Hi everybody. This is the first time i post here. I generally post in the Periperal Neuropathy forum. That is what i was told i have. After two years and getting steroids (and all their horrible effects), IVIG, a close to Gluten free diet, vitamin b12, hyperbaric osygen therapy and NO releif i decided i should give my condition an other approach. I was reading about nutritional chances when i ran into an article stating that neuropathy and restless legs syndrome are related conditions. They mentioned how RLS can be a consequence of a neuropathy and viceversa. So, reading among the reasons for RLS. I read it could be caused by iron defienciency. I ran to the lab and had my ferritin levels measured. The are 40 ng/ml. I read in many articles that all people who have RLS and ferritin levels lower that 50ng/ml should take iron supplements and could be beneffited. So i want to ask you two things.

Do you think my doc gave a wrong diagnosis and what i really have is RLS??.

My symptoms are the following:
1. Weird sensatiosn in my legs (tingling, feelings of water running etc)
2. Increased discofort while trying to rest and at night, but i can sleep well.

Should I rule RLS out or i should consider it as a possibility??

I have other questions. My problem began two years ago, i case my condition were related to iron deficiency, could i still be benefited from iron supplements?? Wouldn't it be too late?? If you think i should take iron supplements, which ones and what dose do you think i should take??

Thank you

Monica

Hi Monica,

I can't really help you with your questions. I do have RLS but have no idea if your doctor has misdiagnosed you. Have you thought of gaining a 2nd opinion at all from another doctor?

You probably have seen The Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation website. It's very good. I'll post it again in case there is something helpful there for you.

http://www.rls.org

On the main page of the site above there are a couple of clickable links to >> The RLS Fact Sheet or the more detailed Living with RLS.

http://www.rls.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page...=477&srcid=471

There has been more and more research in recent times into the effect of ferritin storage problems and its relationship for some people to a number of conditions including RLS, ADHD and Tic Disorders.

It's certainly something worth persuing with your doctor however there are numerous other conditions and even medications that might affect our bodies and give us symptoms such as restless legs. I think that it's really important to talk with your doctor who has your whole medical history. I personally don't think anyone should just start taking a lot of iron supplementation plus there are conditions where that is totally contraindicated.

Meanwhile keep a sleep diary and try some of the tips to see if they help. Some people get some relief from removing things like caffeine from the diet or going for a walk before going to bed. I find salt is a big problem for me e.g.. Please do talk with your doctor again about all this. You may be on the right track totally, but with a complex medical history and treatments such as you've described for the PN, please do err on the side of caution for the moment.

hope you get your answers.