Years ago I finally realized I had RLS. At that time it went like this--you only had it in your feet or legs (that's why it is called Restless Legs Syndrome), pain was not associated with the feelings and the symptoms kept you awake, they never woke you up.
Now we know that RLS can affect any and many body parts. You can have pain or no pain and yes, it can wake you up from a sound sleep. The more we learn, the more we realize we do not understand this disease. That's one reason the name is being changed. If you talk to friends, family and many doctors and tell them you have RLS but it is in your hands or torso and you have pain with it, they will tell you that it cannot be RLS. Perceptions must change as we learn more about it.
As for the soap, I have tried it and it didn't work. Many of my friends tried it and it didn't work. There is no scientific proof or evidence that it works. IF soap has magnesium in it (which can sometimes help), it cannot get into your body especially if it is still wrapped up. Logically it just cannot help.
Now before anyone tars and feathers me, let me say this. Just because there is no scientific evidence, that does not mean it won't work. If it's all in your head, who cares? If something helps you, use it. Unless, of course, it is harmful or dangerous. Many people claim to have a "miracle lotion" made up of secret ingredients from their Aunt Bessie or some-such. When they rub it on their legs, they get relief. Could be. I think it is probably just the rubbing that helps but who knows? As long as it is not touted as a cure, I'm okay with it.
And finally, just because you have an MD or PhD behind your name does not mean you know it all. None of us do. Go to the RLS website and educate yourself from a site that is reputable and reliable. If you know more than your doctor, maybe he/she will give you a discount on your bill!
The Following User Says Thank You to Rubyslipper1955 For This Useful Post: vjzam (09-22-2011)
Alas the soap bars (tried two) did not work and I'm back to pacing, wiggling my feet and swearing. There needs to be a more ominous sounding name for this disorder!
Restless makes it sound like my legs just want to take a leisurely stroll in the park!!
I agree tried the "soap trick" worked the first night - mind over matter...but at present I am on a course of vitamins with stong iron and magnesium, plus a natural sleeping pill (valerian) and thanks to a very helpful tip on site, a tub of yoghurt daily, I am finding life easier now, and can get some sleep (provided I hit the "sack" early, before symtoms literally kick in) but by 2 or 3 in the mornings am doing the RLS waltz through the house, but getting at least 4 hours sleep a night, and manage 40 winks around lunch when I can
It is good to know that some medical personnel are at long last taking RLS seriously, and it is not just shrugged off as my imagination, according to research 1 in 10 people suffer, so surely there must be a t least one sympathetic Doctor out there who is in the same position as all of us on this site (obviously serious sufferers) if so Please come out in our support, we need to get more support and ears out there, No it is not directly Life threatening, but dangerous to go out and try to live a normal life when you are so very sleep deprived -
I agree tried the "soap trick" worked the first night - mind over matter...but at present I am on a course of vitamins with stong iron and magnesium, plus a natural sleeping pill (valerian) and thanks to a very helpful tip on site, a tub of yoghurt daily, I am finding life easier now, and can get some sleep (provided I hit the "sack" early, before symtoms literally kick in) but by 2 or 3 in the mornings am doing the RLS waltz through the house, but getting at least 4 hours sleep a night, and manage 40 winks around lunch when I can
It is good to know that some medical personnel are at long last taking RLS seriously, and it is not just shrugged off as my imagination, according to research 1 in 10 people suffer, so surely there must be a t least one sympathetic Doctor out there who is in the same position as all of us on this site (obviously serious sufferers) if so Please come out in our support, we need to get more support and ears out there, No it is not directly Life threatening, but dangerous to go out and try to live a normal life when you are so very sleep deprived -
The soap seemed to work for a while, but who knows since RLS waxes and wanes. Hydration and a little diazepam help now. Can't have any alcohol at all, and 1 1/2 cups of coffee, no more.
