No rls after over 50 years

[Memmy]

Although I'm not diabetic my sugar levels were always quite high. I decided to eat what diabetics eat and believe it or not NO rls for over a week. Ok I'm still taking 0.18mg mirapexin for 10 days which I alternate with tramadol for 3 nights but amazingly it seems to work for me. I had found wine was a big no-no and I use Stevia instead of sugar. I also am careful about carbs. Let's see if it carries on🤞 I'm wondering if I can stop the Mirapexin but I'm too scared at the moment. The only downside is I have to take half an ambien to sleep. But after years of night walking this is nothing. I have quite a few friend who are diabetic and they have told me that they suffer from rls. Even my brother in law who has had his leg amputated due to diabetes still felt the rls in that leg. Have any studies been done about sugar levels and rls.

[Joolsg]

Eryl and many others find sugar and certain carbs worsen their RLS.Many on here report that following low carb, sugar free diets relieves their symptoms. Others follow low Fodmaps/ low oxalate diets.

It seems you have found your triggers.

[SueJohnson]

That's great. So pleased for you.

[Jumpey]

So pleased for you.

[Gmc54]

I do hope this continues for you, please keep us posted

[ddsd11]

Memmy, I'm afraid that the Tramadol has run it's course I started with 1, for a year then 2 , the 3, I finally got to 6 and I stopped taking them I've been off of them for 2 years now, I'm using a tense unit, and it seems to help. I've had RLS for over 30 years. I'm now getting the same feeling between my shoulder blades. I'm 72 and only get maybe 3 hours sleep nightly.

Good Luck with your regiment

[Coeso in reply to ddsd11]

I try not to take tram for more than 3 days at a time. The alternating seems to help. I sympathise with you and hope you find something that helps

[SueJohnson in reply to ddsd11]

I'm sorry about the tramadol no longer working.

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, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. 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.

Have you tried gabapentin or pregabalin? They are the first line treatment for RLS

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, eating late at night, 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, fennel, 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, CBD, 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, vibration devices, 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.