bad attack

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In a message dated 5/24/99 12:10:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Sqrl523@...

writes:

<<

I had a bad RLS attack last night - worse than I've had in a long time.

Not

too many people outside the group would know what I meant by that >>

I certainly know what you mean, . I had a terrible attack myself last

night.......really bad. I didn't get on line because I had shut the computer

down and didn't want to go into the room with the new kittens in it ,due to

aggravation the mother was experiencing.

But last night caused me to have thoughts that frightened me so much I have

difficulty expressing it. For some reason, I couldn't stop thinking of " what

if......? " what if I were ill with something else......where I couldn't

communicate my feelings........perhaps a stroke, dementia, even more benign

things .......and all the while I was lying there feeling was I was feeling

last night......constantly. I will tell you all truthfully, it scared the

crap out of me!

I would blow my brains out in a New York minute.......

I made a vow that today I would sit here and write a letter to several of the

people closest to me......making sure that they understand what I might be

feeling in a situation such as this, how desperate I would be. I need them

to be able to look at me and see if I am having RLS.....to have my

neurologist's telephone number......to keep after him until he does something

to help me. I need them to know what medications might help me....what

actions.........even about the leg compression device used by some hospitals

for circulation. This would not help my upper body, but it would be

something.

I need to research further information I read, about making sure your

anesthesiologist understands and takes seriously the fact that you have RLS.

When you have surgery, quite often you are given medication to paralyze your

body temporarily, so you won't move. RLS can break through this, I

understand. I do not want any more of this drug than they usually give for

obvious reasons and because I have a problem feeling " right " coming out of

surgery. At the same time, I would like the anesthesiologist to be aware and

watch for possible movement just in case he DID, indeed, have to give me a

tiny bit more.

These are things that don't even occur to us when we are young and healthy.

I will make sure that I have a full letter of explanation, perhaps a large

envelope that goes with me whenever I have to go to the hospital, no matter

how minor the reason. This envelope will also go with me on trips.

I will try to figure out what helps me the most and not use this substance

too much so that it will be there to help me when I cannot help myself. As

long as I can get up and around, I can deal with it.

I get down on my knees and thank the Lord that painkillers help me

tremendously........such an easy thing to use. No side effects, no

allergies. This is my greatest blessing for RLS and pain in general. My

heart goes out to those who have a problem with this.

I'm the type of person who likes to be prepared for any emergency. To think

of things before they happen, and possibly prevent problems. I believe in

doing my share and helping others when they need it, so that they will be

there for me if I should need them. It's called Karma.......what goes

around, comes around.

I lay across my kitchen island last night wondering if I could fall asleep

there and not slide off onto the floor........picture this if you can bear

it.......I thought hard about inventing a contraption that would hold me

upright while I was sleeping......sort of like the English Obelisk iron

planter that I just put in my Herb Garden......talk about a weeping willow!!!

It boggles my mind when I think of the things medical science has

accomplished. They can take the heart out of one person and put it into

another......and make it begin beating again. But they can't find out what

to do to help me..........

Hopefully, tonight will be better.......so far, no help from the DHA......

Connie