me. I am doing a tier two carnivore diet. The more closely I stick to it along with stress reduction and moderate exercise, the less movement I have. Melatonin messes me up badly with depressed mood. I think L theanine and valerian is helping with stress and relaxation. I am what is called a high sensitivity person, called sensory processing sensitivity. I wonder if many others here are as well.

[SCC1]

Hi I'm new here!

I usually get RLS on one side too. It usually affects my left leg, especially when my cat jumps on me and lays on it.

A lot of the time, it will progress to my back, usually left side, too, but ends up affecting pretty much my whole middle back. I also feel the sensation in my left arm. Occasionally, I will feel it in my right leg, etc.

My RLS will also happen usually on my left side (leg 1st, then arm/back), when I'm sitting a certain way.

I try to wrap a blanket around my leg to put some pressure on it, but it never helps. (I just keep trying it, BC I have no way to get rid of this maddening feeling other than to walk or stand, and I can't do that all of the time.) Occasionally, drinking water will help.

If my cat lays on me again after I sit back down, the RLS will come back.

So whatever side he goes on, that is usually the side that is affected (although not always).

The RLS is not just brought on by my cat sitting on me. It can be a multitude of things and returns when I am back to my original position if I had gotten up and come back.

My RLS is caused from the antipsychotic meds I'm on. They affect the nerves in my lower back, and the RLS is felt throughout my body. I feel the sensations about 20 min after I take the meds, usually in the evening. It comes in waves every 10 seconds or so. I want to yell out, BC it is so uncomfortable.

But, in answer to your question, yes, for me it usually affects one side.

I'm sorry we have to deal w/ this! I'm finding out here, that there are other ways to experience RLS than just the horrible way it affects me. It is the worst side effect I have ever had BC of my meds!

I have dealt w/ it since I was 15 yrs old.

Thanks for listening!

[SueJohnson in reply to SCC1]

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. Have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your ferritin to be over 100 as improving it to that helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their RLS and you want your transferrin saturation to be between 20 and 45. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is not between 20 and 45 post back here and we can give you some advice. 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 ask your doctor to prescribe gabapentin or pregabalin. (Pregabalin is more expensive than gabapentin in the US.) Beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin). It will take 3 weeks before it is fully effective. After that increase it by 100 mg (25 mg pregabalin) every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. (You don't need to split the doses with pregabalin) Most of the side effects of gabapentin and pregabalin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin (200 to 300 mg pregabalin) daily." If you take magnesium don't take it within 3 hours of taking gabapentin or pregabalin as it will interfere with the absorption of them. 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 if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[SueJohnson in reply to SCC1]

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

[Sjmiji]

Not to my knowledge.

[SueJohnson]

Here are some things that are similar to RLS:

Peripheral Neuropathy

No circadian changes

No periodic leg movements in sleep

Nerve conduction abnormal

No improvement with movement

Akathisia

No circadian pattern

No paresthesia (burning or prickling sensation)

Improvement from dopamine blockers ie dopamine antagonist

Often have ferritin below normal

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Worse with movement, better with rest

Vascular and skin changes seen on exam

Nocturnal Leg Cramps

Unilateral, focal, sudden severe onset

Painful Legs and Moving Toe

No urge to move, no worsening at rest nor

improvement with movement

No circadian changes

[Yecam1949 in reply to SueJohnson]

I don't understand all u r saying but will research some of the terms. I do have burning in both legs sometimes when walking or exercising. The challenge is finding a doctor interested enough to get to the bottom of things.

[Cobobay]

I have it worse onright side and that is where I notice it starts, but also have it left too.

[llamafan]

I do regularly.