Restless Legs Syndrome

[williamghenry]

I have had RLS for a long time I am 76 years of age

Up until recently my RLS was under control only happening once or twice a week at night

I have had major Bowel surgery to remove a large polyp about two weeks ago During my stay in hospital my RLS has got much worse I get it all the time now during the day and night I cannot sleep My recovery is coming along nicely but I am been hindered for quality of life by having constant RLS

I cannot get to see a dermatologist for a long time My doctor has prescribed Epimax cream which doesn't work He won't precribe tablets as he tell me he is not familiar with RLS

Any suggestions 🤔 on where to go next?

Thank you

[SueJohnson]

Topiramate which is the active ingredient in Epimax tablets makes RLS worse in some people. But I am confused as you mentioned seeing a dermatologist. The cream and tablets are used for different conditions. The tablets treat nerve pain, epilepsy and migraines. What is the condition you are trying to treat?

[williamghenry in reply to SueJohnson]

Reply to SueJohnson

Sorry if I misled you I have been placed on Fast Track to see a Dermatoligst but this has not happened

The creams were prescribed by my doctor

My mother who died of Lymphodemena had RLS diagnosed by a Consultant at the hospital who was aware of the condition Her local surgery didn't recognise the condition

The fist doctor I saw told me my condition was excema There was no spots or anything else of my skin My nephew who is a osteopath advised me to bathe my legs in cold water for twenty minutes which helps

All I want to know is what I do next I appreciate that this is a very stressful recovery

I am trying to control the RLS that is with me all the time

Thank you

[SueJohnson]

On your increased RLS symptoms after surgery there are several possible reasons. You may have had an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. You may have been given one of the many anti-nausea drugs that make RLS worse or you many have been given an opioid for pain and are now suffering from withdrawal from it or the inflammation from the surgery may have made your RLS worse. In all these cases the increased RLS will go away with time.

[Coelie in reply to SueJohnson]

I fully endorse your comment. After my surgery I was unable to sleep for a night due to extreme RLS in all limbs for many hours. After hours of fluttering, I fell asleep from exhaustion, but also suffered from RLS the next day. Despite my explanation to the anesthetist prior to the surgery, he turned out to be unfamiliar with RLS. Later I learned from a specialist that administering the opiate Oxycodone–naloxone PR (brand name Targin) could have solved my complaints immediately. Targin is approved for the second-line symptomatic treatment of adults with severe to very severe idiopathic RLS after failure of dopaminergic treatment.

[BoldMove]

I always ask for Zofran as an anti nausea. It will not cause RLS.

[TheDoDahMan]

Are you familiar with gabapentin for RLS patients?

[Eryl]

Hospital food is notoriously bad and I'm not surprised that your rls got worse. I suggest that you reduce your systemic inflammation by avoiding refined carbohydrates as found in sugar, white bread and fruit juices, also avoid refined seed oils which cause oxidative stress and hence inflammation. I've done this and have eliminated my rls without the use of drugs.

[Fleur29 in reply to Eryl]

On the topic of hospital food:There's supposedly a dietician involved, but you wouldn't know it. When I was in there for covid pneumonia, I was allowed to have bread, rice, gravy, pasta (I'm diabetic)

[williamghenry in reply to Fleur29]

Hello, Thank you for your reply When I was in hospital my first meal after my surgery was a Yoghurt and fish pie which was pleasant enough On subsequent days I was told that the food they had on for that day was my only choices No dietician involved I was told to eat as much as I could to get me back going to the toilet Since I have been home I am eating extremely well and going to the toilet daily The only thing that is a problem is my RLS is much worse than it has been No sleep most nights

[Eryl in reply to Fleur29]

When I was in hospital before Christmas I was surprised to see white bread with jom and fruit juice on the menu.

[Springfiel1]

Changed GP. They don’t know. It’s it incredulous that this torture isn’t known to med prof when a significant