Wear Your Ribbon With Pride

When we think of restless legs syndrome (RLS), we primarily think of individuals such as ourselves: long-time listeners, first-time callers (i.e. diagnosed a while ago, have our symptoms listed out, and coping each night by pacing, etc. or taking medication).

A community where all are welcome

We in this community are here to offer support, comfort, knowledge, and experience to all sufferers – be they old (diagnosed years ago, with a wealth of information under their belts), or new (newly diagnosed, stumbling around in the dark looking for the light at the end of the tunnel).

I thought I might list some of the ideas, items, and information that I still hold onto, even though my own RLS diagnosis was 5 years ago. If anybody out there would like to add their knowledge to this post for any newly diagnosed out there, then please feel free.

Searching for a diagnosis

My diagnosis was a shock to me. Imagine attending a doctor's appointment, sitting down with the feeling of both anticipation and dread in your stomach, and looking hopefully at this newly qualified diagnostician, pleading quietly to Those That Be for a competent medical practitioner.

You sit on a mid-19th-century wooden chair that has seen better days, wondering how many other bottoms have sat there, clenching, hoping for good news.

Looking over, you see this young man, sitting at an equally old desk, tapping away at a new computer that looks very out of place on the antiquated furniture.

Coping with the diagnosis news

Reeling from your symptoms, it feels like playing a fruit slot machine, hoping you line up 3 large gold number 7s and the payout is a "Jackpot!" A student who listened during lectures, who scanned his textbooks every night during his course — what does "Jackpot!" mean on this occasion? Restless legs syndrome.

Leaving the office with your spirits slightly lighter but feeling equally as down-heartened: Yet another diagnosis, yet another condition I suffer from.

The knowledge that you now know what it is weighs heavily, like another nail in the coffin of your existence.

You are not on this journey alone

It doesn't have to be that way, though. We are here – the community as a whole – offering advice like
"Heat mat may help," "Epsom salts in a warm bath," "Stretching your leg muscles," or just plain, "Go with it. Walk around the house until either your legs drop off, or you fall asleep standing up."

Our condition, like most these days, has an awareness day – a day to shout it loud from the rooftops, print out a poster, and push-pin it to your cubicle. Locate your local RLS support group and maybe consider becoming an active member. You don't necessarily need to raise awareness in person; online is just as effective these days!

Every day is awareness day

RLS Awareness Day is held on September 23rd each year. But we can proudly wear our RLS ribbons and raise awareness every day. The more individuals who know about and understand our condition, the better.

Welcome to the club. We are all very tired, frustrated, and awake. You are very welcome.