Restless nights

I suffered for years wirh rls.
Became more frequent as the years went on. Tried many different lotions and potions including dry needeling which thought cured it but only lasted a month or 2.
Im not sure this will cure indefinelty but so far its worked and have had no restless sensations. A cooling or freezing gel applied to the area in question works wonders. You can buy this relatively cheaply and its easily applied. I just had to share this and really hope it finds many sufferers. Fingers crossed it continues to work. Im pretty confident it will

Thanks, yes my scoliosis is severe. I am 88 y/o so no I won't be having surgery. I also have old age DDD. I am uncertain about cause and affect but do believe there is a connection because when my back issues are worse RLS is usually also worse. So thanks again for this forum. It is helpful just to read a little from others who understands. Even though my family is supportive RLS is still a lonley illness.

Hello, it's great to find a forum for RLS/PLMD which I have had for 25 years. I have tried many things during those years. One of my problems is that I develop tolerance to everything I try. Meaning it works for a while (few weeks to months) then my body starts accepting it as normal and no longer responds or I get bad side effects. I developed nausea to gabapentin. I could only take Mirapex every 5th day or it would stop working. Pregabalin just put me to sleep for 1-2 hours but didn't stop the sensations/jerking.
I tried acupuncture last year. It helped for about 6 months then slowly stopped. But I would still recommend trying accupuncture since it does help many.
I got so desperate that I talked to my primary about opioids. He put me on Ropinirole, which he was surprised I had never tried. It has been helping me for 3 months. I also wake up around 3 am. Then I take several drops of hemp oil tincture sublingual which will give me about one more hour sleep. I have been taking the hemp for about 5 years. It only gives 1-2 hours but that can make a big difference for me.
If that doesn't stop the sensations/jerking I rub magnesium ointment on my legs. I can't take magnesium orally because it gives me diarrhea. I have to keep getting different brands of the ointment every few months because like everything else each stops working after a few weeks/months. But the internet is full of magnesium ointment options. The magnesium ointment also helps when I get jerking during the day.
Another thing that helps me is I put a large heating pad on my back but that may help because I have scoliosis which I believe plays some part in my RLS.
Good luck with your Ropinirole.

Hi . Have you talked with your doctor about the sleep issues? I wonder whether that's when the Ropinirole is wearing off. - Lori (Team Member)