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!
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.
I am glad you found a routine that helps,
. Thanks for the update and thanks for sharing. There is so much trial and error involved in finding relief, but it can certainly be worthwhile. I hope your RLS remains under control and that you are getting some solid sleep. Warmly, Lori (Team Member)
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)
