One Small Setback...

[vikkitennis]

I reported to the forum four plus weeks ago, the RLS symptoms had temporarily disappeared, due to extreme attention and focus on two tennis tournaments I conducted at our community. I began to taper down from 20 mg methadone to 7.5 mg today. The jerkiness I experienced in the past were absent, with many minimal nights of a spasm or two.

Last night I neglected to take the methadone, as we ushered an event at a local arena. We returned home past midnight, and I discovered my error. I promptly took one dose, then followed with the other 30 minutes later. The spasms returned, and with a vengeance. I stretched for 10 minutes, and the spasms left.

It made me realize I am not out of the woods, and don't neglect to take the medication. I see the movement disorder doctor in less than two weeks, and I am curious about his thoughts.

I am enjoying reading the posts from the forum, and what a crazy disease this is taking all of us on. The viewers reporting back are so helpful, and I appreciate you and this fourm.

[ChrisColumbus]

Keep taking the meds, and good luck!

[RLSLearner]

vikki, you would describe you symptoms as spasms not just the urge to move?

[vikkitennis in reply to RLSLearner]

yes, jerkiness in the legs, not the urge to move. Neurologist said it isn't limb disorder, but what do you think?

[teakabeagle in reply to vikkitennis]

That sounds like PLMD IF YHEY ARE JERKY MOTION AND NOT SOASMS. Is the jerky associated with a Charley horse cramp in the calves?

[vikkitennis in reply to teakabeagle]

no, they are occurring at 4am, causing me to stay awake, and then rise for the day. There was some cramping last week, but I attributed that to the extreme exercise in very warm weather Arizona is experiencing right now.

[teakabeagle in reply to vikkitennis]

Sounds more like PLMD than spasms if you aren’t getting Charley horse sensation. PLMD can occur with or without RLS. Have you ever had a sleep study which can diagnose that. Perhaps Baclofen will help. It works at the spinal cord level so not a many side effect as Gabapentin which is often prescribed.

I have RLS.and PLMD and the Gabapentin and Baclofen unfortunately did not work for me. Buprenorphine has worked well for both.

[Nyana]

I have great experiences with 5 mg methadone, two times a day!

[vikkitennis in reply to Nyana]

Yes, I take it twice at night. Unfortunately, it was my error not to be on track with the medication. I haven't increased it back to where it was, 20 mg.

[TheDoDahMan]

My experience is exactly the same as Nyana describes. And like you, Vikki, whenever I neglect to take my dose, my symptoms will eventually protest until I rectify the oversight.

[vikkitennis in reply to TheDoDahMan]

I will ask the neurologist at this month's appointment for a ferritin blood panel.