Re: Tonight no sleep, depression

[Guest guest]

This is for Versie in NY and anyone who cares to read from a non RLS victim,

just a sister of one. As an observer of RLS attacks and their severity, my

sis, Kristy, who's computer is on the blink again or trust me she would be

posting away..., the only thing for her to really make a bad attack subside is

a very hot bath. I have noticed in her bathroom, all kinds of aroma type

candles and she has changed what was once a bright white w/green ivy accents

decor, to a warm burgundy color with towels and knick knacks to make it more

relaxing for her. At first I thought it was one of my sis's hubby's ideas for

a romantic interlude,but when I asked what gives? She said it is all part of

her " mental wind down program " that has been working for her. Mind you, all of

what she does with the music, candles and hot baths, is so she can take the

next step to actually believe she will be able to get into and stay in bed at

least long enough to get an hours shut eye and I'm talking a few. I would like

to remind all of you, Kristy has never taken any prescription type of med for

the simple reason she won't go get this checked out by a doctor. Her reasons

for that are no med insurance #1 and #2 her transportation is limited to the

town she lives in. I think it is even worse now. We both came up to take care

of my mom who came down with pneumonia a week and a half ago.Kristy returned

last Wednesday and her personal life has taken a big nose dive! Due to the

fact she might kill me, I can't go into detail but her work situation that she

had become so familiar with and truly enjoyed was suddenly ended. Not by the

people she works for but other controlling factors...Kristy does not do well

with change. Her RLS kicks in (what am I saying) Her RLS is never gone to be

able to kick in again, but it gets to severe measures. I worry about these

times because she likes to cocoon as I call it. She will get so depressed she

doesn't come up for daylight for a few days. How she does this with the RLS is

a good question. maybe depression has a sedating factor stronger then the

" have to get up and walk around " factor, I don't know. 2 weeks ago,I couldn't

locate my sis online for 3 days. Way! Way! Too strange and scary! When she did

surface on that Monday she had admitted to problems at home and that she just

shut down physically and mentally and put the world on hold. It was then I had

to tell her about mom. She freaked of course but it got her going again. This

reflects a suggestion that one of your members had advised recently that doing

something to help others can be very beneficial to depression. So to get back

to Versie, I was just wondering if you had tried the hot bath thing when you

wrote you had tried 'all the things you know' that usually work? When my sis

was up here at my mom's,she had the RLS in full swing and despite the

weather,(it is snowing today), she would jump into the outside hot tub or

Jacuzzi what ever that big old round thing on the patio is. (I have a fear of

spiders and bugs so you would never catch me out there especially at night.

Can't see them...No Way!). It worked wonders for her. She can be soooo cranky

due to the aggravation of this never ending disease that has possessed her

body and her life. It is to my understanding that smoking and caffeine can

make your condition worse. Is this true for any or all of you? I do hope she

gets her puter working soon. I am worried about her due to the way she sounded

on the phone the past few days. I feel a major depression has hit her or is

right at the door. Any suggestions on what a RLS " anon " , that's me, (I guess

that's like alanon?) should do to help in a situation like this? Thanks for

taking the time to read my mini novel. (sorry) Take care and you all are in my

thoughts and (for a person who is not religious in a structured sort of way),

in my prayers too.

,41

The new Tucsonian resident.

[Guest guest]

I smoke and I drink about a gallon of coffee a day - cigarettes are a nasty

habit - the coffee I drink because I love the taste and it is comforting to

me. I have never noticed an increase in my RLS with these two. Others who

smoke and drink coffee or did may disagree. Extra-sweet treats, cold and

allergy medications, and decrease in the amount of exercise or activity during

the day effect RLS for me. Sometimes if I feel stressed out at bedtime or I

can't get to sleep right away also affects my RLS. I hope you get more

replies as I am new to the group and this discussion has not come up yet.