Re: Let me know if you want me to stay in the group

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr. Meadows,

I have had RLS since very early childhood and it does

run in my family (whether or not this means it is

inherited is still of course open to question). My

father knew all about simple isometric type exercises

that would help alleviate mild RLS 50 years ago and

they worked for me when my RLS was mild or perhaps

when I was young and believed they would because my

father told me they would (maybe it has a

psychological cause).

My RLS decreased in severity and frequency when I

hit puberty (maybe it has a hormonal cause) only to

reappear in more recent years with far more intensity.

The exercises I used to use have no effect on my RLS

today although I sometimes still use them while I am

waiting for my Sinimet/Mirapex to kick in (maybe in

involves a neurotransmitter since these meds

definitely help people) but that is I think mainly a

way of continuning to move. The meds work whether I

do the exercises or not.

Like a lot of people with RLS, exercise in general

increases my symptoms (maybe RLS is caused by lactic

acid build-up with muscle exertion).

My RLS got worse as my rheumatoid arthritis worsened

- perhaps it has an immunological component.

Personally, I welcome you to our group - I do not

care if you are a doctor or not - I have found that

most doctors don't even know what RLS is much less

have any expertise in treating it. I respect your

medical knowledge and the research efforts you have

made with re to RLS and I'm sure that we can learn

from you as you can learn from us. Although I am not

a physician, I am a scientist and have worked in

medical research (including neurochemistry,

endocrinology, immunology, genetics, pharmacology and

even circulatory disorders) and my guess (at least in

my case) is that my RLS is is primarily a neurological

condtion - which is probably exacerbated by my

arthritis and other medical conditions, which could

very well include cirulatory problems of some kind.

People in my family live to a ripe old age - both

sides - they all pretty much go nuts (one way or the

other) and then most die from strokes!

The only thing that bothered me about your opening

message was that you seem to be dogmatic re the cause

of RLS - you seem to be saying you know the cause of

RLS. You may be right, you may be wrong - you may

have a piece of the puzzle or the cause of some

people's RLS. My personal hunch is that there is no

single cause of RLS that applies to all people and to

all symptoms.

I certainly think you should stay in the group if

you want to exchange ideas and be there (like we are)

for others who struggle with RLS - this is a support

group - that's what we are about

Jane hickorywind_98@...>

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