Information but comment:
I have ulcerative colitis. My specialist nurse told me that some people with IBD also suffer with RLS. As high as 20%. I have an appointment with my GP next week, I will see if she was aware of this relationship. Previously I asked her to prescribe Dipyridamole for RLS, and she refused as it is only licenced as an anticoagulant and not for RLS.? We shall see.
Poor iron absorption in the gut is the usual cause. IV iron infusions by pass that problem and should be considered as first line treatment where patients have IBS, Crohns etc.
Thank you Joolsg, my iron / ferritin is 227, I was told its normal.
That is fine for RLS BUT elevated ferritin is falsely high in certain diseases like MS, Crohns and IBS and ulcerative colitis. Inflammation raises ferritin.
Keith, your iron is in the normal range, but still high as far as we see on here. Because of your inflammatory condition your body might be sequestering iron out of blood and storing it and not letting much out of storage. It’s a protective mechanism really meant for infections wherein our bodies try to starve out the microbes that love and need iron. One night I would try taking 28 to 56mg of ferrous bisglycinate on an empty stomach about two hours before bed. If your RLS isn’t substantially improved within about an hour that’s it. You’re not an immediate responder, as many on here are. You see, everyone’s serum iron (not ferritin) drops at night thanks to a little hormone called hepcidin. We with RLS rely very heavily on that serum iron since we have so little brain ferritin to fall back on when it drops. You might have even have more hepcidin and less serum iron because of your condition. Fortunately, hepcidin is lowest at night (after it’s done it’s dirty deed) and many of us are able to sneak our brains some much needed iron this way. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Very interesting, thank you and I will let you know of any updates.
ulcerative colitis is a disease of the colon, while iron absorbs in the small intestine.
Thank you. Does this mean an IV of iron would not be required, test result of iron was 227?
Perhaps inflammation is the root cause of both conditions.
Here is an update after my appointmnt with my GP today: I asked to be prescribed with either Dipyridamole or Buprenorphine for my RLS and again she refused as neither are licenced for RLS. I now have to wait for an appointment with the neurolgist which will the middle of next year, if i'm lucky. Can I buy either of those drugs privately / online?
I'm sorry to hear that but no they have to be prescribed.
Antidepressant to wean off Pramipexole???
Channel 5 RLS Documentary
In love with my patches!
Disappointed with doctor 
