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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wilma on August 4, 2000, at 18:36:05
SHAR, JANE, KAZOO, RICK
AFTER TAKEN VIT. E, IRON 300 MG, CALCIUM AND VIT. D, PLUS A TO ZINK VIT. CENTRUM, THE LAST THREE DAYS MY LEGS SPOT HURTING. THE INSOMIA STILL THERE BUT AT NIGHT I CAN SEAT AND REST WITH NO PAIN. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE THOSE VIT. AND ANY SUGESTIONS ON INSOMNIA?
THANK YOU.
Posted by shar on August 5, 2000, at 1:06:11
In reply to RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME - TO DR. BOB, SHAR, JANE, posted by wilma on August 4, 2000, at 18:36:05
Wilma,
I would talk to someone about the vitamins you are taking and as long as you are not taking too much of something, keep it up indefinitely. You could probably talk to a pharmacist at a drug store.Or, someone here might know and respond to your post.
For insomnia, there are a lot of steps you can take (like warm milk, don't be really active before bed, a warm (not hot) bath)--lots of things to do. I would recommend trying a search on "insomnia" or "sleeplessness" and I bet you'll find some great info.
I take clonazepam, a prescribed med, partly because my antidepressant causes insomnia in my case.
If you can solve your insomnia without meds that's probably the best way to go.
Good luck,
Shar
Posted by jane on August 5, 2000, at 19:18:15
In reply to Re: RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME - TO DR. BOB, SHAR, JANE » wilma, posted by shar on August 5, 2000, at 1:06:11
wilma - first, let me say RLS is a bummer because you can be so tired but your legs (and other muscles) keep you awake.
Vitamins? - well I agree with shar,
be careful what and how much and mixture.
Personally I haven't found vitamins to help RLS.
Somebody mentioned trying to peep before bed, I didn't laugh because having a spastic bladder and RLS seems to be related for me. So going to the bathroom before bed is a must for me. But the only "trick" that I have found to work are long hot baths or showers. Contrary to shar's experience - the hotter the better - to quiet RLS.There is a serious problem with this, too hot.But I wrap my body in a beach towel in the shower to "steam heat" the muscles and protect the skin. Not a perfect solution but the only one that works for me. The other problem is that I can be so tired and the only way to get to sleep at 3am is to get out of bed and take a shower/bath to quiet the muscles. By the way, I have found that when RLS is "flaring" that no amount of "extra" sleeping meds or muscle relaxants or melatonin will knock me out. So if standard dose doesn't work, the only hope is heat, and heating pad doesn't work as well.
Hope this helps - jane
Posted by kazoo on August 6, 2000, at 0:48:36
In reply to RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME - TO DR. BOB, SHAR, JANE, posted by wilma on August 4, 2000, at 18:36:05
> SHAR, JANE, KAZOO, RICK
> AFTER TAKEN VIT. E, IRON 300 MG, CALCIUM AND VIT. D, PLUS A TO ZINK VIT. CENTRUM, THE LAST THREE DAYS MY LEGS SPOT HURTING. THE INSOMIA STILL THERE BUT AT NIGHT I CAN SEAT AND REST WITH NO PAIN. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE THOSE VIT. AND ANY SUGESTIONS ON INSOMNIA?
> THANK YOU.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Greetings to WILMA:
Interesting you should post again because I was going to start a new thread about RLS.
I was thumbing through some literature in a doctor's office (no, not mine) and came across
something entitled "EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS." There was this section on RLS which was
grouped with PLMS (Periodic Leg Movements in Sleep). And I quote:Periodic Leg Movements in Sleep (PLMS) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Periodic Leg Movements in Sleep (PLMS) is a syndrome that consists of
periodic movements of the legs, feet, and/or toes during sleep. People
with PLMS are often not aware of these movements, and often complain of
several symptoms, including:
.....Insomnia
.....Excessive daytime sleepiness
.....Frequent awakenings from sleep
.....Unrefreshing sleepRestless Legs Syndrome.*(see note below)
Periodic leg movements in sleep are frequently associated with a waking
disorder called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). RLS is a disorder of the
central nervous system that is characterized by unusual sensations in the
legs and an overwhelming urge to move the legs while resting or attempting
to fall asleep. Approximately 2% of the population of the US suffers from
RLS. Not all patients with PLMS also have RLS; however, most patients with
RLS have PLMS. RLS is occasionally associated with pregnancy, anemia, or
diabetes. Symptoms of RLS also include:
.....Creeping or crawling sensations in the legs
.....An irresistible urge to move the affected extremity
.....Relief of the symptons by walking
.....A worsening of the symptions when the afflicted person is at rest,
particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.*NOTE FROM ABOVE: Although people with RLS experience excessive daytime
sleepiness, they may not fall asleep in the situations highlighted on the
Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Individuals with RLS should seek the advice
of a physician.SIDE NOTE: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a test/questionnaire
that measures your general level of daytime sleepiness. It asks you to rate
the chance that you would doze off or fall asleep during different,
routine, daytime situations, such as "Sitting and reading," "Watching
television," "Sitting inactive in a public place," etc. Each situation
is rated from 0 (zero) to 3, with 0 meaning you would never doze or fall
asleep in a given situation, and 3 meaning that there is a very high
likelihood that you would doze or fall asleep in that situation.IMPORTANT RLS CONTACT INFORMATION:
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME FOUNDATION, INC.
PO Box 7050, Department CP, Rochester, MN 55903-7050
Web site: http://www.rls.org E-mail: rlsfoundation@rls.orgThe RLS Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving
universal awareness, developing effective treatments, and finding a
definite cure for Restless Legs Syndrome. Please send a self-addressed
stamped envelope for information.Source: The above information is adapted from National Sleep Foundation
materials. (c)1999NOTE TO WILMA: don't take vitamins E or D at night because they have a
simulating effect. Also, look into this drug/chemical called QUININE.
This is what doctors usually dispense for restless legs. I'm surprised
no one has mentioned, or supported, this suggestion. The use of QUININE
is a standard chemical for this sort of thing. An OTC equivalent is
this stuff called LEGATRIM.Since anemia could cause RLS, and you are already taking IRON supplements,
perhaps you should look into vitamin B-12 shots.kazoo
Posted by danf on August 7, 2000, at 5:55:35
In reply to Re:RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME : WILMA! WILMA! WILMA!, posted by kazoo on August 6, 2000, at 0:48:36
there are 2 different problems linked together here.
one is leg pain & cramps.
this is often from poor circulation. vit E, magnesium & quinine help. In the later stages vascular surgery may be needed. The pain may cause restless legs.
the other type has an unknown cause & the circulation is normal. It may respond to the same types of treatments. Exercise such as walking also helps in some people.
Quinine stabilizes muscle cell membranes & stops unwanted muscle contractions ( also used to treat heart arrythmias )
Posted by wilma on August 7, 2000, at 17:39:53
In reply to Re:RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME, posted by danf on August 7, 2000, at 5:55:35
> there are 2 different problems linked together here.
>
> one is leg pain & cramps.
>
> this is often from poor circulation. vit E, magnesium & quinine help. In the later stages vascular surgery may be needed. The pain may cause restless legs.
>
> the other type has an unknown cause & the circulation is normal. It may respond to the same types of treatments. Exercise such as walking also helps in some people.
>
> Quinine stabilizes muscle cell membranes & stops unwanted muscle contractions ( also used to treat heart arrythmias )
HI DANF,
MY PROBLEM IS THE URGE TO MOVE MY LEGS AND AT THE SAME TIME PAIN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE LEG AND KENEE.
NOT CRAMPS. I DO KNOW THE DIFERENCE. SO I DON'T THINK IS FROM POOR CIRCULATION. MUST BE FROM OTHER SOURCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT.
This is the end of the thread.
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