Do I have RLS

[Breester]

My background is Y5 of PMR tapering Prednisolone down to 1mg daily.

After a straightforward lower discs back surgery I was left with L knee & shin numbness.

Today both legs feel numb & the pads of my feet are numb. My toes are okay rest of body okay. I can no longer sleep through the night as legs & feet get stiff & wake me. No spasms electric signals involuntary movements ever. Once awake I need to pee. I am very unsteady on my feet from bed to WC. From morning onwards walking about is my friend as legs up to knees altho feel tingly I can manage well enough. If I take a nap then legs & feet stiffen up.

An intern diagnosed RLS by consulting a screen prescribed Gabapentine 300g at night. A neurologist with little interest in me agreed with the diagnosis saying titrate up Gabapentine if needed. I stuck to 300 nightly & sleep improved. Legs however still stiff.

This week I met a rheumatologist who said definitely not RLS as 300 too low for RLS. Stop Gabapentine see GP for alternative solutions. I stopped & sleep is interrupted. Yet I think this last doctor is right.

I wonder about fibromyalgia or neuropathy.

Does anyone in the community have any thought please. 🙏

[SueJohnson]

All of the following must be true for a diagnosis of RLS: 1) The urge to move the legs and sometimes the arms 2) The onset or worsening of symptoms during periods of inactivity when lying down and sometimes when sitting 3) Symptoms occur or worsen in the evening or bedtime. They are usually dormant in the morning 4) Symptoms get better when walking or stretching as long as it is continued. 5) Can't be explained by another medical or behavioral condition.

It doesn't sound like RLS to me as the urge to move is the most important and you don't have this.

300 mg is just a starting dose for RLS. Gabapentin can help you sleep.

[Breester in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you very clear.