add injury to my misery

[Crazygrl]

I have had RLS for around 40 years. I was on ropineral for about 20 years and was taken off by Dr. B around 3 years ago. I tried methadone ( didn’t like the drug hangover), oxycodone ( worked fairly well for about 8 months) and am now on Buprenorphine/Naloxone sublingual film 1/5 or 1/4 of a film in evening. For the most that has been working pretty well. I recently fell and now have compression fracture of my spine. I have a brace that I need to wear for approximately 3 months. My RLS has kicked into gear pretty much all the time despite my evening medication. I can’t sit still for the life of me.(literally). I am grateful I have an appointment coming up with Dr. B regarding this problem . I guess I’m just wondering if anybody else has been through anything similar to this because I feel as though I am hindering my recovery..

[SueJohnson]

That is perfectly normal to happen. It is a result of the inflammation. You probably need to increase the amount of the buprenorphine film you are using temporarily until the inflammation goes down.

[Merny5]

My RLS symptoms increased after surgery on 2 separate occasions. It took about 3-4 months to return. I believe it was inflammation. Good luck, I hope you find relief.

[707twitcher]

I'd suggest increasing the dose - to maybe 1/3 of a strip. If buprenorphine side effects aren't bothering you, no reason not to increase. Decreasing dose is when the problems arise - with withdrawal symptoms. You might need some during the day also while you have the back problems. Mayo guidelines say the effective dose ranges from .5mg (1/4 strip) to 6mg (3 full strips). Obviously, you don't want to increase dramatically, especially without doctor's involvement. But a small increase would let you know if the increased dose helps any.

[fritzb43 in reply to 707twitcher]

NEVER increase or decrease dosages without checking with your health care provider. None of us are doctors here.