Do you find it difficult to talk to your doctor about your RLS?
Have you ever had difficulty describing your symptoms?
Have you ever had a doctor or other clinician not understand?
On the flipside, have you found a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable and compassionate about your RLS?
From my experience GPs are not proficient in diagnosing movement or sleep disorders. I once had to take my late mum, who had quite physically demonstrable, advanced undiagnosed Parkinson's to her GPs (I barely have a 2:2 honours degree in Psychology, so not exactly medically trained), her symptoms were so obvious by then - unilateral gait, lack of facial motivation, tremor, confusion, etc. This was a GP who called her in annually for a 'check-up'... Anyhow I sat there and was asked what I thought; I recited the A-level text book definition of Parkinson's and thus she was referred to a Neurobiologist.
I am would say GPs knowledge of sleep disorders is similar. In agreement with sentiments above re lifestyle changes... I've tried all pharmaceuticals pretty much and only found some relief from a low dose of tramadol - it's short lived, but gives me some alleviation at night, which is the worst time for me.
GP don't like to prescribe opioids as a rule so it's a battle, even though I am take just 100mg / nightly. In fact, GPs (and specialist consultants in the UK also), seen unaware of augmentation issues associated with dopamine agonists and are keep to prescribe anti-depressants (and anything else) that may have secondary sedatory affects if DAs don't work.
Again, as per the above pos,, best thing is to do is your own research from my experience, and if you find an empathetic GP, don't move in practices whatever you do.
What a journey you've been on! Thank you for sharing, and I totally agree with you: some of us get lucky and find the right fitting doctor or specialist on the first try, and for others, it may take looking around and having multiple opinions to find the empathetic treatment we deserve. I'm glad that you've found a treatment that feels right for you. Thanks for being here 😊 - Alyssa (Team Member)
I tend no to rely on doctors for most things because as we know they love to give people medication, which can then create other issues. I tend to try and research as much as I possibly can into the issue myself, and I know there isn't much medication that will help. A change in diet, regular exercise, training yourself and your brain to have a good sleep pattern, good Arcadian sleep pattern and that helps a lot more than medication. I have also lately tried those vibrating muscle massagers and that helps quite a lot even tho is it short lived
Hi
, it sounds like you're motivated to treat your RLS in a way that feels right for you, and that's great! While medication can certainly provide relief for some people who live with RLS, it's important to look into all options like you've done. If you're ever interested in learning a little more about how to discuss RLS with your doctor, this article has some tips: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/living/tips-first-doctor-visit. (But if you're ever looking to change doctors after some disappointing experiences, this one may be helpful: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/living/changing-doctors) Thanks for sharing! - Alyssa (Team Member)
When I first spoke to my former GP about the sensation in my legs, he said it was RLS and didn't want to treat it.
When I had the sleep study done and was finally officially diagnosed with RLS, the sleep expert was very knowledgeable about RLS. It was refreshing to finally get the diagnosis and begin treatment after suffering with the disease for 25-26yrs.
🥄🦄 Ray (Team member)what treatment did they give you if you don't mind me asking? I absolutely do not mind you asking. I was prescribed Pramipexole and told to take it with magnesium. Unfortunately, I experienced argumentation twice. The most recent one caused me to switch medications as Pramipexole causes impulse control issues and I knew that by increasing the dose, I wouldn't be able to control myself. Now I am on Pregabalin.
🥄🦄 Ray (Team member)
