Alternative treatment for RLS. - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Alternative treatment for RLS.

Jmackrella profile image
14 Replies

I was placed on Miramax for RLS. After a few days I was hallucinating and had vision irregularities. I thought that nothing would help me. But a counselor told me about a natural remedy and I was willing to try anything. It is called a castor oil wrap. I found it on Amazon. It is a special wrap where you place a castor oil liquid on the inside of the wrap and then secure it in your leg. I couldn’t believe the results. After 3 years of suffering I finally got relief with no side effects.

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Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella
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14 Replies
Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

Thank goodness Mirapex didn't work for you. It's a nasty drug that is no longer first line treatment for RLS. Your doctor should NOT have prescribed it.Have a look at the Mayo Clinic Algorithm, which sets out how to treat RLS properly.

1.Raise serum ferritin with iron supplements/infusions.

2. Review & safely replace trigger medications like anti depressants, anti histamines etc

3. If 1&2 don't improve RLS, prescribe pregabalin or gabapentin.

4. If 3 doesn't help, prescribe low dose opioids.

Mirapex eventually feeds the disease and increases symptoms severely.

So it's a good thing you have stopped.

I'm glad the castor oil has helped, but follow the Mayo Algorithm and get full panel, morning, fasting blood tests and raise your serum ferritin. The majority Of RLS can be resolved by this.

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to Joolsg

Thank you for the information! I knew nothing of those drugs for RLS until I was prescribed one. I had extensive blood work done before taking Miramax. I’m terrified to try anything else after I had vision problems. I’m happy with the relief I have gotten from the castor oil wrap. See, I had a stroke in my right eye 8 1/2 years ago leaving me blind in my right eye. Miramax gave me vision problems in my good eye and terrified me. I’m not taking anymore medication for RLS that’s for sure. It also left me with panic attacks everyday since May. I curse the day I was placed on it.

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

Castor Oil is anti-inflamatory so, this makes sense - do keep us informed of your progress!

draxe.com/nutrition/castor-...

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to DicCarlson

I didn’t know that! I’m still stunned that it works. I’m not an avid alternative medicine person but I was desperate. When I place that wrap and castor oil on my legs the shaking and weird sensations go away. I still have RLS because I feel it in my legs. But now I can finally go to bed and not be anxious while waiting for my leg’s to begin shaking. They’re calm now.

SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

I am pleased that it works for you. However Joolsg is right about raising ferritin. 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. Taking iron is not the same as taking medicine.

Meanwhile 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, estrogen including HRT, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, eating late at night, 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 like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse

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.

Even though the castor Oil wrap works, you might find it isn't even necessary.

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to SueJohnson

I will talk with my doctor about getting ferritin levels checked. I did try CBD, supplements for restless legs, electric massage on my legs and nothing helped. Only the castor oil wrap has given me relief. But I understand how this could be questioned because I thought it was a joke when a friend told me about it. After having horrendous side effects from Pramipexole I decided to avoid all traditional methods of treatment. I’m pleased with the results from what I’m using. After more than a month I have finally gotten relief. But I will have more bloodwork done. Thank you for your advice.

TheDoDahMan profile image
TheDoDahMan in reply to Jmackrella

Do you keep wearing the castor oil wrap all night long? Did you get relief the first night? The first hour? Thank you!

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to TheDoDahMan

Yes, I wear it all night. It did help the first time I put it on. I still can’t believe hire it helps me but going to sleep and while I’m asleep.

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to SueJohnson

I did try magnesium and it didn’t help. I will contact my doctor this week about what you explained to me. Thanks!

glosman profile image
glosman

I have been taking Mirapexin for several years now & for me although only a low doseage works wonders. I am just wondering & a bit worried about all the horror stories I read & warnings to get off of Mirapexin as not sure why.

Any advice & info welcome thanks

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to glosman

I was placed on a low dosage too. Everyone’s tolerance is different. The side effects came on the fifth day of being on it. The doctor immediately took me off of it. If it works for you that’s a good thing. Just be aware of the possible side effects. If you experience any of them tell your doctor.

glosman profile image
glosman in reply to Jmackrella

Thanks it works for me & having tried other treatments over the years am just so, so grateful it works. I have just looked again at the pro's & con's & touch wood think I am ok at the moment. I will keep an eye on things & check again with my GP should anything change.

I am really please that the castor oil wrap is working for you.

Jmackrella profile image
Jmackrella in reply to glosman

I would avoid looking at the pros and cons. My doctor made clear the side effects and that was the most important thing, not other people’s experiences with the drug. I’m really happy for you that it works!

Ramuu profile image
Ramuu

HI JMSCKRELLA, VERY INTERESTING !!. I AM SUFFERING FROM HIGH INTENSITY RLS AND TREMORS. HOW MANY DAYS I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE EFFECTIVE RESULT. I HAVE VE RY INTENSE RLS AND TREMORS IN HEA D, BOTH HANDS ,L EGS, TOES, AND FINGERS . BUT I WENT TO AMAZON SITE, IT HAS CASTO OIL PATBC H FOR LEVER, KNEES ETC, BUT HOW TO APPLY TO OT HER BODY PARTS. SORRY , I HAVE TREMORS, HOPE YOU can UNDERSTAND MY REQUIREMMNTS.

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