Restless Legs Syndrome

[EarthToBryan]

I used to make fun of the commercials that advertised medication for RLS, thinking that they were overdramatic. These commercials got me thinking about myself, and I noticed a striking similarity between the symptoms mentioned in the commercial and what had been keeping me up in the night and uncomfortable for years. This was probably two years ago, and since then the tingling in my legs and urge to move them has increased. My question is, how can I talk to my parents, my father particularly, about this. My dad is "macho" and thinks things like depression is just losers feeling bad about themselves. Any advice?

[User Deleted]

If it is getting worse, bad enough to keep you up, I really think they will understand though so just don't worry, tell them anything you can about the symptoms, and it should go all fine and dandy. You might have to go see a doctor to get a medication, but I think other than that, there should be no complications.

Also depression and RLS are serious problems, your dad should see that and if he doesn't I suggest telling your mom or both of them at the same time.

[Josiah7]

I would recommended getting it cheaked out by a Doctor.

In regard to your father, just tell him what you are experiencing, and if you can go and get it cheaked out to be on the safe side. Its not a embarrassing problem, so it should be fine.

[Syvelocin]

I probably wouldn't say a word about RLS to them. I would just say that you get this uncomfortable feeling often, say something that will show them it is a bit serious, like it's affecting your sleep and lack of sleep will affect your school work and such. Then have the doctor be the one to call it RLS.

They might do a sleep study. That's what they did with me. They hooked me up to a machine and I slept there overnight, so they could study my sleeping habits, because I had told them that I've been experiencing RLS since I was a kid. I never knew about it until I heard the term. Before, I just got this sensation often in the evenings and I tried to describe it to my parents, but they didn't know what I was talking about. So then they diagnosed me with RLS and sleep apnoea and put me on meds that I'm no longer on because I had some bad side effects. So now I just put up with it and take sleep meds if it's particularly bad.

If you don't want to say anything though, you could try a few things first. Take a warm bath, stretch, or massage the area. Sometimes that helps. As well, maybe you should get some blood work done to see if you're possibly anaemic? It's more likely that you'll have RLS if your anaemic; It's a possible cause. I'm anaemic myself. Alternatively, you could just take some iron supplements and see how you feel after a week or two. An easier, painless way to see if that's the issue. :P

[EarthToBryan]

Thank you guys for the advice. I'm going to try some of the things Syvelocin suggested first. The least invasive routes are the best ones to take if you have time, eh?