Restless Leg Syndrome

[LuckyD]

Anyone have it? How do you deal with it? This is not due to Atkins. It is something that has been slowly developing over the past 2 years. Now I seem to get it everynight at bedtime. Any advice?
Thanks, Diana

[jimmie 48]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

about half jokingly i told myjack two nights ago i had rls. my legs were achy and i couldn't seem to keep still. i took a couple melatonin and went to bed.

[Lulubell]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

well, i do know there is a medication for it now. it's the same stuff used to treat parkinson's disease (Requip) made by GSK. i guess it would be up to you and your doc to decide if you need that.

my sister has RLS. and the way she manages it is to walk for 30 minutes a couple times per week. i imagine that if you are following atkins, you already exercise. but my sister is one of those people who is tall and thin, drinks regular pepsi all day long, is a couch potato, eats whatever she wants and never gains weight, would look great dressed in trash bag... you know the type. so, the exercise has made a difference to her.

good luck and let us know what you find to help.

[ttdriver]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

My husband has had RLS for years, and its gotten increasingly more severe as he's gotten older. He takes Mirapex now, which has helped somewhat. Eliminating caffeine and alcohol is recommended as is a warm bath before retiring. I've also read that increasing magnesium helps some people...DH hasn't tried that yet, but its on our shopping list.

Betty

[DAWNIMMEL]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

I have restless leg syndrome. The doctor tried a parkinson's drug for me which did not help. Then my family doctor put me on Klonopin which works great. I tried Requip, but the only problem is I couldn't sleep at all. I was up all night and all day with increased energy (unusual for me because I take high doses of reglan). I was not up because me legs were bothering, but it was just a side effect of the medication for me. I would definately go to the doctor, get a sleep study done if it is suggested, and get a med for it. RLS drains you by disturbing your sleep patterns. You will feel much better once your legs aren't bothering you. You only have to take the med before bed. I do carry an extra klonopin in my purse because on rare occation I have problems while working. I sit for 8 hours a day, and commute for 4 hours a day. Best wishes Dawn

[kristianne35]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

I'm young- and I have symptoms of it. This may not be the case for any of you but I experience the creepy crawly, can't get comfortable, can't sleep, just feel the need to stretch and move my legs.... all when my hips are out of adjustment! If I get my hips back where they're supposed to be then it goes away!

Anyway, I know a lot of ppl hate chiropractors- but it has worked for me.

[Mia*Bella]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

I do!!! I first developed it when I was 15 years old - I will never forget that band trip - it was the longestnight ever and I couldn't get my legs to stop. It was almost painful. I was thin back then ( 5'5" and 130#), so the weight hasn't made a difference.

I find it is worse when I am pregnant or overtired. Exercise doesn't help me, unfortunately. I would try it first, but if it doesn't work, check with a doctor. I'm looking for a good one myself (with the exception of my hubby! LOL!) so that I can get treated as mine is progressively getting worse and keeps me up for hours!

[sallyseachange]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

And to think I'd never heard of this.... interesting. Hope you get some relief Diana!

[jimmie 48]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

And to think I'd never heard of this.... interesting. Hope you get some relief Diana!

sal, do they not run commercials on your tv about this? they had drugs for this, shoot they have drugs for everything, but it's all advertised on the tv.

adding this:
i really wasn't aware the there were natural remedies for RLS. diane, have you ever checked at an herbal shop to see what they offer? that has to be better than going with Ambien or anything drug.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

sal, do they not run commercials on your tv about this? they had drugs for this, shoot they have drugs for everything, but it's all advertised on the tv.

Nope... over here I've never seen commercials for this.

As an aside: Great new B&A pics JimmieJo! Can't remember seeing a "before" of you until now. Awesome change!

[ttdriver]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

A friend of mine on another Atkins board suggested that my husband try Colloida Life Trace Minerals liquid since it absorbs better than tablets or capsules. I ordered it from nutritiongeeks.com and DH just started taking it last week. Already, he has had GREAT REDUCTION in his RLS symptoms. If anyone is interested, PM me for details.


Betty

[Buddrfly]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

I didn't have any problems with it until pregnancy....now I suffer with it all the time. Its hard to sleepy comfortably because of it, and sometimes it feels funny to walk. I make it a point to take in as many fluids as possible, and get plenty of exercise (helps with circulation). There isn't much that can be done outside of that, except taking pills. Since it's not a problem I had prior to pregnancy, I don't see the point in that...plus I hate taking medication...unless it is really really needed. I do hope that it will go away, after delivery.

[des]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

I've read that Potassium is very helpful for RLS.
My husband has had it bad for years. We've found that a small cup of Tonic Water before bed does the trick nearly every time (tastes really bad, but it works!). He's also found pushing on some pressure points in his behind can help sometimes, but that's only possible if you have a little bum. LOL

[BirdDawg]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

I know this thread is a bit old, but I would like to suggest that RLS can simply be a symptom of tight muscles. I am a Massage Therapist and have treated many people that are diagnosed with RLS...massage works better than anything for them. And, it will get worse over time if the muscles aren't relaxed...just like other muscular issues (back, "Charlie horses", neck, etc.). Just my two cents.

[Mia*Bella]

Re: Restless Leg Syndrome

Thanks for the info Michelle. It's very true, it can. I wish mine was - that would be such a simple fix!