I was at the GP (PCP) last week, getting results of blood work (for a non RLS matter). Out of curiosity, I asked my ferritin reading and it was 30. Without any prompting, my relatively new GP offered me an iron infusion saying "That's right, you guys (people with RLS) need it to be much higher (than 30) don't you?"
I was pleasantly surprised by the GPs proactiveness, particularly as I don't even see him for sleep matters (I see a sleep specialist).
I contrast this with the challenges many members on this forum seem to have in obtaining the bare minimum to address their RLS.
In spite of medications being heavily regulated in Australia, I haven't encountered any difficulties in being prescribed many of the drugs mentioned on this forum. And my doctors have also been supportive of me trialling many different therapies.
While I feel fortunate to have access to such fantastic healthcare, I'm constantly surprised - and dismayed - to hear of the challenges some members face in accessing up to date and effective treatment.
Written by
Amrob
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That is so refreshing to hear… yaaay! Maybe with time and more fighting pressure we can all get the message across …. I do hope you really benefit from your iron infusion 👍👏🤞
From very limited exposure. Australian healthcare does seem to be pretty proactive and advanced. I’ve had anecdotal conversations with people returning from Australia who says treatment so much more readily offered, practitioners are better briefed and informed, and there is a very much more positive atmosphere about the service. Certainly when I had my back issues, I found a lot of thinking about pain management, and in fact, even some of the printed leaflets I was given, came from Australia, and in one case Tasmania. Much as I respect and love our embattled NHS there are clearly other models which can work.
My experience certainly reflects what you've heard of Australian healthcare Munroist. It's not to say there aren't occasional obstacles but in the main i've had little to complain about.
This is great. I also have had good positive experiences. It was my GP that first recommended I try gabapentin when I was having to take more and more ropinerol. I now have quarterly appointments with a knowledgable sleep neurologist. He is very good at listening to me and trying new approaches.
In my experience this good story is an exception to the rule. I’m in Australia and have battled ignorance and indifference in regards to RLS for many years.
One doctor even said to me ‘oh does RLS affect your sleep??’ Others get hostile when you mention the latest Mayo Clinic algorithm and refuse to even consider opioids or even more standard medications such as lyrica (pregabalin) or gabapentin let alone consider an iron infusion. Most still dable in the ancient art of DAs.
I’ve been lucky to find one caring doctor who has continued to prescribe Temgesic after finally convincing my retired doctor to prescribe Temgesic after 10 long years. I’ve had to follow her when her clinic shut down recently. I don’t know where I’d be without her. I’d be ‘left with the wolves’ which has been quite a disconcerting thought lately.
Sorry to hear that you've had such a tough time getting the help you need. I guess it just goes to show that there is such variation in competence across the medical profession.
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