Dear Dr Dach,
I was diagnosed with severe RLS 15 yrs ago, way before RLS was a victim of "disease mongering". No one knew what it was. I found a support group on line, not the one listed above that was started in 1998. No affiliation with the foundation at all. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I found a couple other people with the same problems I had. I was literally at the point of suicide. But, I guess thr RLS Foundation put that idea in my head, too, even though I did not know they existed until a couple of years later.
After going through every med, herb, known to mankind that was supposed to help, 10 yrs later the only thing that helps me is narcotics and Ultram.
Yes, I tried Requip, Mirapex, Permax(off the market now), and they did make me sick, and I could not tolerate them. But,for a lot of people these meds are magic. These serious side effects of impulsive behavior occurs at the higher dose that Parkinson's patients take. People with RLS take 1/8 to 1/4 the dose that PD patients take.
But, you, as an MD should probably already know that.
And, magnesium is a treatment for LEG CRAMPS, NOT RLS. I know of at least 500 people who have or do use it. We know the definite difference between cramps and the awful feeling of RLS. You can walk a cramp off in a few minutes, but you may walk for hours or days trying to calm down an RLS attack.
To tell the truth, I was not crazy about the DTC ads for Requip and Mirapex. They do not describe RLS correctly, and they do make it sound as though if you take this little pill all will be well. well, for a lot of people it isn't. I do object to the tone of the Consumer Report video. I expected something a little more professional from them.
Just my 2 cents. But, I am definitely calling you out on the magnesium. RLS runs in my family. My mother, my 2 sisters, both nieces,and 2 of my uncles have it. Kind of supports the findings of an RLS gene being discovered.
I suffer, yes the word is suffer, from RLS 24/7/365, as well as being disabled with chronic pain, CFS, major depression from no sleep, Insomnia even when my legs are quiet on a rare night. It is no way to live, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Donna
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Dear Donna,
Thanks for your comments and your personal viewpoint on RLS. We welcome comments such as yours and hope others will share their experiences with RLS and magnesium.
warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach MD
www.drdach.com
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