What is the most unhelpful advice someone has given you about RLS?
What terrible thing to say people can become suicidal from lack of sleep
Hi
. Welcome to the community! Lack of sleep can most certainly have a huge impact on mental health, and restless legs syndome can be challenging to treat because we don't always know what caused it. For some people, there might be a genetic component while others developed RLS after a head injury, a back injury or an illness. That means treatments that help one person won't always help another. It sounds like you have gotten some advice that was probably well-intentioned, but not effective for you. Have you tried any medications? If so, have they had any impact? Are you getting much sleep? Have you been experiencing symptoms for a long time or are you new to RLS? Regardless, we are here for you. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Told to go on Paleo diet not helpful
Told to try acupuncture not helpful
Told to use compression not helpfulChange diet not helpful, acupuncture not helpful
I have had RLS my whole life. It got worse with my back problems and my weight. My grandfather had it and my son has it. I think alot of people think they have it but they talk about pain, numbness, etc. I don't believe that's RLS
I avoid all the meds that aggravate it. Even sometimes alcohol and ice cream. I cannot take SSRI's as it causes a Serotonin cascade so I don't take any meds that could affect Serotonin.
I've diagnosed myself as I haven't met a doctor that knows about RLS.Hi
. Are you able to sleep without medication? Usually, a neurologist is the best person to see about RLS. Can you ask your primary care doctor to refer you to someone? If RLS is interfering with your quality of life, there are other medications and alternative treatments that can help. Here is an article about treatments that might interest you: https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/treatment. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) Pain can happen for some people -- I've seen it's about 1 in 3. But we're not sure why that is, and sometimes other conditions can be at play as well. Regardless, it really stinks! I'm sorry that you're prone to serotonin syndrome. There are so many meds that can aggravate that, I sympathize! Is there anything you or your family members have found that at least takes the edge off? I hope you're able to find some good resources here and maybe even consider seeing a neurologist as Lori suggested. You can ask the front desk staff if the doctor has experience in restless legs before making your appointment so you don't waste your time. We're here to support you! -Melissa, team member
