restless legs

[Horsham]

I suffer terribly with pain in my legs,the only med

that helps my rls is morphine.

[SueJohnson]

I gather the morphine is not completely controlling your RLS. How much are you taking?

[Horsham in reply to SueJohnson]

I am taking 7mls,it does help.

[SueJohnson in reply to Horsham]

Assuming you meant mgs, that is a low dose. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS the usual effective dose is 15 to 45 mg. If you are not familiar with the Mayo algorithm which is now the bible for treating RLS check it out at at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[Jumpey in reply to Horsham]

I take 12.5mks and it stops my RLS.Try uping the dose until you find the one that suits you.

[Horsham in reply to Jumpey]

I was on 5mls of morphine,but my gp put it up to 7

[Jumpey in reply to Horsham]

It sounds like you need more.

[SueJohnson]

Have you had your ferritin checked? If so, what was it? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not when you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including multivitamins that have iron in them 48 hours before the test, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your transferrin saturation to be over 20% but less than 45% and your ferritin to be at least 100. If they are not, post them here and we can give you some advice.

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.

By the way it would really help us to give you advice if you would indicate on your profile what country you live

[Horsham in reply to SueJohnson]

I live in England. I take Zopiclone as well as 7mls of Morphine.