New to RLS board

[LMSW97]

After having severe sleep disturbances for two years, I finally searched the web a few nights ago under "sleep disturbances" and came across RLS. I am almost 100% sure this is what I am experiencing. Even as a child I can remember occasionally having to kick my legs when I was trying to go to sleep because they felt "uncomfortable". My parents thought they were growing pains. For many years I have not really had any significant episodes of sleep disturbances. A little over two years ago, I began having problems sleeping and the associated discomfort described in websites regarding RLS. The reason it has taken me two years to come to this determination is that after having these problems for 6 months or so, my father died of cancer. At first I thought the escalating sleep problems were due to grief and stress at work. Then a little over a year ago, I developed a frozen shoulder which also makes getting comfortable while sleeping very difficult. But as these things have resolved themselves, the sleep disturbances are only getting worse. Sometimes my body is so tired I can hardly stand, but feel the need to walk around in the house for a few minutes. I researched and I have found that low iron can be a possible factor in worsening this condition. I have been tested and my iron is low, so I have begun to take iron supplements. I want to try this before returning to the doctor. That way if the iron does not work, we can move to something else. I want to avoid having to take heavy medications for as long as I can. Anyone have experience with iron supplementation for RLS?

Thanks,
Lana

[Baglady]

I had a severe case of blood loss anemia for about 10 years - and took massive doses of iron in treatment of that condition. It have many effects on me, but none included any positive effect on my RLS/RLMD.

Nothing helped until I was specifically treated for RLS after having undergone a sleep study and secured a definate diagnosis of RLS/RLMD.

I HATE pills, hate them.And the thought of having to medication daily for the rest of my life was repugnant. I tried everything anyone could come up with. Some work for other people - none worked for me. So, being too tired to fight it anymore - I gave up and began taking klonopin.

I still hate pills, maybe even more than I did then. But I never skip my nighttime medication as my personal feelings on that subject aren't as important as the difference those selfsame pills have made in my life.

I, like you, was known throughout my whole family has having 'odd legs' when it came to bedtime. I took my share of whippings for not holding still and waking my sister with my wiggly legs. If an old lady's advice means anything to you - here it is: Go to the doctors, have the study, and get a good nights rest. I can't tell you have grateful you will be, to yourself.