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Restless Leg Cure?

I have had RLS for years. It was tolerable until about 4-5 years ago when it went from just nighttime to during the day. I would have never done it, but sometimes, even with the meds, I wanted to pull my hair out, slit my wrists, or anything to make it stop. RLS significantly contributed to my depression. I have tried many over-the-counter medications, including magnesium, and if anything, they only lessened the symptoms. As of a few weeks ago, I was taking 1mg of ropinirole every 4 hours starting in the afternoon, and more recently, it started first thing in the morning. I would take 5mg of ropinirole to get me through the night. The ropinirole made me extremely tired, and I felt like I was sleeping my life away. I was recently sent to a doctor because of swelling and discoloration in my feet. It turned out to be venous reflux in my legs. The doctor told me that the treatment would take care of the RLS. I was skeptical that it was too good to be true. This was my first hope to lessen the problem, at least. I asked him why I had never heard of this before, and he said most doctors don't know about it. I had six treatments for the Venous Reflux over about 2 1/2 months. About two weeks ago, I noticed that I needed less ropinirole, and for the last five days, I have NOT HAD ANY restless leg and NO ropinirole! I want to shout it from the rooftops so my fellow sufferers can know! I didn't think this would ever be possible, and I am so grateful that I seem to have found a cure. I know five days is a short time, but I couldn't not share. I will keep you updated on this great news!

  1. Hi
    I have had RLS for 20 years and I blame it on antidepressant I was prescribed called Effexor that was given to me when my daughter and grandson were killed in a car accident.
    I have been taking pramipexole this entire time and haven’t had a good nights sleep since. The medication stops the legs from being restless but after about 4 hours of sleep I am wide awake because the medication causes sleep deprivation. My legs are still calm but I wake up and cannot go back to sleep.
    I am wondering if you ever took Primipexol, which is Mirapex generic because I’m interested in trying ropinirol after reading your post. Did this medication stop the restlessness of your legs the first night you took it?
    I just want to sleep so badly.
    I have been to a sleep, doctor the mayo clinic and nobody can help me. The only thing that’s ever worked Is this Pramipexole.
    I am always so tired and my quality of life sucks. They say to try exercise well how are you you’re supposed to exercise when you have no energy.
    I used to be an energetic, vibrant person.
    It seems to me that my restless leg syndrome comes from my lower back. It starts in my lower back and then goes into my legs. A physical therapist told me he thought it came from the back, but I really don’t understand it. I’ve never been to a neurologist, but I know they can’t help me. It’ll just be the same old same old conversation I’ve had with many.
    I appreciate your information and I am going to see my doctor and talk to him about your so-called cure. I am so happy for you and I’m hoping it helps me. This condition has totally changed me. I’m tired, I’m depressed and people just don’t understand. They just don’t understand.

    1. Hi . My heart aches for your loss. How devestating. I can't even begin to imagine what you have been through.
      There are many potential causes of RLS and, unfortunately, what helps one person might not always help another. It could be that Venous Reflux put pressure on cathymb's nerves and that treatments relieved the pressure, thereby curing the RLS. Your RLS might have a completely different cause. Are you still taking Effexor? Some people find relief from RLS symptoms after they stop taking it.
      I really hope you consider seeing a neurologist. A good neurologist can rule out some nerve conditions that might be causing or contributing to your RLS symptoms, especially if you can find a neurologist who specializes in RLS. They will also be more familiar with the pros and cons of different medications.
      Here is an article about prescription medications for RLS: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/medications. As you can see, you have a lot of options. Here is another article about lifestyle changes and how they can help some people with RLS: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/lifestyle-changes.
      I hope this all helps and that you can find relief that also lets you sleep.
      Warm wishes.
      - Lori (Team Member)

  2. Hi, Cathy! Just want to check in on you to see how you've been doing the last few weeks, Still feeling good? I hope so! -Melissa, team member

    1. Hi Lori, I can give an update on my journey. I’m still firmly convinced that there is a causal link between CVI and RLS, but I’ve also come to understand that it is highly likely there is more than one cause of RLS. The treatment I’ve settled on that works reasonably well for me is as follows.
      Firstly I have to make sure my bladder is empty at bedtime, if I don’t I’ll have episodes that will disturb the sleep of both me and my wife. So I don’t drink any significant amount of water for 4 hours before bedtime.
      I’ve also found that wearing compressions socks will often completely suppress RLS while I sleep. Some nights I still have small tremors but they are less frequent and much less severe.
      And last I am taking a supplement called Youthful Legs which is designed for people with varicose veins but seems to help with my RLS as well. I purchase it from the iHerb website but I’d suggest talking to your doctor regarding this one. It has helped my RLS but I’m not a doctor so you might want to get a professional opinion on this one.

      1. Hi Melissa, the photo below shows the list of ingredients

      2. Hi! I did see your original post a few weeks ago (that little thumbs up at the bottom was me!). Sorry I didn't say anything. I appreciate you taking the time to take the picture, it can be helpful not just for me but others. How have you been doing this month? Hope all is well and you have a restful holiday season. -Melissa, team member

    2. I am so thrilled for you, ! I am no medical expert, but I have always believed RLS has multiple causes and that investigating those potential causes might bring some people permanent relief. You are further proof of that. Venous reflux, also known as chronic venous insufficiency, might not be the source of symptoms for everyone, but it is sure worth looking into. Here is a forum post from last year about the possible connection that might interest you: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/forums/relationship-between-rls-and-cvi. Maybe is still active here and can provide an update as well.
      I hope you continue to experience no further symptoms and that you are forever done with RLS. It would be wonderful if you could check in now and then and let us know how you are doing. Thanks for sharing. Best of all wishes. - Lori (Team Member)

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