Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group restless legs (mostly)

Anyone suffering from restless legs/limbs?

I have been dealing with it for a few months, mostly when I am laying down, the worst was new years night in the truck on the way haome, I thought I was going to go insane. Tramadol is the only thing that works so far.
I have been trying to identify the cause and have not had any luck. I am consideriong diet, Alhocol, my Enbrel, bad karma. I am not even sure that it is AS related but it sure does compliment the rest of my AS symptoms.............
like a really bad joke!
Art

I don't have restless legs, but I thought this information might help you narrow down what could be helpful:

Karen

People with low iron levels or anemia may be prone to developing RLS. Once iron levels or anemia is corrected, patients may see a reduction in symptoms.
Chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy are associated with RLS. Treating the underlying condition often provides relief from RLS symptoms.
Some pregnant women experience RLS, especially in their last trimester. For most of these women, symptoms usually disappear within 4 weeks after delivery.
Certain medications-such as antinausea drugs (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), antiseizure drugs (phenytoin or droperidol), antipsychotic drugs (haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), and some cold and allergy medications-may aggravate symptoms. Patients can talk with their physicians about the possibility of changing medications.

Hey Art,
I don't know that My legs are restless, but I have been having alot of problems with them. Tingly, achy, heavy feeling, cramps where I never knew I could get cramps.

Since having an EMG that shows that only a portion of this is coming from my bspine I have been working with my team of docs.

I have seen a neurologist that is reasonably sure that it is from being a borderline diabetic. Hmmmm don't suppose 2 years of fairly heavy steroid use could have anything to do with that one. So we have added Neurontin to my diet of meds.

My rheumy took me off the Enbrel, because leg and arm pain can be a rarely seen side effect of the Enbrel. But that hasn't touched it so I figure I will get the green light to back back on Enbrel after my visit tomorrow morning.

My own research shows that this type of symptom can be brought about in Auto Immune diseases.

So take your pick. That's the fun of having AS...you just never know what's around the corner...

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris

My DH had it really bad for many years we did the iron thing but turned out Calcium did the trick he went to a Natural doctor and he told him to drink lots of skim milk or take Liquid calcium and it worked like a charm he drinks milk all day then take liquid calcium pills 1 hour before bedtime so he is not up peeing all night drinking more liquid.

My doctor told me to eat more bananas. That helps me. If I go a couple of days without a banana then I will have a night where my legs are jumping all night. I think that natural calm helps also. It is magnesium, and I guess that helps the body get more calcium.

Thanks guys, I have been trying to keep up my calcium intake and will add more bananas to my diet, I need to look into the side affect of Enbrel because it doesn't seem to be working as well for me lately. I jus6t had blood work done but I don't remember seeing an iron level, need to call the doc I guess, and go see my rhuemy too (long over due)I am in my overwhelmed stage at the moment. Art

Hey Chris, that sounds familiar, my doc has been after me to watch my diet for years, my fasting blood sugar is high (pre-diabetic) and your right AS does keep you on your toes (pun intended). Art

I need to look into that liquid calcium, currently I am taking Kirkland (costco)500mg+D tabs, a couple before bed.

Thanks Karen, I did just look into peripheral neuropathy, and I will keep it in mind if i cannot resolve this, it is interesting how AS symptoms and related issues lead into other diseases and other medical conditions, especially the autoimmune area. I wonder about the connections. Art

I've had RLS of and on for years and it turns out to be related to fibromialga. do you have any tingling and/or burning in your hands and feet? It is most definately a mineral deficiency, magnesium, calsium, potasium but i think mainly magnesium. I take something called "Natural Calm" it's a type of magnisium supplyment that is very relaxing, i highly recomend it. Quinine, that's in tonic water may help also, this is what my mother used and it worked well for her. Good luck.