Question for Dr. Bill Schencker re: RLS

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This repost was suggested by Elaine Seavey. Thanks to all for the previous responses and have noted same.

My Mom has "Restless Legs Syndrome" (A disorder that renders the victim unable to lie down or sit for any length of time due to a discomfort in the extremities (Not just the legs) similar to cramping, twitching, or "pins and needles"). It is a brain chemistry disorder for which she is taking Permax .05 mg six times per day. It is the only drug that seems to work for her, but unfortunately makes her sleepy. My question is: Do you know of any alternative, non-prescription treatments for RLS that have been even modestly helpful for them? I should also mention the she has had a miocardial infarction and had triple-bypass surgery some years ago and takes Atenolol 50 mg once per day. JJ

-- Jeremiah Jetson (laterthan@uthink.y2k), December 01, 1999

Answers

JJ:

Docs feel bad when they have nothing to offer a patient -- which is where I'm at with your mom's RLS. Wish I had something up my sleeve for her.

So as a consolation prize to myself let me give out to those who can use it advice for a cheap fix for 'night cramps.' It's something I do for my own. Whenever I have to get up at night (because the old prostate is getting too large) I make sure to take at least a few ounces of water before getting back into bed. During the night it might add up to a tumblerful. Works like a charm.

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), December 01, 1999.


...Wish I had something up my sleeve for her...

No problem Doc. I'll just keep praying. Maybe The Lord will change His mind and cure her. In the meantime we are exploring ways of getting extra Permax for the duration.

JJ

-- Jeremiah Jetson (laterthan@uthink.y2k), December 02, 1999.


JJ & Dr. Bill My wife suffers from RLS occasionally and she takes Butchers' Broom and gets almost instant relief. This is an herb available at most herb stores. I am 70 yrs. old and so I know about prostate as well. I take Saw Palmetto and the last time I was examined in that area I was found to be normal. I am not comfortable makng a recomendation of this nature to a doctor but if it helps someone my comfort is of small importance.

-- Lumber Jack (johnsellis@webtv.net), December 02, 1999.

Doc,

I agree with Lumber Jack about the Saw Palmetto. I discovered that I had prostate symptoms a year or two ago, and Saw Palmetto has seemed to take care of the symptoms (when I remember to use it ).

Lumber Jack, thanks for the info for RLS. I'll get some just in case.

-- Dean -- from (almost) Duh Moines (dtmiller@midiowa.net), December 02, 1999.


I tried the Saw Palmetto for months with no results, then tried super powerful saw palmetto with the same no results. Then I went to an OTC forumulation (by a medical doc) & the darn thing really started working. But Murphy's Law took over & I developed a severe allergy to the stuff. So ended up with a TUNA (Tran Urethral Needle Ablation) -- no fun but a lot less morbidity/complications/side effects than the Establishment standby, the TURP (Trans Urerthral Resection of the Prostate.) The latter is a tough thing to undergo -- avoid it if you have other options (like Saw Palmetto that works for you.)

BTW, the TUNA worked WELL, reduced my nocturia from 10x a nite to about 3 to 4!

Bill

P.S. Don't ask me now for details on the TUNA --- it's too late for you to get it before Y2K -- waiting list. If Y2K doesn't 'happen' then email me & I'll get the info for you. Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), December 02, 1999.



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