Doctors, ugh

[Weezie99]

I get so angry when I read the stories here. So many people in so much misery and doctors just dismiss them. I'm just thoroughly disgusted, and I don't know how to make this better.

[Madlegs1]

I hear you.😥

[ChrisColumbus]

Agreed. While my current doctor is reasonably open to new information, we hear too many stories of those who are dogmatic, inflexible and positively antagonistic towards experience gained from sources outside their own narrow horizons.

I understand that general practitioners and specialists alike are stressed and overworked and feel that they need to simplify their workload by adhering rigidly to e.g NICE guidelines and to reject information from other sources (e.g Mayo).

It therefore seems necessary, albeit extremely difficult, to influence and educate those who create these guiding frameworks.

[SueJohnson]

What is your story? Is your RLS under control? What medicines do you take for it? Have you had your ferritin checked?

[Weezie99 in reply to SueJohnson]

Yes. It's as controlled as much as possible. After exhausting every possible avenue, homeopathic and pharmaceutical, I finally landed on Vicodin. It saved my sanity. I'm not kidding. I've been on the same dose for almost 6 years. BTW, I'm 70 years old. I could give a flying crap whether or not I could get addicted. I've had this frustratingly painful aggravating depressing disorder for close to 15 years. Until such time as meds catch up with this condition, I'm staying on my "Vitamin V". I'm in the US and I'm not familiar with the UK medical system. Maybe your Docs won't Rx this for you? I had to kick up a fuss, but finally found a doc who didn't think I was just trying to get drugs. Friggin doctors.

[smilingjane in reply to Weezie99]

Hi Weezie99Would you mind sharing what your dose is and if you have any side effects?

Many thanks

[Weezie99 in reply to smilingjane]

10/325, up to 5x a day as needed. Sometimes I only need a couple. Other days I end up taking 5. I track my intake carefully on a notepad on my phone. If it looks like it's going to be a "5" day, I get out the heating pad, the tens unit, my percussion massager, and any other tool in my arsenal I've used to fight this. I never want to exceed that dose, so I do what can to extend the time between doses. It's a system that's worked for me, and my Dr monitors me closely. He and the intrusive government regulators require monthly visits and labs before renewing the Rx for an additional 30 days. I don't drink or smoke, and that helps reassure him that I don't abuse addictive substances. But he still requires testing, lol. "Trust but verify" is his motto. Over ten years on this regimen and my kidneys and liver still deliver healthy lab results. I'm greatful and feel very lucky for this. I hope this helps you talk to your Dr about trying this med. It has seriously saved me from going insane. I see posts here from people who are unable to get the help they need, and it just breaks my heart.

[smilingjane]

Glad your sorted

I too am adequatley covered now. (Buprenorphine).

It took a couple of years, a list of other drugs to 'try' and a lot of stress.

I feel your anger for others still trying or waiting to be properly listened to and treated. By speaking out on this site you are helping to spread the word.

I know how the right treatment saves people from, as you said going insane or worse. I was there.

Thank you to the wonderful knowledgable people on this forum that saved my life and are continuing to advise others.

Hugs to you all

Jane x