What’s the Difference? Movements That Look Similar but Are Different

There were 2 times this year where I ended up in the emergency room (ER) because of my heart. It was racing and at times, it wasn't beating in rhythm. I had uncontrollable shaking and body shudders; it was a horrible experience.

Last month, there was a day when I was having light heart issues. My heart was racing and parts of my heart were beating out of rhythm. I decided to lie down in bed, as I was starting to feel faint, and my husband decided to lie down with me.

As I was lying there with my husband caressing my arm, I had 2 uncontrollable shudders. I told my husband that those were heart-related and not my restless legs syndrome (RLS). I wanted him to know what was going on. He asked, "What is the difference?"

Shudders and shakes from my heart issues

I reminded him how when I was in the ER, with my heart racing and parts of my heart beating out of rhythm, I had uncontrollable shudders and shakes. The second time I was in the ER with the same issues, one of the nurses thought I was having seizures.

It's a sensation that starts at the hips and moves down my legs in a wave. It does feel like a shudder sensation as it goes, but it's more violent, causing my legs to come off the bed. This happens with both legs at the same time.

Involuntary leg jerks from RLS

I told him when my RLS causes involuntarily leg jerks. It starts off feeling like there is something heavy on my legs. Then the sensation of my leg muscles tightening and relaxing kicks in. When this happens, I feel like I need to move my legs.

My legs will be content with slight movements for the first little bit, but it usually progresses into a leg having a spasm. Although this happens with both legs, there has never been a time when both legs spasm at the same time.

I can tell the difference

Those may not seem like much of a difference. I am struggling to describe the difference. But it is something where I can tell the difference. To me, they don't feel the same; it's like a night and day difference.

As an added bonus, I have only experienced the heart-leg jerking 3 times. There may be times when I experience it more, but I am hoping that the cardiopulmonary specialist will figure out what is going on with my heart and that it won't be an issue with treatment.

The RLS stuff happens daily, so it's become something I am extremely familiar with in regards to the sensations it causes.

Living with multiple health issues

It can be tricky trying to figure out what symptoms are caused by what disease/health issue. Being mindful of what is going on can sometimes help shed light on our symptoms and what may be their cause.

Other times, I found help by talking to other people in the support groups I belong to.

Do you experience symptoms that look like or feel like RLS but are related to something else? Share with us in the comments below!