I Just Moved – How Did It Impact These Restless Legs of Mine?

I just sold my house and moved to an apartment about half the size.

There was so much that had to be done, including decluttering about 14 years of accumulated stuff. Well, there were probably a few boxes from prior moves, too. Moving to less space means hard decisions need to be made, and I was ready to be brutal.

Staging and selling my house

Some people are exhilarated by the whole moving process, or at least somewhat organized. They get things done. I tried to ignore it as long as possible.

I hired a woman to help me clean and stage my house for the sale. I didn't care if it was perfect but knew she would see things I wouldn't think about but potential buyers would notice. She helped.

I wasn't really happy with many of the changes, though I couldn't deny they did highlight some of the features of my home. But I missed my rug and my comfy chair. In some ways, my house didn't seem like a home to me.

How moving impacted my restless legs

When someone asked if moving impacted my restless legs, at first, I said no. Then I started thinking – maybe it had, and I never made the connection.

I forgot to refill my medication

Not only that, it was time for them to get a new prescription from my doctor. I had to wait extra days for this process to be complete since I started late. These were nights I slept little.

Stress was a big part of this process

Usually, I denied I was under stress. “It’ll be fine,” I told people. Yet, I was experiencing anxiety. I noticed my mattress off-kilter in the mornings. Hmmmm. I wonder how that happened. Let’s face it, moving is going to be stressful for most of us. Any move is. We may as well acknowledge it.

I was so tired some nights I forgot to take my medication

You know how it is – you’re lying in bed and realize you forgot and are just too tired to get up. You pay for it within the night when you find yourself staring at the ceiling instead of sleeping.

Exercise and eating right went on the back burner

While my house sold quickly (I accepted an offer within a week), the weeks leading up to it and afterward, I didn't often cook because I didn't want my house to have odors prospective buyers didn't want to smell. After the offer was accepted, there was the cycle of inspectors, painters, and other such people parading through my house. Plus, I was supposed to be packing (though more often, I was avoiding it.) When our lives are disrupted and our food and exercise routines get out of whack, we don’t feel our best. That restless leg condition that I felt I had under control? Maybe it wasn't.

What I wish I had done differently

As I have thought it through, here are some things I wish I had done differently and advice I would give you if you have a move coming up in your future.

Don’t let your prescriptions lapse

Plan well in advance, so you have a large enough supply to carry you through. If, because of insurance rules, that is not possible, make sure refills will be available when you need them. If something will need to be refilled, call your provider and ask them to go ahead and send that prescription through.

You will probably be under stress

How do you best deal with it? I typically walk it out. Did I walk at all throughout the moving process? No, not one time. Next time, and now as I avoid unpacking boxes, I am trying to do a better job of getting in a daily walk with lots of deep breathing.

Stick to your routines

Yes, you have many things to do, but you only have so many hours in a day. Some of those are for taking care of you.

Take your medication

If you forget, garner up the energy to get out of bed and get it. These are the times you need that consistency more than ever.

Take time to exercise

Not only a stress reducer, but your legs need that movement.

Eat well

Even if you eat out, make good choices. No, you don't have to devour that breadbasket because you are starving and stressed. Go heavy on salads and soups that fill you with good fruits and vegetables. Get enough protein to get you through the day. Add some good fats to make you feel satisfied. Make meals a good, relaxing part of your day. Sit down and relax with good food and, if possible, good company.

Pay attention

When we have any sort of ongoing condition, disruptions in our lives can make it worse, even if we don’t notice it at first. Check-in with yourself, and if it escalates too much, make your provider aware.

Plan ahead

I simply moved across town and do not need to change providers or drugstores.

• Does your move require you make changes? Check out new providers. Is there someone who has a strong knowledge of restless legs syndrome (RLS)? If not, be prepared to educate them. Tell them as much as you can about your journey and RLS in particular. You can find help with some of the informative articles on our website written by people with a strong knowledge of the condition. You should also jot down a few notes about your past journey before you go to the appointment, so they get a picture of where you have been and where you need to go.
• Do you need a new drugstore? If you go to a chain or get a mail order, a transfer or change of address may be all that is needed. If not, before you leave town, run by your current provider and pick up a copy of your prescription to have on hand just in case.
• Will your insurance plan remain the same? Sometimes, a plan change may be involved because of a change in job or location. Make sure you are aware of what this means for your treatment. Usually, you can call the carrier and tell them medications and treatment, and they can tell you how it will be covered.

Preparing for new adventures

Moves should lead us to new adventures, but they usually are also accompanied by stress and change. Minimize it as much as you can by preparing well. Don't do it the way I did.

And unpack those boxes immediately. Two weeks later, my kitchen is still full. I just may be in avoidance mode.