How long have you had RLS?

I first experienced RLS around 10 or 11 years old. I’m 60 now. I did not even know there was a name or diagnosis for it until 1999. In 2004 I had a sleep study; diagnosed with extreme RLS,PLMDS, and REM behavior disorder.
Was put on all the dopa meds; Requip, SinemetCR, and Mirapex. Only made the RLS worse.
I should mention I have had several severe injuries to my back and neck as well as several other broken bones and surgeries. When I was treated with an opioid post surgery the RLS stopped. But my career does not allow for taking this medication. So I was prescribed huge doses of Neurontin, Baclofen, and Ibuprofen. This barely made a dent in the symptoms. If I slept more than an hour a nite I considered it a miracle.
After a failed second back surgery I was put on OUT for pain. It worked perfect for stopping RLS. I also found buprenorphine to be highly effective as well.
I have tried every natural recommendation possible. But in my case only a med that works on the mu receptor is effective. Without it I walk for days and nites on end. I have fallen asleep while walking and injured myself by running into furniture. After several days and nites of this I will also start to occasionally see and hear things that are not there.
The worst outcome was the loss of my piloting career because of RLS. I flew for a major airline but I could no longer function safely because of extreme exhaustion. I had to choose to go back on an opioid to pretty much save my life…RLS has affected my life in horrible ways. I would not wish RLS on anyone.

I have had RLS for 42 years. Inherited it from my mom.

I've had RLS for 10 years or so. I also have peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet, which makes it that much more uncomfortable. It's been getting worse recently. I'm still trying to find a treatment that helps me sleep!

When I was being tested for my sleep study is when I was diagnosed that was a 1 1/2 years ago