You will find many articles, forums, and blogs on Fibromyalgia and Restless Leg Syndrome out there. Those of us that have Fibromyalgia may also suffer RLS. We may not in the beginning, but it could develop later down the line.
My leg pain started pretty much before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The aching would cause me to toss and turn all night. Sleep was hard as the pain just shot through me. I felt like needles were poking both of my legs. I tried heating pads, I tried weight with blankets, I tried just about everything and nothing seemed to relieve the pain.
As with Fibro, RLS, there is no test to say you have RLS. You talk to your doctor and go over your medical history. There are a few things they will ask you such as:
- Do you feel like you have to move your limbs often due to odd sensations?
- Are the symptoms present or worse during rest?
- Do your symptoms worsen at night?
These are just a few things they may ask. Overall, it will be your medical history and rule out anything else that may be causing you to have these symptoms.
Along with Fibro, there is no cure. Here are a few things that you can do to get some relief:
- Regular to moderate exercise no excessive exercise.
- Hot baths.
- Leg massage.
- Apply heat or ice.
You could also have a nutritional imbalance where iron or magnesium may be needed.
When I talked to my doctor about my symptoms, he explained to me that there had been some research done where RLS was linked to an iron deficiency but that not everyone has to take iron pills. I was one that does not take them, nor had to take them so how in the world can I get some iron needed to help with my RLS.
My doctor recommended taking a Flintstones Chewable with Iron. I know it sounds. I have not taken these since I was a little kid, but I was like what can it hurt. I picked up my Flintstones and started taking one at night and one in the morning.
I was amazed that it helped. I could not believe it for the first time I had some relief in my legs, and I could sleep better. Who would have thought a little vitamin that costs very little could have such an impact?
This is what has worked for me, and it may work for others, but the big thing is to make sure that you don’t have an iron deficiency where you would have to take an actual iron pill.
I have been able to handle taking this lovely chewable knowing that it does give me some relief. I have recommended others take it as well because it can’t hurt you and it is not very expensive and beats taking a prescription medication.
If you are willing to try something out of the ordinary, give it a try.
Will this work for me forever? Not sure, but for now I will give it a try as I know there will be more changes, and I will take each one on a positive note because once I give into the negative and creep over to the red platform I have let my illness win and control my life. Staying positive lets me win each time.
Always remember to stop, take a breath and be positive!
Aimee Reese is passionate about bringing awareness to others about Fibromyalgia. Aimee has been living with Fibromyalgia for years, but officially diagnosed five years ago. Aimee is the founder of The Green Platform Assistant where she believes “In order for you to grow you have to start with knowing who you are.” Aimee believes by staying positive and on the Green Platform it helps get through the most difficult times when living with an invisible illness. Aimee lives in Kentucky with her husband Eric and two children.
Contact Aimee: aimee@thegreenplatformassistant.com