Just wondering if anyone has had a problem with RLS after being infected with Lyme. I had a minor RLS problem prior to Lyme but since Lyme it has become unbearable. I have not taken any RLS meds (i.e. Requip) and have tried to deal with it using a small dose of oxycodon which most times does the trick. It's just that it's gotten much worse. Any suggestions. Is this related or just coincidence. Thanks all. Posted by chamade (Member # 11472) on :
Just wondering what are the symptoms of your RLS? Way before I knew I had Lyme, I would always have the urge to move my feet/legs about. There was no obvious pain, just some kind of discomfort. Nowdays my legs tingle and burn.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I don't really believe I have RLS....but you might find this information useful.
When my systemic yeast is bad....like if I eat something I shouldn't....I have an RLS-type reaction in ONE leg....Weird, huh!?
So maybe if you follow the anti-yeast, no sugar diet [low carb too] the RLS stuff will calm down.
Once someone begins taking abx long term, the yeasty beasties rear their ugly heads!!
DIET, DIET, DIET is the key. Then, be sure to follow the 5 step plan outlined below. It was developed by my naturopath. It works.
I have had RLS for years, and it is really unbearable sometimes. It is definitely more than just bouncing your leg, or the occasional jerking muscle when you are going to sleep. It is an absolute go-out-of-your-mind need to move, kick, jump, pain pain pain.
I have been in lyme/babs treatment for 2 1/2 years. For me, I think the RLS is related to babs, and it is finally starting to get better. I took a dopamine agonist for RLS and it worked like a miracle. You might want to consider asking your doc about that (drug like Mirapex) rather than a heavy-hitter drug like oxycodone. It's much more targeted to the symptoms.
Good luck!
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
I got RLS with LYme and it went away completely with IV Rocephin. I had to sleep on the couch and wedge my leg between the cushions and the couch innards to kept it from boinging all night long-
Posted by D Bergy (Member # 9984) on :
Restless leg syndrome that comes from Lyme is most likely a Magnesium deficiency since Lyme depletes Mg. Espom salt is a cheap source of Mg.
D Bergy
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I get RLS when I'm anemic. How are your iron levels? There are some studies linking the two.
Proper magnesium levels are important, too. Don't take iron and mag at the same time.
Posted by gailsy (Member # 10536) on :
Thanks all for your responses. I can tell there are many different reasons for the RLS and a lot of treatments. I think, though, that I will ask the doctor for the medication that treats the RLS directly as noted by docjen. I have tried diet, magnesium, etc. to no avail. It is so bad that sometimes I feel like just stopping this merry-go-round of life but I'll plug on and try another remedy. Gailsy Posted by Skyler (Member # 11549) on :
I have had 'RLS' like symptoms most of my life, ever since I got Lyme. They never really bothered me, mostly because the pain in my legs was much more intense than any other complaint I could ever have.
As I got older (as i have had lyme longer) the rls stuff started lightening up, although, like I said, i never concidered it a major problem.
How bad are your symptoms? What kind of rls sensations do you have? How much to they impact your daily life?
I hope your health is well!
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
Make sure your ferritin level (a measure of your iron stores) is above 50 ng/mL. That can solve your RLS problem.
Having said that...I think lyme can also effect RLS.
Timaca
Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
Treating bart with rifampin has helped me with this. However the herxes made it temporarily worse.
Posted by docjen (Member # 7510) on :
Hang in there, Gailsy! I know it really really sucks. Talk with your doc about getting a prescription to help you through the hard part. As your treatment progresses, hopefully you will notice less and less need to treat the RLS, and then it will be gone! Good luck!
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