restless legs... Not just for the elderly
I'm a 33 yr old male. healthy, in good physical shape... not on any mediacation... & yet, I suffer from RLS. It's NOT just something that affects "older" people.
I've had this for quite a few years, But the past year or 2 has become more severe, & frequent. To the point of keeping me awake with NO sleep at all.
I have bouts with RLS 3-5 times a week. Sometimes only for an hour or 2 when I 1st go to bed, & sometimes I can't get it to stop at all. Unfortunately, I never know what nights are going to be bad.
I've done all kinds of things to try to releive it, but none seem to REALLY help.
Here's a list of my trials....
Stretching before bed time. (works occasionally)
Doing deep knee bends for several minutes, or walking prior to going to bed. ( again, only occasional success)
Taking Iron Supplements ( No real difference)
Warm /cold therapy (Doesn't seem to make any difference)
I've just started to read more about this affliction, & have found out certain medications might help. Including ...
Anti Parkinson's meds
Valium, or other anit anxeity neds
Opiod pain meds like codeine, Oxycodone, or Hydrocodone
Muscle relaxers like Soma,
Anti seizure medication....
I CAN say from experience, that when I had oral surgery, & other dental work done, & was prescribed vicoprofen, (hydrocodone/ibuprofen) that I slept fine, & had NO RLS trouble. However, that's the only medicine I've taken, & only for the short recovery time. BUT... I noticed a marked difference in the symptoms while taking the pain reliever.
There really may be something to look into with this sort of treatment.
Not everyone is comfortable taking drug therapy, & some may look for "alternative" or "Holistic" ways of treating RLS. I tried the "Natural" approach over the past few years.... & so far haven't come up with a REAL help.
I don't know if any particular type of therapy is better than another. It probbaly depends on the person. All I know is personally, I had releif with hydrocodone, & purely by coincidence. I am going to look into the other treatments as well... & try to find what works best for me.
I just wanted to share my own experience with RLS, & my findings / treatments with you.
Remember, You're NOT the only one with this!!!
