update and advice on flights

[Patters56]

understanding. She has given me the form to get my iron tested but did say it would be difficult to get anybody to agree to an iv iron transfusion but let’s wait and see what my bloods come back as first. She has prescribed me gabapentin, at my request, but think I may try to manage it a bit again first by taking iron and magnesium. A different gp prescribed me pramipexole a couple of weeks ago but after reading about it I wasn’t happy with the potential side effects, hence finding this forum!! I have been taking a low dose 1 tablet for a couple of weeks, and it was great, but have stopped taking it as don’t want the long term issues, sure enough the rls was back last night!

My question is I have a 13 hour night flight coming up which I am dreading. Do you think it’s ok to take 1 pramipexole to get me through the flight. Is intermittent use of a low dose ok?

I don’t want to start take the gabapentin yet as I am going on hols and don’t want to risk any side effects, and I also want to see if I can manage it a bit better without medication (just thought I’d get a prescription incase I want to start in them as we know how difficult it is just getting a gp appointment!)

I also read Sue said estrogen (hrt) could make it worse. I def feel mine has been worse since I’ve been on hrt, I even asked the gp last year if it could be made worse by the hrt and he just shock his head and smiled. I’m seeing my hrt nurse next week and think maybe I will stop that , it’s just weighing up what you can put up with and what you can’t!!

[Madlegs1]

It would be ok to take Pramipexol for the flight.

[Joolsg]

I agree with Madlegs. Take the Pramipexole for the flight.HRT can trigger/worsen RLS for many on this forum. Put HRT in the search engine. Conversely, it improves RLS for some.

Treat iron deficiency and it may vastly improve RLS and you could be med free.

Many women first experience RLS in pregnancy. If we had all been given iron infusions, the majority of us would never have needed meds.

[SueJohnson]

I agree with Madlegs1 and Joolsg. Take the pramipexole. Book your flight for early in the day and book an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around and preferably an emergency exit or bulkhead. Pack activities that serve as distractions. If you belong to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, download the Restless Legs Syndrome Special Accommodations Card to give to the flight attendant. You can join for $40 even if you don't live in the US and it is well worth it. RLS-UK also has a medical alert card available to members for things like flights. Otherwise be sure to talk to the flight attendant and explain that you will be walking a lot. You may not need this if your RLS is completely controlled by the pramipexole.

[Truthsword]

Yes try the iron first before committing to gabapentin...or paramexole. One or two doses on the plane..ok...but DON'T go on it long term! It only makes things way worse. The infusions really helped me.

God bless you and help b you get through this!