When will RLS stop?

[readytoquit184]

I'm on day 3 now! Not as achy YET (its still morning) but crabby and short tempered. I think its partly b/c RLS was worse last night. I'm one of those ppl who get cranky when its time for bed and I can't sleep, especially b/c I have a toddler and I'm a single mom with NO SUPPORT SYSTEM on all fronts so whether I feel like I'm dying or not I can't stop my daily duties so when night hits I want to SLEEP. Can anyone tell me when the RLS will go away?? I'm going to chew my elbows off sooner or later!

[readytoquit184]

Good Advice! I just WALKED to the local pharmacy with toddler in tow (a feat all its own) and was able to obtain Icy Hot Patches, Hylands Restless Legs, and Epsom Salt. Will be using all 3 before bed tonight.... As last night was another terror of one with the RLS!!! Though I know I should only quit for myself, I am quitting with my toddler in mind. He deserves more. I know I'm ready due to that I moved 12 hours from any sources 2 weeks ago. I have a plan I'm hoping to stick to. The hardest thing is seeing everyone's posts about having family support with brothers, mothers, fathers, and husbands.... When I have none except this forum. Hoping once I'm fully over this and get back to working ill meet good people to keep me occupied!! Also have MULTIPLE life's problems outside addiction which will be testing my sobriety in the weeks/months to come. I just keep reminding me my baby will have all of me back! I was playing super mom with the pills and the kiddo is confused right now as to why mommy is sick and not doing all the things I was but once this is over he will have a better me!!

[michael1953296]

Only you have the power to stop. One thing that helps me to remember is I am dealing with a addictive brain. My brain is different than a non addict brain. My brain will tell me it's okay to use no matter how much hell my body has gone through. My brain is also wired in a different way than a non addicts brain. This wiring is not my fault, has no moral issues associated with it it is simply just the way it is. So when that part of my brain begins to speak I allow it some space and then just go on with my day not giving any more thought to it.
Best
Michael

[readytoquit184]

Thank you! I was unable to locate the Hylands RL at Walmart and their pharmacy was closed to ask for help and that trip wa all I ha in me for now. Ill try cvs later if I can. I was able to get a bottle of calcium, magnesium, and zinc plus some sleep well with melatonin and bananas. Already had OJ and Gatorade but realized the oj is halfway gone when I got home. I'm proud I made the trip and will push for the next for the other stuff later. I DO NOT like the rls! I seem to remember HATING it 5-6 years ago too. Relapse is a sob! Why we do this to ourselves after the first experience is beyond me!! Its nice to have you all!

[ariley13]

Hi there! You have got some great advice from the above posters. I have used all of the things they shared with you and they do help. I just wanted to share one last trick that I use for RLS. (I have it all the time due to a back injury and nerve damage.) Put either Icy Hot or Vick's Vaporub on your legs (the menthol in them helps with the aches and pains) then wrap them snugly in ace bandages. Not too tight though! This always helps me. You can sleep like this too. I hope that you get some relief from the nasty RLS very soon. Take care of yourself and keep pushing through this. You're doing great and it will be over in no time!

[michael1953296]

Everyone is different. It's best not to think too much as you have enough on your table. Just take it moment by moment. You can make the moments as small as needed. IT can be by min to min. Breathe and tell yourself well than min went by ok and onto the next  min. Slowly increase your time in the moments maybe 5 mins go by ok and then 10 and so on. If things get worse drop back to min to min. It is so very important to breathe deeply. You will need to focus on your breathing. One thing that helped me when I went CT off the Trams and did not know about Gaba...so I had no other drugs to help was breathing. I would inhale to the count of 5 and then hold to the count of 5 and then exhale to the count of 5. This will seem a bit strange at first but if you can do this kind of breathing for 5 or 10 mins each hour it can really help.
Best
Michael

[readytoquit184]

Thanks to all! I will be heading to the closest store right after breakfast! Hoping it helps for tonight, or even when the kiddo naps!! I can't stop yawning. I must say though, I'm shocked at how much less pain I have today. Hoping I'm on the downhill side but I've read on here people which were fine on day 4 but everything came back on day 6?!? Has me worried? Anyone heard of or experienced this?

[marycarmel]

I forgot about the Epsom salts; they do help.  And so does the magnesium tablets.  Bananas are also good as they're high in potassium.  And most important is staying hydrated.  Drink tons of water, clear juices, and Gatorade.

[OpenMind24hours]

The restless legs (and arms) is what got me the most also. But Im here to say, fight the fight and soon you'll find yourself through the tunnel and out into freedom. What I did, along with Hyland's RL, was to soak in a hot bath of Epsom salts just before trying to catch a couple hours of sleep. It always worked. Just know that you're not going to sleep soundly or for very long for awhile. Go with the flow. It will all come back. Sleep when your body lets you.

Not sure if you have the Thomas Recipe items? I also took magnesium tabs with breakfast. They helped with the RLS.

[marycarmel]

Everyone is different so it's hard to say.  Sleep and energy are usually the last to return.  For restless legs, you can buy a product called Restful Legs by Hylands.  Also tonic water with quinine will help, as will things that are high in potassium:  orange juice, potatoes, etc.  For sleep you can try Melatonin or Alteril (I got relief from Alteril.)  I know it probably seems next to impossible with a toddler but just keep your focus on the prize.  It will all be worth it and your child will have a better mom at the end of it.  You can do this; it really is so worth it.