PVC Chairs and Redemption From Endless Internet Searching

Imagine this...you walk into your GP’s surgery and scan the room to find it totally bare apart from this one lone, blue PVC-covered seat. The receptionist ushers you towards the chair, gleaming under the oh-so-bright strip lighting.

You sit there, feeling rather ostracised on this seat, in the middle of what used to be a bustling waiting area. The only thing it's bustling with now is your thoughts. Attempting to get things straight in your head, your doctor appears in the doorway, beckoning you towards his office.

Diagnosed on a whim

Taking yet another seat, you try not to make what is ailing you make you sound like a crazy individual. Deep breath in. Here we go.

The doctor follows his usual script with a patient, expecting a rash or a pregnancy scare maybe. "How can I help you today?"

“My legs feel creepy every night, and they won’t stop moving!” Watching for micro-expressions, you see his right eyebrow rise ever so slightly.

“Do they feel heavy, or does the feeling stop when you put your feet on the floor?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, that’s okay, you have restless legs syndrome!”

"I’m sorry?! What now?" went through your head, whilst out your mouth came, "Can I take medication for that?”

“Of course!” exclaimed Dr. Kildare, quick of medicine pad, explanations of none! He hands over a prescription, with yet another medication written, floating towards his door, opening it slowly, as if to say, "My work here is done, please leave."

Mind reeling with questions

The inside of your head goes into meltdown! The klaxon is going off. Red blood cells are running around in a panic, trying to stop the heart from going into an arrhythmia!! "Calm down, people. Calm down!!"

As soon as your posterior hits the seat, smartphone out, Google’s search rate increases exponentially.

"What is Restless Legs Syndrome?" you type, hoping that it is not too serious, especially hoping there is not a needle involved! The answer comes back, "Sorry mate, you’re never going to sleep a decent night again in your life! (Unless you have medication!), even then...Mmmm."

Finding an online RLS community

No matter how much you batter Google's files, it fails to give you the information you so badly need when all of a sudden you see a link for RestlessLegsSyndrome.Sleep-Disorders.net, and you can’t click fast enough!

Upon clicking on that link, you find yourself in the exact place you have been looking for, where everyone is a friend, knowledge is exchanged free and easy, and you ask your questions with joy in your keystrokes.

You are welcome here

You have found us, my friend. Most of us here suffer with the same condition you do. We know your symptoms, your darkest thoughts, and your highest moments as we have been there too.

Sit down, make yourself comfortable, for here you are in a room surrounded by blue PVC chairs. We are each auditioning for Riverdance with one foot on the floor.

You are so very welcome. Make yourself at home. Doughnuts are over there with the coffee.