To re: narcotic meds

[Guest guest]

Hallelujah !!!

Welcome to the group, ......and thank you so much for your sensible,

educated thoughts on narcotic use in RLS.

I have had this affliction for at least 20 years and of all the medications

that I have tried, the only sure thing to give me relief are the opiods. I

thank God every day that I at last have some access to this medication, even

though my physician is still somewhat uncomfortable with giving it. Kind of

makes me glad he isn't treating me for a brain tumor.......

I have fought this battle long and hard and feel as though I have tried every

benign treatment that exists......to no avail. In a few weeks I will be 62

years old, registered for Social Security and beginning the last leg of my

journey. Damn it, I want to cram all the living that I can into what is left

of my life.......and I need to get some sleep to do this. I'm not nearly as

afraid of drug addiction or side effects as I used to be. I should be able to

count on my physician to help me avoid these pitfalls. I want to be through

with anxiety attacks and depression and the fatigue and mental exhaustion

caused by walking the floors nightly.

Might I add that I am not nearly as afraid of prescription drugs as I am of

some of the supplements on the shelf of my neighborhood health food store.

Although I an a staunch supporter of alternative medicine and have always

taken many vitamins and supplements........and shall continue to do

so........I am appalled by the willingness of some to ingest so many

questionable substances for which no one has to answer. I KNOW what is in the

bottle when I leave my pharmacy......and I have some idea of what perils might

possibly await me. I do not have that assurance when I leave my health food

store. I know that I must do my own research here and take my chances.

This will no doubt bring me some harsh criticism from many in our group, but I

am not asking anyone else to agree with my thoughts on this. The issue is not

negotiable for me any more. We must all make our own decisions about the

risks we take in our lives, and first and foremost, attempt to get what we

need through the food that we eat.

For what it's worth, these are my thoughts.

Thank you again, .....I look forward to your future input.

Connie, 61, MD