Restless Leg Syndrom(syndrome) in Arms?

This weekend I've decided to detox cold turkey, nothing for help except me and my sheer will, I can handle everything else, but the one thing that kills me, is this weird feeling at night when i'm going to bed, i'm super tired and sleepy and am practically falling asleep on my feet , but as soon as I lay still I feel I have to move my arms! It's horrible! Like I have to constantly be moving my arms and legs, I hate it. That feeling alone is enough for me to go and reach for my "emergency" bottle. But I know I wont since my mind is made up. Is there anything I can do to lessen these symptoms?

[jessica555]

YES, i get the same thing in my arms too as well as my legs.  That really is the hardest part of withdrawal for me besides the bones aching.  I hate that feeling!!!!  It really is the worst.  I will be feeling that sometime on wed.  Not looking forward to it.  Something that does help is to have someone just hit your arms up  and down them.  I am a massage therapist and we like to call it tapotement.  It really feels good but unfortunately only while the person is doing it.  Once they stop the pain comes back.  But it can give you short bursts of relief.  MY husband is really good at doing it for long periods which I am so thankful for.  If you dont have anyone to do it for you, just massage and hit with the side of your hand up and down your arms....it really does feel good.  You have to get some good pressure in there though.  Good luck with everything!!!  Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[imanaddict]

oh man, that was the whole reason I didn't want to quit taking pills! That is the worst feeling and very annoying!!!! Try a HOT bath. I literally stayed in the bath for hours the night I bit the bullet. I would drain the colder water and keep filling up. I was beet red by the time i got out, but it really helped a lot with the restless feeling AND the aches.

[Magpie70]

Totally.  Restless BODY syndrome is what I called it.  I found that hot baths would make the feeling mellow enough that I could fall asleep for a few hours.  Then I'd wake up (in a cold sweat) and the twitchies would be back.  Back to the bathtub.  

My poor partner had to share a bed with me, lol.

Rely on that bathtub (or shower) like crazy!

For me, a couple glasses of wine helped me sleep.  I know that's not a good option for everyone, tho.  I wonder if Requip (or other prescription RLS drugs) would help for this kind of restlessness?  

Taking potassium is supposed to help.  Pill form, or bananas, potatos, etc.

Exercise helped, too, altho the last thing I wanted to do was leave the house, when I was feeling all fuct up and vulnerable and sick.  I tried to wear myself out on the stationary bike we have downstairs.  Pretty tough when you feel so exhausted already, but anything beats the restless twitchy feeling.

And in terms of your overall comfort, I recommend that you keep a pile of towels next to the bed (to lay under you, so the sheets stay dry) as well as clean, dry tshirts/pjs, so you can change out of the cold wet clothes really quickly.

Good luck to you.  In the midst of this, try to reassure yourself that it WILL end, and be proud of yourself for being brave enough to do this.

Mag

[road2recovery]

Same for me that was the worst part..I also stayed in the tub, i would just keep the water in, and add more hot water when i got in...I literally slept in in one full night...nothing else helped me..
Good luck to you but just so you know it gets better...I promise , stay strong..
r2r

[flmagi]

Yes, that restless, twitching, electric shocks through the body was the worst part. And to me was the main reason for the sleeplesness. They do have stuff over the counter for restless leg syndrom (syndrome), and it may help alittle.  Also try Valariem root. (see Ga Guy 's profile)Excercise and hot baths are the only other reccomendations I can give you.  I feel so bad hearing your going through it, it brings back very recent (bad) memories. But it will all be worth it.
Good luck,
Magi

[Curls]

RLS is common in people with CFS and FM.  Several people there have posted that a combination of taking iron tables and Vit B complex helps them.  I think they mean taking it regularly to get your levels up, so you'll want to start before W/D.  There's the drug requip for it, but my doctor felt it's a powerful drug and didn't want me messing with it unless the RLS was seriously interferring in my life.  

For the iron and Vit B complex, one person said she tried iron without success, and then researched it extensively and that's when she found out about the Vit B and adding it made the difference.

[NautyOne]

I can use a  good tapotement..........can I have your husband???  I can't promise I wont be nauty.........lol   lucky girl.  I can't get my husband to anything therapeutic for me.