RLS Comes and Goes

By elang

1 min read

I started getting RLS 35 years ago. I am in my 80's now. This most annoying condition comes and goes from a day, a week, months, and even years. Luckily Sifrol still works for me. I have been trying to work out over the years what causes it. My Neurologist says it comes from a back condition. I have tried every known treatment for it and Sifrol is the only thing that works.

What treatment has worked for you? Share with the community in the comments below.

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elang Member
Something interesting happened. I have been taking 400mg Magnesium daily for years. Recently I bought a new brand which said take 3 caps daily...1200mg. It seemed a lot but decided to take one a.m. and one p.m. RlS has stopped for a week now. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 What a great discovery, <inline-mention username="elang" user-id="4111170"/>. I hope the higher dose continues to be effective for you. Have you told your doctor how much you are taking? It is possible to overdose on magnesium, so it might be helpful to have your doctor monitor your levels and tell you what symptoms to look out for. Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
2. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="elang" user-id="4111170"/> So sorry for the late reply, I'm in the middle of moving & possibly separating from my husband. I am so happy for this update!!!!!! Wonderful news! How are you doing now? Best wishes Ray
BarnGir1 Member
I am new to this forum but have dealt with RLS since I was a teen. It did not cause me any problems until about the time I turned 70. In the past 4 years, I have received iron infusions for anemia and RLS. My neurologist prescribed Requip which helped initially but in the past 6 months I learned with augmentation is. I have reduced my Requip dosage from 5 mg. to 1 mg but have not found any other medication I can tolerate to take the place of Requip. Currently I am taking 3 or 4 different OTC meds that provide some relief but I really don't know what to expect if I try to discontinue the Requip altogether. I would estimate that maybe 5 nights out of 7 I can get 3-4 hours of sleep but a couple of nights each week I am just trying to remain calm until the jerking, twitching, aching, and stabbing pains subside. I exercise moderately which does seem to help but in very hot or cold or rainy weather, it is another round of trying to remain sane until relief comes. I have visited several sites and read as much as I can but still remain frustrated at the changes in symptoms as well as treatment recommendations. I have changed my diet and my medications that might contribute to RLS but would welcome any suggestions or new treatment options. It does make me hopeful to find sites like this one where I know there is better understanding of this unique condition.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 You must be so frustrated, <inline-mention username="BarnGir1" user-id="4112065"/>. It can be debilitating to get such little sleep. Here is a pretty thorough article about treatments that might interest you: <a href='https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/treatment' target='_blank'>https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/treatment</a>. I am sure you have tried everything, but it might be worthwhile to look into some of the devices that treat RLS if nothing else has helped. You can get more specific information on each category of treatment by clicking on links in the article. Also, if you click on the "Search" option at the top left of the page and enter "treatment," you will come up with a list of articles and forum posts that might have some unique suggestions. Each case of RLS is so different that often trial and error is the only solution. I hope you find something in this community that helps. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Best of all wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
2. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="BarnGir1" user-id="4112065"/> So sorry for the late reply, I'm in the middle of moving & possibly separating from my husband. I'm sorry to hear that your RLS has been so problematic for you & that you aren't sleeping that well. I haven't heard of anything new for treatments in the last year but that doesn't mean that there isn't anything. Have you tried some of the natural alternatives for RLS like a bar of soap https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/living/soap-home-remedy or drinking pickle juice, which I know may sound strange but some people have found that it can help with their RLS. I'm not sure if this helps, this may be stuff you already have tried but I thought to be on the safe side I will mention them. I wish you all the best, Ray
Lori.Foster Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="elang" user-id="4111170"/>. What a long journey you have had with RLS. Thanks for sharing what helps. IT's been a while since you posted, so I thought I would check in and see how you are doing. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
elang Member
Thank you RaY
1. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="elang" user-id="4111170"/> Hope things are manageable for you right now. 🌈🦄Ray (Team member)
Ray Li Member
<inline-mention username="elang" user-id="4111170"/> I am sorry to hear you have suffered with this disease for as long as you have. I am happy to hear that there is a medication that works for you. Hoping you are well. 🌈🦄Ray (Team member) 
1. elang Member
 Thank you for your interest. Elan